First off, yes, I watch American Idol and like it. It is the quintessential guilty pleasure. But enough about me.

Last night, one of the contestants, Fantasia Barrino, sang Gershwin’s Summertime and it was amazing. After the show (after watching her sing it twice, thanks to the wonders of TiVo) we went downstairs and listened to our copy of Ella and Louis doing the same song. Also good, but Fantasia’s version was something stellar.

Where Ella’s voice is buttery and smooth, Fantasia’s was soulful and real. The Ella and Louis version evokes in me images of slow summer, warm, languid, with people in sun hats and Sunday dress. Fantasia’s version made me think of Brooklyn brownstones and hot days, summer with a little grit of sand and sweat. It was a fresh, original take on the song, and now that I have found it online, you can enjoy it, too.

Fantasia Barrino singing Summertime