Do What You Want, Be What You Are - Hall & Oates Cover

I would love to share a few interpretations of my favorite Daryl Hall & John Oates songs with you. I first heard “Do What You Want, Be What You Are” on a compilation from my late computer teacher while in Santa Barbara before the pandemic hit. Then I checked out a really cool performance on YouTube taken from the series "Live From Daryl’s House." I suddenly had a crazy idea: interpret this song in the spirit of Diana Krall, with a hint of Ella Fitzgerald. I was amazed by the jazz-inspired chord sequence, especially during the chorus. This recording began in 2020, and I knew that the vocals were going to take a few years for me to master. This year, I ended up recording the lead and background vocals, Nord C2D organ, and the Nord Italian Grand Piano (Extra Large sample). The drums came from Sonar’s Session Drummer library, the bass was played on my five string with the bass pod, and the Ibanez electric guitar (which my friend Brian and I call "Steve 2," which I had him modify like a mini-strat…) was mixed with my Lewitt condenser mic on the Vox amp. When it came to interpreting the lyrics, I wasn’t thinking about anyone in particular, and only in my imagination. It ended up being a lot of fun!!! (Smile) I can’t wait to show you the other songs. I know I said that my Gino Vannelli cover was going to be the last thing on Cakewalk Sonar, but I thought about completing a few covers first. In the meantime, my mom and I are gradually working on getting my new system ready to go. Hope you enjoy this interpretation! (smile)