L-R Jeb Havens, Julie Garnye, Matt ZarleyAnother week, another Hump Day, another look out the window as the pandemic continues and I contemplate our relative solitude.
Lately, I’ve listened to the urging of my better angels and find myself reaching out to check on friends, or as I call them, ‘family.’
Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University, says “loneliness is thought to be a biological drive that motivates us to reconnect.”
So, I’ve been making those calls and video chats that get put off to make sure folks don’t feel ‘forgotten in the middle of nowhere.’
Which brings me to this gorgeous new cover of “You Will Be Found” from the mega-hit Broadway musical, Dear Evan Hansen.
Recording artists Jeb Havens, Matt Zarley, and Julie Garnyé collaborated on the music video long-distance from their respective isolations during the pandemic lockdown.
I’ve profiled two-time OutMusic Award winner Zarley and the handsome Mr. Havens before on TRR, but this is my first chance to share Ms. Garnye’s talents here as well.
All three have lengthy resumes that reflect their vocal gifts and “Found” proves to be the perfect vehicle for the talented trio.
Havens leads out alongside a spare, pensive piano accompaniment, and is soon joined by Zarley and a soothing cello line. Next stop – the chorus, tightly-woven harmonies, and that key change you know is coming.
Like a powerful clarion call, Garnye sings as the beat kicks in:
There’s a place where we don’t have to feel alone / Every time that you call out, you’re a little less alone
If you only say the word / From across the silence your voice is heard
Beat, beat, beat, accelerando, more harmonies (excellent musicianship, btw) and we get to the big gorgeous ending that seems our due.
Big props to Zarley who edited the video. Three solo shots could have been a real snore to watch, but the whole shindig takes on such visual dynamics it feels like having a whole Broadway ensemble on my screen.
Enough of my prattling, though. Hit play, kick back and feel good. The right message at the right time.