Urban Mystic, Chokin’ Kind | COVERS

In the 33rd edition of COVERS (2024), Urban Mystic delivers a compelling rendition of “Chokin’ Kind” famously covered by Joe Simon.

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS focuses solely on the musician who covers.  It is open to established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 33^rd edition of COVERS (2024), Urban Mystic delivers a compelling rendition of “Chokin’ Kind” famous covered by Joe Simon.

“Well, your love scares me to death / Oh, it’s the chokin’ kind.” Harlan Howard composed some terrific, timeless songs.  Among his best is “The Chokin’ Kind.” “The Chokin’ Kind” was originally recorded and released by Waylon Jennings and The Waylors. However, southern soul singer Joe Simon earned pop success with his cover and won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male.  Florida R&B singer Urban Mystic (Brandon Oneal Williams) covered the beloved Joe Simon version of the song on his 2015 album, Soulful Classics.  Notably, it’s referred to as “Chokin’ Kind”.  Williams puts his stamp on the ‘60s gem.

All in all, Urban Mystic’s rendition possesses a cool energy.  It’s laid-back but potent.  The production is a nice reproduction of the original.  The rhythm section is locked in, while the horns provide punch.  The vocals are filled with soul.  Williams is expressive but he never over-sings. Because of the gritty and raspy nature of his instrument, the timbre and color of his voice do sufficient heavy lifting.  Naturally, the melody is blessed by his distinct sound.  While UM excels in his middle register given his grit and raspiness,  his falsetto is ear-catching. While not the ripest falsetto, the coarseness is charming to the nth degree. Williams gets excellent support from harmonized background vocals – the help to fuel his fire.  Notably, “Chokin’ Kind” has a unique modulation built in.  I love how Williams eases into it, making it sound natural.  While he does a fine job of making “Chokin’ Kind” ‘his own’ throughout, it is the vamp at the end of the song where he truly puts his stamp on it.  Here, Williams lets her rip, over the background vocals singing “Chokin’” extending the duration of the song to three and a half minutes.  The fade-out at the end marks another selling point. “Chokin’ Kind” in the hands of Urban Mystic is sweet!

Urban Mystic // Soulful Classics // SoBe Entertainment International // 2015

Urban Mystic, Chokin’ Kind: Covers No. 33 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; SoBe Entertainment International; Alan Cordero, Ba Tik, Kampus Production, Matteo Milan, SHVETS production from Pexels; OpenClipart-Vectors, StockSnap, Vicki Hamilton from Pixabay]