St. Louis native Bhi Bhiman has a big voice, and it’s best experienced on “Guttersnipe” from his 2011 album, Bhiman. You’ll have a chance to see him tomorrow evening at Plush in Saint Louis, where Bhiman will be opening for Josh Ritter & the Royal City Band, a show that will almost surely sell out, so don’t wait to get your tickets. Let’s have a listen to the aforementioned “Guttersnipe.”
And now, more big voices. Specifically, the ones Bhiman chose for his 10 to Spin playlist for Speakers in Code. Enjoy!
Big Voices
Frank Sinatra: The Last Dance
Sinatra was just such an unbelievable singer and chose great material.
James Brown: Try Me
James Brown was a master crooner before his funky times This is a great example.
Stevie Wonder: He’s Misstra Know-It-All
This has always been an all-time favorite Stevie song.
Luciano Pavarotti: Questa o quella
Pavarotti had such a booming but delicate voice. It was extraordinary.
Nina Simone: I’m Going Back Home
This is a rare song where she lets loose and is seemingly having fun!
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: Meri Bukkal Wich Chor Chor
If you find this on a bar jukebox, play it. Because its like 11 minutes long and you’ll really get your moneys worth.
Otis Redding: Mr. Pitiful
I love how joyous this song about being pathetic is.
The Staple Singers: Hammer and Nails
Mavis really drives her voice on this song. The Staple Singers are a very important family in American music.
Bob Marley: Small Axe
If you haven’t seen the documentary “Marley,” I highly recommend it. One of the best music documentaries ever.
Sly & the Family Stone: Spaced Cowboy
I’ve always loved this Sly song. I have no idea why, but it suits me.