David Bode Premieres His “Dear Prudence / Don’t Let Me Down” Performance Video

Even 60 years later, musicians like David Bode are finding new ways of interpreting the illustrious catalogue of The Beatles. Today, the composer, arranger, and saxophonist unveils a performance video for his adaptation of two Beatles classics, “Dear Prudence” and “Don’t Let Me Down.” Even though they were only around for barely a decade, the band left behind such a terrific collection of music that artists like Bode can take these songs in directions you probably never imagined. Bode and his team of musicians bring amazing new life to these songs, emphasizing their rhythm and melody as well as bringing a real communal spirit to them.

Discussing the origins behind these adaptations, Bode tells us:

“As a child, my dad often played his original LPs from the late ’60s and early ’70s for me, and among my favourites were his Beatles records, particularly the Hey Jude compilation album that included ‘Don’t Let Me Down.’ Many years later, while playing with One Love Brass Band in New Orleans, I decided to write a reggae version of the song and paired it with a dancehall rendition of ‘Dear Prudence.’ I eventually adapted that arrangement to a big band version, and this recording features Thad Scott on baritone saxophone as well as a full band jam session at the end, bringing in the New Orleans tradition of collective improvisation.”

Both of these songs will be found on Bode’s debut record Good Hang, scheduled for release on August 29th. Bode is no newcomer to the music scene, as the New Orleans-based multi-instrumentalist has been a part of many recordings as a band member or collaborator. But this is his first time to step out on his own, moulding things his very own way. To record the album, Bode assembled a 19-piece big band ensemble composed of some of the best and brightest around New Orleans. Big band jazz music was the original inspiration for Bode to start playing saxophone. So doing an album in this fashion has long been a goal of his. It’s a reflection of his wide and varied musical tastes, with Bode cherry-picking so many songs you would never think would be well adapted in this way.

Good Hang includes more traditional jazz numbers, with songs by John Coltrane, Kenny Garrett, and the late New Orleans jazz drummer James N. Black. But then there are songs by 1990s rock legend Jeff Buckley, and the aforementioned Beatles songs. The record also features a couple of Bode originals, as well. Good Hang really shows his range as an artist, and it’s his tribute to some of the music that has brought him to the place he finds himself today.

David Bode ‘Good Hang’ album artwork

Good Hang Track Listing:

1. Syeeda’s Song Flute (John Coltrane / Jowcol Music BMI)
2. Libertango (Astor Piazzolla / A Pagani Ediz Mus SRL SIAE & Curci Edizioni SRL SIAE)
3. Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most (Fran Landesman & Tommy Wolf / Wolfland ASCAP)
4. Happy People (Kenny Garrett / Kenny Garrett Publishing BMI)
5. Lover, You Should’ve Come Over (Jeff Buckley / El Viejito Music ASCAP)
6. Cold Train Funk (David Bode / 1718 Publishing ASCAP)
7. Monkey Puzzle (James Black / Marzique Music Co Inc BMI)
8. Temporary Blindness (David Bode / 1718 Publishing ASCAP)
9. Dear Prudence / Don’t Let Me Down (John Lennon & Paul McCartney / MPL Communications Inc ASCAP & Sony/ATV Tunes LLC & Northern Songs LTD)