A year or so ago I asked on this list if anyone knew the writer/singer of the version of this song I heard on Gideon's Crossing. It was interesting to hear who people thought it might be, even without having heard it. And I checked out many versions online, back when Napster was still running, I think. Eva Cassidy's version was one I enjoyed hearing.
But none of them captured the essence of what I heard in the version on tv. And since then, in the last month and a half, it has been on Providence and just the other night on ER, Dr. Greene's farewell (Anthony Edwards). And obviously the writers/directors and creative control people of these three dramas feel as I do... it is an extraordinarily gifted version of this timeless classic. I was so taken by its charisma and haunting melody that I didn't even realize it was in Hawaiian style, ukulele and all. I finally found the guy's name on NBC programming FAQ's and ordered it online the same night. His name is Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. (Don't ask me to pronounce it!) On the CD, he actually combines Somewhere ... with What a Wonderful World... although I'm not so sure the two go together that well... they do and they don't, if you know what I mean. The segment used on the three dramas cut out before the song reaches that part. Thematically they go marvelously together... and musically not such a stretch either, but it's kind of like Chinese Cafe... you either love it or you hate it. Of course, I'm somewhere inbetween. Just thought people might like to know about this kind of stuff. Any reactions? I love the power of the perfect song at the end of a heart-wrenching episode or movie. There was a scene on Once and Again, when the stepkids' mother is learning to walk again that was very powerful, but I don't remember the song. Many shows use this technique pretty well these days, including Allie McBeal. And a new show called American Embassy, on hiatus right now. delurking alan in iowa city
