BEHIND SFJAZZ COLLECTIVE’S VERSION OF
THE JACKSONS’ “THIS PLACE HOTEL”

February 25, 2016 | by SFJAZZ

The Jacksons

"After a long search, I decided to arrange this lesser known piece by Michael Jackson. I liked its episodic quality, relatively complex structure and unusual harmonic movement that happens during the interlude. As with most of his music, 'This Place Hotel' has a funky groove and a catchy melody. I felt it was important for those elements to stay intact when rendering my arrangement."

- Edward Simon (from the album notes of The Music of Michael Jackson and Original Compositions)

Originally recorded by The Jacksons under the title "Heartbreak Hotel" in 1980, the song title was changed so it wouldn't be confused with Elvis Presley's 1956 hit under the same name. Today, "This Place Hotel" remains one of Michael Jackson's deeper cuts. While the song wasn't a chart-topper (by MJ standards), it would become a go-to live performance piece for The Jacksons' subsequent tours, as well as both legs of Michael's Bad tour.