His newly released version of Bread’s pop classic is romanticizing radio playlists.
As keyboardist Phil Casagrande walked the warm sandy Orchard Beach in the Bronx, he noticed all the sun-soaked couples enjoying the summer day. His mind drifted back to his childhood when life and love was simple and free. While driving home, he turned on SiriusXM’s 70s on 7 and heard Bread’s No. 1 hit, “Make It With You.” Something about that moment and the music that filled his ride instantly inspired Casagrande to rush to his keyboards to create a soothing jazz instrumental version of the love song, which is now garnering radio playlist adds as it heats up the airplay charts.
Casagrande treats Bread’s emotionally vulnerable and amorous melody written by David Gates with respect and care, allowing it to gently flow and breathe over a slow and sensual groove constructed by percussionist Emedin Rivera. Courting romance, John Henderson’s breezy electric jazz guitar rhythms emerge from the flowery bouquet presented by Casagrande’s lyrical keyboard leads and luxurious supporting harmonies.
“Hearing this song after observing many young couples sharing love on the beach that day connected with me in a profound way, which is why I think Bread’s song transcends all generations. The childhood memories the beach scene evoked for me led to the creation of a track that embodies a spirit that we can all appreciate today,” said Casagrande who produced, arranged, and mixed his reimagined “Make It With You.”
Casagrande has a history of reinterpreting classic hits. He’s also remade Barry White’s “Love Theme,” Double’s “The Captain of Her Heart,” Tommy James & The Shondells’ “Crystal Blue Persuasion,” and Bill Evans’s “Peace Piece” as well as the seasonal standard “Christmas Time Is Here.” Casagrande has a long history with Henderson and Rivera, which is why he invited them to collaborate on “Make It With You.”
“I enlisted a couple friends to join me on this project. John, Emedin, and I worked together doing gigs for years. We helped start up World Yacht Enterprises in New York where we were the house band on the boat. We had a blast performing together all over the Tri-State area,” Casagrande recalled.
Casagrande takes pride in his musical diversity having written, produced, and played in a wide array of styles and genres. His breakthrough came in dance music when he wrote and performed the 1984 dance floor hit “Four Year Battle” for Paula Anderson. Around that time, he also worked with vocalist Jessica Cleaves who sang lead for Parliament Funkadelic and The Friends of Distinction. In 2012, Casagrande decided it was his time to step into spotlight, which he did with release of his debut album, “Manhattan Vibe,” inspired by his New York City roots and experiences. The collection spawned two singles that hit the charts. His “Taken Off” album (2015) includes the single “Destiny’s Love” that scored placement in the television comedy series “El Juegeo de Las Llaves.” The title track from Casagrande’s “Missing You” album (2016) appears in the 2020 movie “Las Pildoras De Mi Novio.” In addition to “Make It With You,” Casagrande entered the lo-fi fray this summer with the release of “Dreamy Sunday,” which has been picked up by Spotify and YouTube playlists. He plans to release more lo-fi recordings along with full studio productions in the contemporary jazz space.
For more information, please visit https://philcasagrandemusic.com.
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