This week In One-Off Collaborations 01/52

1 . Daft Punk & Pharrell Williams – Get Lucky

“Get Lucky” is a song by Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers, released as the lead single from Daft Punk’s fourth studio album, “Random Access Memories,” on April 19, 2013.

The track marked a significant collaboration combining Daft Punk’s production with Pharrell’s vocals and Nile Rodgers’ guitar work.

It peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number one in over 30 countries, including the UK Singles Chart, where it spent four consecutive weeks at the top.

The song sold over 9.3 million copies in 2013 alone, making it one of the best-selling digital singles of all time.

“Get Lucky” won two Grammy Awards in 2014: Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, contributing to Daft Punk’s historic sweep of five Grammys that night.

The official audio video on YouTube has garnered hundreds of millions of views.

A snippet of the song debuted in a promotional ad during “Saturday Night Live” in March 2013, creating significant anticipation prior to its release.

The performance of “Get Lucky” at the 2014 Grammy Awards, alongside Pharrell, Nile Rodgers, and Stevie Wonder, became a standout moment in award show history.

Lifted from : As we wish a ‘Bon Anniversaire’ to Thomas Bangalter, the day is perfect for a ‘best of his duo : Daft Punk’ post

2 . D’Angelo & David Sanborn – Use Me (w/ Marcus Miller, etc)

D’Angelo and David Sanborn collaborated on a live rendition of Bill Withers’ “Use Me,” featuring celebrated multi-instrumentalist Marcus Miller, originally on Sanborn’s 2005 “Legends of Jazz” TV performance series.

This version brought together an ensemble of acclaimed musicians, including D’Angelo’s neo-soul vocals, Sanborn’s signature alto saxophone, and Miller on bass—known for his production work for Miles Davis and Luther Vandross.

The song is a reimagining of Withers’ 1972 classic originally from the album “Still Bill,” which peaked at No.2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidified its place in funk and soul history.

While this specific performance did not chart, it is notable for its inclusion of jazz heavyweights and is often referenced as a prime example of blending neo-soul with contemporary jazz.

The arrangement highlights the rhythmic interplay between Sanborn’s sax riffs and Miller’s bass grooves, supported by additional contributions from guitarist Hiram Bullock and drummer Steve Gadd, both session legends with extensive discographies.

This collaboration was featured in the televised “Legends of Jazz” series hosted by Ramsey Lewis, which celebrated iconic jazz artists across different generations.

Lifted from : On TV today , David Sanborn & Friends (1999)

3 . Trombone Shorty & Cyril Neville – Summertime

Trombone Shorty and Cyril Neville’s rendition of “Summertime” is a collaboration featuring two prominent figures in New Orleans music.

Trombone Shorty, born Troy Andrews, is a renowned trombonist, trumpeter, and multi-instrumentalist known for blending jazz, funk, and rock, while Cyril Neville, a member of the legendary Neville Brothers, is known for his contributions to funk and R&B.

This track appears on Trombone Shorty’s album “Parkington,” released in 2011, which reached notable positions on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart.

“Summertime,” originally composed by George Gershwin for the 1935 opera “Porgy and Bess,” has been covered by countless artists, and this version uniquely emphasizes New Orleans’ vibrant cultural sound.

Trombone Shorty has performed the song during his energetic live performances, including notable appearances at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, an event where he has been a headliner multiple times.

While the specific version did not chart individually, Trombone Shorty’s work on the album “Backatown,” including this collaboration, contributed to his Grammy nomination in 2011 in the Best Contemporary Jazz Album category.

Cyril Neville, as part of the Neville Brothers, has similarly shared stages with Trombone Shorty at events like the New Orleans Jazz Fest, ensuring the continuity of the city’s rich musical heritage.

This version highlights their artistry, recognized through live performances and recordings.

Lifted from : Happy Birthday Trombone Shorty. ‘Troy Story’

4 . Dave Matthews & Trey Anastasio – Waste

The track “Waste” is a collaboration between Dave Matthews, lead vocalist of Dave Matthews Band, and Trey Anastasio, guitarist and vocalist of Phish, which originated as part of Phish’s 1996 studio album “Billy Breathes.” The song, written by Anastasio and lyricist Tom Marshall, showcases a stripped-down, acoustic-driven composition that highlights introspective lyricism and melodic construction.

Although it was not released as a single, “Waste” became a staple in Phish’s live performances, often featuring audience participation during concerts.

Notably, Dave Matthews performed “Waste” alongside Trey Anastasio during special live acoustic sets, including during the “Farm Aid” benefit concert in 2001, a long-standing event founded by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and others, where Matthews and Anastasio frequently appeared.

Phish’s live rendition of “Waste” is also featured on their 2009 live compilation album “Vegas 96,” which includes recordings from their highly acclaimed Las Vegas shows.

Though not charting independently, “Waste” remains a fan favorite from “Billy Breathes,” an album that peaked at No.7 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1999.

The heartfelt and collaborative performances by the two musicians have continued fostering cross-band appreciation among fans of both Phish and Dave Matthews Band.

Lifted from : Dave Matthews meets Trey Anastasio at Radio City Music Hall (2018)

5 . Peter Gabriel , Natalie Merchant & Michael Stipe – Red Rain

The collaborative live performance of “Red Rain” by Peter Gabriel, Natalie Merchant, and Michael Stipe occurred during Gabriel’s “Secret World Live” tour in the mid-1990s.

Originally released in 1986 as the opening track on Gabriel’s fifth studio album “So,” “Red Rain” did not achieve a high chart position but became one of Gabriel’s signature live songs, earning critical attention for its atmospheric production and evocative lyrics.

During the live rendition with Merchant and Stipe, both of whom were prominent figures in the alternative rock scene at the time, the trio delivered a distinctive vocal blend, enhancing the song’s emotional resonance.

Natalie Merchant was performing as a solo artist after leaving 10,000 Maniacs, while Michael Stipe was the frontman of R.E.M., whose 1992 album “Automatic for the People” had achieved platinum status.

Though not recorded as a studio collaboration, the performance remains a sought-after bootleg and is frequently referenced in discussion of notable live musical pairings of the 1990s.

Clips of their performance circulated heavily among fans and were later uploaded unofficially to platforms like YouTube, preserving its legacy.

“Red Rain” itself features contributions from notable session musicians such as drummer Stewart Copeland (of The Police) and bassist Tony Levin, and its studio version was produced by Gabriel alongside Daniel Lanois, who is known for his work with U2 and Bob Dylan.

Lifted from : Happy Birthday Michael Stipe. ‘One Stipe Beyond’

6 . Jean-Luc Ponty, John McLaughlin & Zakir Hussain – Lotus Feet

“Lotus Feet” is a collaborative track performed by three renowned musicians: violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, guitarist John McLaughlin, and tabla maestro Zakir Hussain.

Originally appearing on McLaughlin’s 1985 album “Adventures in Radioland” with The Mahavishnu Orchestra, this composition also became a staple in McLaughlin’s repertoire during his Shakti ensemble performances, where he explored Indian classical fusion.

A notable live rendition with Ponty and Hussain was released on the DVD “The Montreal International Jazz Festival” in 1999, recorded during their celebrated trio collaboration that blended jazz, Indian classical, and world music elements.

The piece highlights McLaughlin\’s intricate guitar phrasing, Ponty’s electric violin melodies, and Hussain’s virtuosic tabla rhythms, showcasing a synthesis of Western and Eastern musical traditions.

Their performance as part of this trio contributed to broader recognition of genre-blending in live jazz recordings, receiving attention during prominent international music festivals, including the Montreux Jazz Festival.

Lifted from : Happy Birthday John Mc Laughlin. ‘Elegant Septuagenarian’

7 . Aretha Franklin & Lou Rawls – Tobacco Road

Aretha Franklin and Lou Rawls’ rendition of “Tobacco Road” was performed as part of the third episode of Season 2 of the television special “Soul!” on September 30, 1970.

The song, originally written by John D. Loudermilk in 1960, had previously gained notoriety through covers by various artists, including The Nashville Teens.

This duet between Franklin—known as “The Queen of Soul”—and Rawls—a Grammy-winning baritone vocalist—showcased their dynamic voices and was featured in a live televised setting that blended music, poetry, and African-American culture.

The performance did not appear on any studio album by either artist but remains a notable collaboration in their careers, given the rarity of them performing together.

At that time, Franklin was amid her Atlantic Records era, which included albums like “Spirit in the Dark” (1970), while Rawls was associated with Capitol Records, producing hits like “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy.” This powerful duet highlighted their contrasting vocal styles and reinforced their standing as influential figures in soul music.

No official charts or awards are associated with this specific rendition, but their collaboration marks a standout moment on a platform that celebrated Black artistry during a culturally significant period.

Clips of the performance are available in archives of the “Soul!” series, often praised for its role in centering African-American talent.

Lifted from : We remember Lou Rawls. ‘We’ll Never Find Another Voice Like Yours’

8 . Eric Clapton , Johnny Cash & Carl Perkins – Matchbox

“Matchbox,” a rockabilly classic written by Carl Perkins in 1956, saw a notable performance involving Eric Clapton, Johnny Cash, and Perkins himself during a musical collaboration.

Originally released by Perkins as a Sun Records single, the song became one of his signature hits and was later popularized in the 1960s by The Beatles on their “Long Tall Sally” EP.

In this iteration, it was performed during the 1985 special “Blue Suede Shoes: A Rockabilly Session,” filmed at Limehouse Studios in London, which celebrated Perkins’ contributions to rock and roll.

Clapton, known for his blues-infused guitar work, joined Perkins along with Cash, who brought elements of his country roots to the performance.

The event featured several iconic artists and aired internationally, demonstrating the enduring appeal of classic rockabilly.

The collaboration did not chart independently but stands out as a celebrated moment capturing the synergy between rock, blues, and country legends, preserved in the widely circulated video release of the session.

Lifted from : On TV today Derek and the Dominos at ‘Johnny Cash Show’ (1971)

9 . Billy Joel & Jimmy Fallon – Start Me Up

Billy Joel and Jimmy Fallon performed a comedic cover of The Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up” during an episode of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” that aired on November 22, 2019.

The performance featured both artists using an iPad app called Loopy to layer and loop their own live vocal recordings, mimicking the song’s instrumental elements while singing the lyrics.

This creative rendition was part of Fallon’s recurring musical skit segments and showcased Joel’s adaptability as an artist beyond his classic discography, which includes hit albums like “The Stranger” (1977) and “52nd Street” (1978).

While this collaborative performance was limited to the television broadcast and did not appear on any official music charts or albums, it gained additional visibility through video clips shared on social media platforms and YouTube.

The segment highlighted Joel’s ongoing presence in pop culture and marked another example of Fallon’s use of innovative musical technologies and celebrity collaborations to entertain audiences.

Lifted from : Jimmy Fallon sits in with Billy Joel at the Garden (2016)

10 . Joe Bonamassa & Andy Fraser – All Right Now (w/ The Petty Breakers)

The collaboration between Joe Bonamassa, Andy Fraser, and The Petty Breakers on the classic rock anthem “All Right Now” showcases a reinterpretation of the 1970 hit originally performed by Free, the band co-founded by Fraser.

“All Right Now,” written by Fraser and Paul Rodgers, first appeared on Free’s album “Fire and Water,” reaching No.2 on the UK Singles Chart and No.4 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

The rendition by Bonamassa and Fraser, supported by tribute band The Petty Breakers, was performed live in a special event, paying tribute to Fraser’s legacy as a bassist and songwriter following his passing in 2015.

Joe Bonamassa, a blues-rock guitarist with 15 solo albums, brought his signature playing style to the performance, while The Petty Breakers, a tribute act celebrating Tom Petty’s music, provided the foundational backing.

This specific collaboration, while not a formal studio release, highlighted Fraser’s impact on rock music and Bonamassa’s extensive career of honoring blues and rock legends through live performances and collaborations.

Lifted from : Joe Bonamassa meets Andy Fraser (2013)

11 . Gary Moore & Phil Lynott – Out In The Fields

“Out in the Fields,” a collaboration between Gary Moore and Phil Lynott, was released as a single on May 6, 1985, and appeared on Gary Moore’s album “Run for Cover” the same year.

The track, notable for its anti-war theme, marked one of the final recorded performances by Lynott before his death in 1986.

The single achieved significant success, peaking at No.5 on the UK Singles Chart and reaching the Top 10 in several European countries, such as Ireland, where it peaked at No.3.

The song features powerful dual vocals and guitar work by Moore and Lynott, with production handled by Peter Collins.

Its music video received airplay on prominent channels like MTV, contributing to its visibility.

The track was later included in Gary Moore’s 1998 compilation album “Out in the Fields – The Very Best of Gary Moore.” A live performance of the song was famously featured during Gary Moore’s concerts but was never performed live by both artists together due to Phil Lynott’s passing.

This song stands out as a unique collaboration between the two former Thin Lizzy bandmates.

Lifted from : We remember Phil Lynott. ‘Think Lizzy’

12 . Neil Young & Stephen Stills – Mr. Soul

Neil Young & Stephen Stills performed “Mr.

Soul,” a track originally written by Young and recorded with Buffalo Springfield for their 1967 album “Buffalo Springfield Again.” The song, widely interpreted as addressing themes related to celebrity and identity, was recorded after Young experienced an epilepsy-related health scare.

Featuring a riff inspired by The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” it represents a collaboration between the two musicians during a pivotal period of Buffalo Springfield’s existence.

Although “Mr.

Soul” did not chart as a single, the album “Buffalo Springfield Again” reached No.44 on the Billboard 200.

The song has been performed live both by Neil Young solo and in ensemble formats, such as during Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young tours, including their 1974 reunion tour, which later resulted in the release of the 2014 box set “CSNY 1974.” A version of the song by Young was also featured in his 1982 album “Trans,” with a significantly reworked, synthesizer-heavy arrangement.

Over the years, “Mr.

Soul” has become one of Young’s most frequently revisited tracks in his live performances.

Stephen Stills and Neil Young’s collaborative history on songs like “Mr.

Soul” continued into their broader careers, including ongoing work in Buffalo Springfield reunions and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young projects.

The song’s distinctive guitar tones, including the use of fuzz effects, have been noted as a defining characteristic in live clips from the era.

Lifted from : Happy Birthday Stephen Stills. ‘Stills dazzling after all these years’