Bilal - Is This Love

On August 30th, 2010, a very special rendition of Bob Marley's "Is This Love", performed by Bilal, was recorded in Los Angeles.
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It was a very special day. Perfect weather, a studio reminiscent of a studio in Capitol Records during the 60's, a great cast of musicians... the stars aligned and this video was made.
Plug Research approached Bilal and Miguel separately with the idea of doing cover songs. Since they're both friends and admire one another's work, (Bilal performed at Timeless: Suite for MaDukes), it was a easy match.
It was Bilal's idea to work on "Is This Love." Miguel booked the talented cast of musicians, many he had worked with before, and wrote the basic charts. Bilal made sure to get the sound he was looking for.
A couple of songs were recorded during this session... So if you're interested to hear how Bilal's renditions of Soft Cells "Tainted Love" turned out, or even Portisheads "Strangers"... well you'll just have to check back. But for now, enjoy Bilal's rendition of Bob Marley's "Is This Love."
Airtight's Revenge on Plug Research is Bilal's first album in 10 years. Make sure to get a copy of it by going to itunes.
Band:
Bilal (vocals)
Miguel Atwood-Ferguson (musical director, violin)
Om'Mas Keith (piano)
Dennis Hamm (rhodes)
Brandon Coleman (organ)
Marcel Camargo (guitar)
Gabe Noel (bass)
Gene Coye (drums)
Allakoi Peete (percussion)
Executive Producer: Tom Bacon
Produced By: Andrew Lojero
Shot by: Greg Ponstingl and Denny Kim
Edited by Greg Ponstingl
Recorded by Benjamin Tierney
Mixed by: Benjamin Tierney & Miguel Atwood-Ferguson
Plug Research:
www.plugresearc...
Facebook: / plugresearch
Twitter: / plugresearch
Soundcloud: / plugresearch-music

[@MsSugarSweet]

Still listening to this song in 2024 & it still feels SO good. This song is perfection to me. I love how Bilal’s voice blends with the instruments.

[@domnel3981]

Bilal is a masterpiece

[@mamasue80]

my fave Bob Marley song...true artistry...this how you cover a song...make it your own!!

[@jboogie1975]

how this brother manages to get slept on til this day is beyond me. major props to him for his version and the justice he did to this tune but also to the band for exceptional work.

[@cmuse40]

TRUE DID NOT FIT THE MOLD. WHAT A SHAME

[@NaturalDivineGoddess]

The King Of Covers love the twist Bilal without taking away the CREATIVITY of the ORIGINAL sound

[@SoliGloria1]

Check out KAMAUU. They’re cut from the same cloth. Check out his cover of Adele’s - Home Town Glory and Andre300’s - Hey Ya. Enjoy!

[@divineselfentity]

@@SoliGloria1 couldn't find his version of hey ya. Can U drop the link?

[@MRSBackgroundchick]

I still cry at this performance

[@ahmedalhaidan9047]

Me 2 😢 lovely performance Bilal when in the mood just pure and go straight to the heart.. also the sad story D'Angelo 💔 never fulfilled his potential

[@spatialfellow]

@@ahmedalhaidan9047 What do you mean by not fulfilling his potential?

[@NaturalDivineGoddess]

INSIGHTS: *The BEAUTIFUL MIND of BILAL.*

[@njackson5]

This Bilal version never gets old! I bet seeing them perform it live would be an incredible experience.

[@VI5H]

Bilal's awesome but I think everyone seems to forget that there's an equally awesome band of musicians there too. They've each managed to give an intricate , complex, individual yet perfectly complimentary performance. Never get tired of this one.

[@MrPeteywheet]

sho ya rite

[@marcavonevans]

yes yes yes

[@holygroove2]

I wish more people understood what you're saying. Ironically, good musicians who are master accompanists are the ones who can make you feel something without you understanding why. So while you are 100% correct, the musicians are in the supportive role, so their job is to help Bilal feel comfortable enough to contribute to the musical whole. They make him sound good, and he makes them sound good. They are all musicians. Another reason why people don't get what you're saying is because a lot of music today is about "the singer". If the mainstream music was more like this, then people would be hearing what you're hearing. Good comment, and I hope you chime in on other videos.

[@VI5H]

Hey holygroove2, thank you for the genuinely nice comment. I've been a bit caught up with watching elections related videos recently, like a lot of other people I'm sure. Reading the comments on those videos makes you feel like humanity is devolving very rapidly . I come here to recharge a little of my faith in humanity and my soul. I'm not a sentimental person but beautiful performances such as this remind me that I am still capable of feeling the type of emotions usually kept locked away, something lacking from most mainstream music unfortunately. Or maybe I'm just biased, I don't know, I just know I'll keep coming back to this one regularly.

[@MrPeteywheet]

thanks a lot very encouraging

[@ericapitts5487]

Been a fan since soul sista and have followed him ever since. hes one of the most underrated soul/funk/rock/jazz vocalist of our generation! Love him :)

[@sparedarkangel8732]

This dude is so dope, i can listen to him all day

[@kevintucker8464]

Exactly

[@benja303]

Damn Bob Marley's music is eternal.

[@SmooveHNIC]

I dont care what anyones says!!! This right here is great music

[@bobbyq2416]

Bilal KICKED MAJOR ASS on the BET awards performing Prince's "The Beautiful Ones", MY GOD WHAT A SPECTACULAR AND STUNNING PERFORMANCE!! The Purple One would have been EXTREMELY PROUD. REAL TALK!!!! RIP PRINCE

[@Nuverselive]

Thats why im here

[@RockyRMR]

I keep coming back to this even in 2022.

[@debiblair7045]

So beautiful

[@calvinbooker778]

Blessed to call this man ‘friend’🙌🏿🙏🏿

[@Chicodreams]

one of the most creative covers to ever exist, and not many even know about it

[@soliloquylove2115]

Bilal, you can do no wrong. Take care of yourself. We need you.

[@alwaysjazzyful]

I have heard this songs so many times but I think I finally got the true understanding with this rendition. Man💖

[@GLAskewII]

Indeed

[@PAULYHOTDOGSS]

Facts

[@natalieclarke4981]

Yuuuyuyuyuyuyhu

[@natalieclarke4981]

@@GLAskewII you too

[@lisajoyner2358]

THIS IS Crazy. What in the world? This guy is Awesome.

[@Kalik8000]

Right!

[@andrerugebregt90]

this make me cry.. what a beautiful performance

[@WazigeLogica]

Hey I was looking for this comment so I could thumb it up..

[@WazigeLogica]

Where did you start tearing up? About on 2/3? That was it for me..

[@jcross52583]

The best non Marley cover I've ever heard.

[@thaigboprincess7723]

I've Listened to this about 50 times in one night. Bilal is an Underrated Balladeer that can hit the highest of notes on a song until you feel it down to your essence. I love the Hook at the end of the song just as he is motioning to the percussion section. Absolutely unique arrangement. This is 1-18-2020

[@MaySun74]

He also did a great job on his Prince Tribute at the BET awards kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5S9laOoZ71kq5osi=joeHcWG9MsK9KXrb and let's not forget NPR Performance with the Roots kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3OXoHmraaenh5osi=CDaLGuMmWUglzdV_

[@charn4292]

My soul is on a natural high, Bilal is all that live!

[@12sisters1bride7]

What a wonderful voice, like a fine tuned instrument.

[@tzp7697]

New Prince

[@jaystallion400]

The Most talented vocalist in the mainstream era

[@mynameisfavor]

YESSSSSSSS!!!!! You see him becoming the music?! Love it, love the swing, love everything about it.

[@hawaiianessence]

OMG I’m blown away by this BEAUTIFUL VOICE it’s ohh so good it’s got me in my feelz makes me cry. He is reminiscent of Prince in this cut jus listen he’s got a very distinctive voice.❤️

[@beyondthecocun8638]

Saw him in Jazz Cafe recently, one of the most entertaining men to watch and listen to. Like going on a journey. Love love love love love love

[@metaphysicalrider1111]

my god, they are god . what a coordination of the musicians and vocalist. Bilal you got a magical voice bruh

[@JustinFlournoy]

It's been five years since I posted a comment on this video but he had me addicted to this song back then.

[@ESHWIbaby]

Bilal... what else is there to say ....A true artist

[@zero_earth]

out of everyone Bilal is always the coolest dude, best voice.

[@SoKimistic]

Bilal takes me there... This is definitely LOVE!

[@JmichaelPeeplesJmpmovement]

man so soulful..my lordy!! this sounds like love, alter call, baptism, romance.

[@kerenkares6109]

That sweet violin sneaking around in my ears is what made me start hittin repeat.. strange sometimes how an instrument(s) played by just the right person/people can make the chemistry with the artist(s) makes beautiful renditions such as this... better than his own son's remakes...I'm just sayin

[@tansearcher1999]

This guy's spirit .....❤

[@themoodyporter]

it wouldn't work without everyone. it's perfect

[@beautyfull3641]

All this emotional energy converted in to a beautiful sound. This man is captivating. Gifted

[@S0LL1TUDE]

I like it. I'm sure that my fellow Jamiacan, Bob Marley (If he was alive), would've been so taken aback with what Bilal did with his song right here. Good stuff. Spirited, just like Bob.

[@fictitiousfictitious8964]

Bilal is fire. What a band. Great rendition. Thanks

[@Lionqueen2011]

This was a family reunion for the ears. I could hear how Blues and Reggae are related. Bilal and crew did a fine job. I bet Nesta is smiling:)😍😍😍😘😘😘😘

[@VisionPoet]

I almost always dislike remakes of classic songs but this jawn hit different. Bilal honored and gave it a different energy at the same time. What a gem.

[@kerenkares4473]

Like KC and Jo Jo remake "IF YOU THINK YOU LONELY NOW" and "LATELY"✌🏽😎🔥

[@adg_87]

@@kerenkares4473 If You Think You're Lonely Now by Kci is definitely better than the original. And I LOVE Womack's version.

[@cherylnsanders9712]

I fell in LOVE with your rendition on the first listen.

[@maritaind]

wonderful, I dont know how many times i have listened to this these last weeks

[@michaelsloggett8507]

This is one of the most beautiful displays of vocal skills I have ever heard from bilal, and that is saying alot. Love this guy!

[@takielalangley6240]

Can't stop replaying it.

[@Ziggyzig2011]

This is my boy. I knew he was going to be good when we used to jam back in the day. Good job Bilal.

[@vee4025]

Will FOREVER be my favorite song and rendition. Gotta have this played at my wedding!!!

[@r-erin2go380]

He's INCREDIBLE 💜

[@truehou]

Had to come back and like this again. The musicians are dope and the arrangement is bananas!

[@patricegriffin4046]

This was the first Bob Marley song I ever heard, and to have my absolute favorite soul singer cover it leaves me breathless... J'Adore...

[@TheCandaceb10]

Why am I just now coming across this greatness?? Love it!

[@artnlife80]

amazing!...his voice is truly a beautiful instrument

[@zebby613]

How could anyone "NOT" like this...this is "awesomtranific"!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@gempizza6425]

I come back time and time again to this rendition and it never gets old

[@24YEARZ]

I here bobby mcfarren,marvin,prince,bob, and more all in 1 track..to here so many greats in 1 song is amazing..this guy is crazy nice

[@LorIanIriE]

Gotta love Bilal's interpretations!

[@jamesdean7502]

Bilal you are Amazing and that voice is iconic we need you!!!

[@JESSIETEXAS]

one of the best Bilal...

[@jonezmusicgroup]

This guy DEEPENS everything he does! MY best vocalist of this time- PERIOD.

[@rogerholt1116]

Never heard of him/them (some fine musicians, doing the music) before today. My ultima bad. I hear everything from Stevie, to Fagan/Becker, to Marley. Just incredible. Thank you to the original poster, and to the guy on FB who turned me on to this. ;)

[@TheLEGACY1980]

Priceless, artistic and eccentric interpretation of an already beautiful song...way to go!!!!

[@NaturalDivineGoddess]

BILAL THANKS FOR USING YOUR GIFT. raw talent

[@CherieButler]

This dude moves me to the beyond...his GIFT just blows my mind.

[@DhanaHuru]

Beautiful performance from Bilal & the band

[@JQWay]

this is some classic dope soulful music....this needs to be a single...#SoulfulMovement

[@crista466]

God yesss the live band melted all my heart, too passionate. I would have sang the crap out of whatever they played!!! Bilal did a wonderful job as well👌.

[@laceybrantley7772]

I felt so much passion while watching this video......deep emotions came to the surface

[@rtwmorgan]

Bilal . . I have no words. . This is Love. . .

[@scarletroseechos5690]

Simply Beautiful 2020 ❤

[@blackandgreene]

Simply brilliant on every level and so beautifully captured ✨

[@julianforde7183]

Bob is the legend when it comes to this tune....but damn...Bilal killed this and the band is in sync perfectly. When I find that special gal she has to view this with me!

[@myaspergersjourney]

This is what real music is all about

[@theycallhermeechi8095]

2020 and this is still Amazing

[@zionlife964]

He is breathtaking every time I hear him you can see and feel his energy, much love....Geechie Soultress Stephanie B

[@createthebalance]

This makes my soul sing.... love this man's passion and craft.

[@DomeknoCJonez]

Bilal with a Fiyah Band is truly magic

[@upkchaazaqimad7197]

6:09 to the end is just mesmerizing to me, I wish I had dat looped

[@adg_87]

Right??!!

[@introvertedsocialite4085]

Yessssssssss!!!!!!

[@CesarA365]

Hit the like button because of the incredible musicianship!

[@hamcassell]

bilal is the goat

[@rashadandre1487]

Yezzir!

[@felixicon]

this dude makes good music

[@JXRXME]

Truly magic..

[@jyarde86]

I remember hearing about bilal back in school early early 2000s hearing him on commons the sixth sense and nag champa track...oh my god this man's voice was/is incredible

[@cougar1234c]

Just when i thought i couldn't find something by Bilal that surprises me, this pops up in my recommendations

[@mabjaiaegsy6558]

Great song...congrats Bilal and team

[@MsMeximexi]

best cover ever?!??

[@comedianwoodywood6237]

KYLA C you should look up Corrine Bailey Ray's version of this

[@adg_87]

Mobcast radio WoodyWood nice but nowhere near this.

[@redpillras3456]

Agree

[@iamdavidjames8547]

this is pure organic magic!!!

[@Flaca0306]

Omg This Song Got Me In Freaking Tears....

[@janrystar]

My God! Bilal... beautiful, beautiful, beautiful bro !

[@tamcole8533]

That band, though.

[@jonezmusicgroup]

Tam Cole And I’m willing to bet money half of what they’re doing is improv.

[@marvettmitchell4067]

I can't get enough of the band!!! The arrangement is gorgeous!!!

[@redpillras3456]

🔥🔥🔥

[@MissShila]

I just Love him singing this.

[@JustinFlournoy]

Cant stop listening to this song

[@xtahcy69]

Omg! I absolutely love Bilal. He is so soulful and unique in vocals and style. He took a cover and made it his own. It makes me want to grab my honey and kiss him! Sensual song with incense and candles. Yes indeed.

[@mizzmuzik4738]

A beautiful version❤️❤️❤️

[@reddalchemy5970]

I love this man so much......................so talented. Truly.

[@cryptoboat6600]

This is a real classic! I would love to it play on vinyl

[@comesitunderthetrees]

WOOOOOOW!!! Stunning...The band.. BILAL!!! I'm so in love with this song!!!

[@reggiedorsey6001]

That was dope!! #Salute

[@Tenapix]

Finally KZbin suggested a video that I actually like. Tough tough tough!