Watch a Vintage Jazz Band Perform System of a Down’s ‘Chop Suey!’
System of a Down’s “Chop Suey!” is just one of those songs destined to be covered by a million different bands in a million different styles — just ask Richard Cheese. In a new clip, jazz singer Robyn Adele Anderson delivers a smooth, soulful version of the SOAD classic with a full jazz band backing her up.
Anderson is a jazz singer, actress, pinup model and successful YouTuber, having amassed millions of views with her vintage covers of modern songs. She’s also a member of the wildly popular musical collective Postmodern Jukebox, having served as one of the group’s primary vocalists during their first year of success. She now joins the band for tours, videos and private performances.
On her own YouTube channel, Anderson put together a classic jazz band for “Chop Suey!” It’s strange to hear such a calm lounge version of SOAD’s monster single, which is also one of their most erratic. It works, though, and you can tell the entire group of musicians understand how to approach the many nuances of “Chop Suey!” in a totally alien genre.
Anderson really shines during the track’s outro, singing Serj Tankian’s heart-wrenching lyrics with warmth and veteran vocal control. You can tell how influenced she is by the glory days of burlesque as she places her hands tightly on her hips, giving off that sultry aura found in smokey clubs during the 1920s.
Check out this unique version of System of a Down’s “Chop Suey!” in the clip above.
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