When T. Jarrod Bonta heard Casper Rawls do “Don’t You Know Who We Think We Are?,” it made a big impression.
“I first heard the song at the Continental Club,” he says “I was underage, and had to sneak in to hear him play. Later on, I had the pleasure of working with him many times throughout the years I lived in Austin, and I still do when I make it down that way.”
Bonta loved the song, written by Rawls and Suzy Elkins, so much he made it his own.
“I had the honor of recording this song at the historic Sam Phillips recording studio, with some of my favorite Memphis musicians: Danny Banks on drums, Matthew Wilson on bass, John Paul Keith on guitar, and engineered by Scott Bomar. Everything was recorded live, just like the big boys do it, no overdubs, this was the first take. It sounded like rock and roll to me!”
Bonta’s animated visuals have a charming, handmade quality that fits the song’s vibes.
“The video is inspired by the lyrics of the song, A lot of these images are merely the way I sometimes see the world. I’ve never played a grand piano underneath a highway overpass before, but I think it would be cool!”
If you would like to see your music video featured on Music Video Monday, email cmccoy@memphisflyer.com.
