Diggs Duke – “Is It Love?” ft. Vaughan Octavia (Thundercat Cover)
This jam right here is just that…a jam. The original can be copped at Brain Feeder.
Violins played in a magnificent counterpoint. Piano lines reversed. Horns blown fluidly over a transition. Shortly after I heard this creation, I began to hear these sounds in anticipation of an inevitable cover version. ‘Is it Love?’ It’s the type of song that masks it’s complexity with inviting lyrics.
During my recent time in Maine, I became obsessed with this song. There was one particular lyric that I fixated on; “Maybe we can find a way. Everyday is like a dream to me.” I read so much into that simple line, undoubtedly far more than was intended. I sang it spontaneously throughout the day, often like a knee-jerk reaction to a small dilemma I might have been having. If I couldn’t find a shirt that I wanted to wear, the line came out. If I wanted to cook a particular meal and didn’t have all of the necessary ingredients, the line came out. The song was the soundtrack to my daily routine, which I believe is the purest form of music appreciation.
As with most of the covers I will perform, I had to play Thundercat and Om’Mas Keith’s music in my own style as a method of combating the urge to imitate in my own compositions. I think this is the most intricate arrangement that I’ve set free to date. It’s full of instrumental metaphors and references to other songs by past composers.
This is also the first track in my catalog that has included a live string arrangement. I enlisted violinist and songwriter, Vaughan Octavia, to do the duties of performing the violin parts. Sharing the same enthusiasm for this music, she played the part of accompanist most graciously. The success of the collaboration was greatly due to her help editing the string parts and playing them to perfection. I would advise anyone listening to familiarize themselves with what she does … www.vaughanoctavia.com
I hope you enjoy listening to this as much as I’ve enjoyed arranging it, practicing it and recording it. Thank you sincerely.
