Donny Hathaway vs. Susan Tedeschi | Head 2 Head 🗣️

On the 29^th edition of Head 2 Head, Donny Hathaway and Susan Tedeschi contend for the best rendition of “Magnificent Sanctuary Band”. 

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elcome to Head 2 Head 🗣️! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians singing the same song together, comparing their performances.  Then, after much deliberation, we deliver a verdict of which performance was the best, or at least, subjectively, which performance moved us more.  On the 29^th edition of head-to-head, 🎙 Donny Hathaway and 🎙 Susan Tedeschi contend for the best rendition of 🎵 “Magnificent Sanctuary Band”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

 

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1. Donny Hathaway, “Magnificent Sanctuary Band”

💿 Donny Hathaway • 🏷 Atlantic • 📅 1971

“The Son of Man speaks of Revelation / Oh, he’s reaching, reaching out his hand…” 🎙 Donny Hathaway, sadly, only lived to be 33 years old.  Despite such a short life, Hathaway left an indelible musical legacy.  Had he lived, given the sheer breadth of his collection, there’s no telling how many more classics he would’ve unveiled.  Notably, spirituality plays a gargantuan role in Mr. Hathaway’s music. 🎵 “Magnificent Sanctuary Band”, which appears on his self-titled, 1971 album, provides that perfect blend of gospel and R&B/soul. The classic was penned by 🎼✍ Dorsey Burnette.

“Magnificent Sanctuary Band” is one of the funkiest records you’ll ever hear.  The groove – infectious to the nth degree! Additionally, “Magnificent Sanctuary Band” has a positive, soul-stirring message, hailing directly from the black church.  “From the book I read, not one but all must follow him,” Hathaway sings on the first verse, continuing, “Come and join the magnificent sanctuary band.” Amen! Donny doesn’t stop there, singing on the second verse, “Seems like temptation rules over the land / You know, those people should just remember his commandments / Come and join the magnificent sanctuary band.” As you’d expect, the centerpiece is the chorus, where Hathaway encourages all to believe, embrace, and embody Christ:

“Singing in the band, talking to the man
Bringing in the sheep all over the world as fast as he can
... Dropping everything you’re doing and join the sanctuary band.”

Hathaway is chocked-full of spirit, singing his face off.  His ministry is felt for sure, forty years after the song first arrived.  

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🙏 Donny Hathaway, “Magnificent Sanctuary Band”: Sunday Refresh 🙏 No. 15 (2021)
🔗 🎧 13 More Songs That Provide That Spiritual Refresh

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2. Susan Tedeschi, “Magnificent Sanctuary Band”

Ft. The Blind Boys of Alabama

💿 Hope and Desire • 🏷 The Verve Music Group • 📅 2005

Man, oh man does 🎙 Susan Tedeschi have a tall task! What is that tall task? Following up the epic 🎙 Donny Hathaway rendition of 🎵 “Magnificent Sanctuary Band” written by 🎼✍ Dorsey Burnette.  The good news is that the 🏆 Grammy-winning blues musician is up to the task – she has an incredibly, soulful instrument on her hands.  Also, amplifying this jubilant classic is an assist from the legendary gospel collective, 🎙 The Blind Boys of Alabama.  “Magnificent Sanctuary Band” appears as the 10^th track on Tedeschi’s 2005 album, 💿 Hope and Desire.

Like the Hathaway version, Tedeschi keeps things funky and soulful.  Even so, the sound is a bit more lush, smooth, and warmer – a slightly contrasting timbre.  Furthermore, the tempo is wee bit slower, yet the energy remains lit.  Also, worth noting, there are no horns in this edition.  Deal breaker?  No way! We still get awesome guitar riffs, ripe organ (taken directly from the church ⛪), and those backing vocals from The Blind Boys.  In the lead capacity, Tedeschi’s vocals are colorful, commanding, and perfectly suited for this gem.   Her performance is balanced, possessing the appropriate grit as well as smoothness.  All in all, in the hands of Susan and The Blind Boys, “Magnificent Sanctuary Band” is, well, magnificent!

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The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️ 

Donny Hathaway or Susan Tedeschi?  Drum roll please! I love me some Susan Tedeschi but, Donny Hathaway gets the edge!  His 1971 version oozes with soul that only Mr. Hathaway, or a song from that once-in-lifetime era of soul could produce.  Both singers tickle my fancy, but Hathaway is on a higher plane, period. 

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Donny Hathaway vs. Susan Tedeschi: Head 2 Head 🗣️ No. 29 [📷: Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, GenderArts from Pixabay, The Musical Hype, Valentin Tikhonov from Pixabay, The Verve Music Group]

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