Karla Bonoff - The Water Is Wide

#Karlabonoff #TheWaterIsWide #Traditional #Folk #CarryMeHome #Music #LindaRonstadt #BonnieRaitt #VinceGill #JacksonBrowne #JDSouther #TrishaYearwood #WendyWaldman #AndrewGold #Bryndle #Grammywinner #Grammy #JamesTaylor #LivingstonTaylor #Ninagerber #SingerSongwriter #Folk-Pop #Ballad #SeanMcCue #TheWonderYears #Alias #TheWeavers
Karla's version of this traditional song, The Water is Wide, has become a staple of her concerts for many, many years. It is usually how she ends the show. Originally recorded on the Restless Nights album, it featured James Taylor, Garth Hudson, and Don Henley. Many contemporary singer-songwriters have embraced Karla's beautiful arrangement as inspiration for their own interpretation of the song. Joining Karla on lead guitar is Nina Gerber, her extraordinary accompaniest for many years. FUN FACT: The song was featured on The Wonder Years and Alias.

[@mastopakya]

I feel sorry for those who don't know about Karla Bonoff. She is a national treasure.

[@danielschlatter7606]

1 acoustic guitar, 1 electric guitar, a wonderful voice and a fantastic song. It's unbelievable that something like this still exists today, when today's so-called music sounds like traffic jams...

[@DrummerDanVa]

Traffic jams works. I always thought industrial noise. 😀

[@wattebol]

Karla deserves to be much more famous than she is. And the same goes for Nina, a brilliant instrumentalist.

[@bartvermeulen6515]

Fame perhaps is’nt everything?

[@onefoot7]

Fame, who fuckin cares, just do your craft, fame is not fun

[@cdevries4128]

Wow, people looking for a word they can react on, in stead of trying to understand the essence of a comment. Apart from that: fame is a rather important factor for professional musicians.

[@abdullahabdrahman8994]

Yes, she does !

[@peggymays8008]

It's just that she came along with Linda Ronstadt, Carole King, Carly Simon, and Bonnie Raitt. She is wonderful. But there were so many others.

[@pls2028]

Karla and Nina are pure magic together. The tears are streaming down my face as I write this…this song takes me back to my introduction to Karla’s music in first-year university (1975). It hit me where I lived then - and it still does to this day. I am a Canadian…seeing these two live is on my bucket list…

[@jeffmetzelaar]

Probably the most beautiful rendition I ever heard. WOW!!!

[@raelene101]

Better than the record.

[@michaelcraig9449]

Joan Baez!

[@smalltown4855]

for me one of the most beautiful songs ever written. karla bonoff is made for this song.

[@SusieGlaze]

I so adore Karla. Bravo to her for writing, singing, playing - everything. She's a genius and a great artist.

[@hanserikwold6116]

2:19 This Scottish Folketone is played all over the World, even Bob Dylan. However, Karla is so fond of singing this song in her very heavenly careful way. And many artists make her version because of this. Thank You Karla for bringing this song out into our hearts and souls....

[@frankcoffey]

Karla is one of those artist where I don't just want to hear some hit in a playlist, I want to experience the entire album. Not many like that.

[@Jeff99]

Let me just come back and say, after listening again, Nina is the best lead guitar ever, and I say that as a long time lead guitar. Because she knows that solos and accompaniment are more than fuzz and flash; they are taste, finesse and beauty, just like how she plays here.

[@BobAcoustic]

Yes, like there's a reason for every note. Not just how fast and how many notes you can play.

[@davidsobel3303]

Her version of this song has always been my favorite of anyone's. Nina Gereber is one of the most tasteful players out there!

[@robertpiercy8]

No one does this old traditional song better than Karla with very tasteful playing by Nina Gerber.

[@Haring51]

Damn, what a song! So sad, so emotional, so filled with love, so religious. "Love is gentle, love is kind when first is new. But love grows old and waxes cold, and fades away like morning dew." If no one faints, crumbles, and cried after hearing that,.......then they are not human. "The water is wide, I can't cross over, and neither have I wings to fly" Spiritual, religious,otherworldly. This is so magnificent in it's gentleness, it's hard to conceive of any song that might compare with this striking observation of life, love, and the challenges of our humanity to capture all while we have them and time to do so in this life. Thank you Karla Bonoff. A Perfect song. Never change it.

[@thomasthompson698]

I remember buying Karla's first two albums after first buying Linda Ronstadt's "Hasten Down the Wind" . After seeing that several songs were written by Karla for that album I had to buy her albums. I spent many a night lying in bed with my headphones on listening to the first album and the follow-up "Restless Nights". My favorites were always her slower songs... especially "The Water is Wide", "Lose Again", "Rose in the Garden", "The Letter", "Restless Nights".... the beauty of her voice and straightforward presentation of her songs was astounding! This live version shows that simple beauty that just captures the listener's attention on its own merit. I love Karla's music and so often wished for an album of new material... but I'll always cherish what we have!

[@WooZooM3]

She often joked about the glacial pace of her album releases

[@coralcadman420]

LOVELY KARLA with the extraordinary NINA GERBER accompanying! Beauty full!

[@myriamzighem]

Dear Karla, I’ve been listening to you for 40 years and I still love you more and more. This version is ideal, you, your guitar and Nina, Perfect match. A French fan

[@tinmanjc]

40 years is about right for me as well. Karla captured my heart forever - this song the most.

[@bobhickman4976]

Very nice. The guitarist Nina absolutely nailed every bit of that song together. Creamy smooth and spot on.

[@neallewis6548]

We had this played at our wedding - her version. We play it every year on our anniversary - 31 and going strong !

[@TylerMcNamer]

Out of the many other versions of this old folk song, Karla's is always going to be my favorite. Love from Oregon!

[@akita1934]

me too.

[@Dan0__]

I am amazed how two guitars, and one voice... live... can take a song that's hundreds of years old, and sound so good! I've listened to many versions of this song... but this performance is my favorite.

[@hogtownhenry]

Many wonderful covers of this age old Scottish folk song from the 1600's. I have one of Karla's albums from the 70's. Bought it while living in the UK.(My 3 month holiday which became 7 years!!!) Listen also to Eva Cassidy version. A star whose light was taken away far too early. RIP Eva.

[@teresacollins7763]

I just saw Karla and Nina this past Friday night in Clearwater, Fl...they are magical together.✨🌛

[@billgausman5887]

What a beautiful performance of a beautiful song! Karla and Nina! Wow!

[@Jeff99]

So pure. More gorgeous than with James and JD. Stunning guitar.

[@dmkats3838]

Close my eyes and I’m back in the 70’s. Lovely.

[@taesikkim2869]

Koreans especially love Karla Bonoff's The Water Is Wide.

[@vanu49]

Beautiful, that's all I can say!!

[@DeeveOnYT]

Adore Nina - all business, but tender about it. Peace - Deeve

[@pls2028]

I can’t honestly remember if I have already commented on this version of The Water Is Wide, but I don’t think I can praise it enough. A stunningly beautiful version. Karla and Nina are heavenly together. Always brings tears to my eyes listening no matter how many times I’ve heard it!

[@dohkyungsooswife7527]

Karla Bonoff rendition of WATER IS WIDE, is the best for me. I Love how she caress the word. Very sweet and sincere ❤❤❤

[@jezebeljones659]

She is gorgeous in every way. And NIna is taste incarnate...

[@jamiecorrigan3241]

I HAVE JUST TODAY FOUND KARLA BONOFF AND NINA GERBER ~~~~~~ SO MUCH I HAVE MISSED THRU MY LIFE ~~~~~~~

[@DrummerDanVa]

Karla was always one of my favorite singers and over 20 years ago I got to see her live in a small theater in Virginia accompanied by Kenny Edwards. She was as amazing live as on her recordings.

[@MultiNitehawk]

Karla does the best rendition of this beautiful melody

[@stellarpod]

Absolutely superb performance by Karla, and especially her accompaniment by Nina Gerber. Absolute magic. As always, thanks for sharing. Steve

[@juergentossmann1056]

Saw her in concert last Friday night. This video was 2 yrs ago and she hasn't missed a beat! Nina Gerber - brilliant as well. Always brings tears to my eyes.

[@deppodep]

Karla still brilliant as she is and always will be

[@colleencollins5315]

Favorite singer/songwriter ever Inspired me to do the same and I had my 15 minutes In Philadelphia Love listening to her heartfelt and beautiful music many years later and it all stands up very tall and proud many years later Beautiful Karla keep making more!

[@stevebrennan1309]

I have known and adored you and your music, since we were little ( the 70s). From "Baby Don't Go" up until now.... So glad and grateful to have been able to ride this orb with you . Please stay well>

[@stevebrennan1309]

I wish I knew you but it's OK I feel like I kinda' do.

[@PoetsonLP]

It is a fantastic song that combines poetic lyrics with Karla Bonoff charming voice.

[@philipgregoryconlin6543]

Karla Bonoff

[@bobgray1310]

SAW HER IN A SMALLVENUE IN THE 80'S ,, SHE PLAYED THE ORGAN THEN ....................SHE WAS AWESOME

[@maclinton1549]

I could listen to Karla on a continuous loop without ever tiring of hearing her sing but especially this song. Hoping to see her and hear this live at City Winery NYC next month which reminds me I need to get tickets now that we are for sure going.

[@teresacollins7763]

I listen to Karla when I am driving long distances...she takes my mind off the idiots on the road ...she is very calming, and Nina is so very talented as well. Saw them together live and shed a few tears when they played this.

[@philhood7419]

Wow! These concerts and clips have to continue. I got infected by the songs-of-Karla-Bonoff-bug in the '70s and there's still no antibiotic that can touch it.

[@ash7700]

You could sing the phone book, Karla, and I'd be enraptured. Shout out to Nina, too: so tasteful, such a soft touch, a fabulous accompanist. Thanks to you both for making this passage we've all been forced into less discomforting.

[@jonestr57]

Beautiful

[@douglasdegraff8335]

After all these years Karla, I've run out things to speak of you. The only thing that comes to me is this in 2022, I Love You🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@hobey1]

SO sweet! Your rendition has always blown me away.

[@jeffbilby9415]

The voice of an angel, that's what we need these days......

[@jeannex4583]

I bought the album with this song on it way back in 1979. I loved it then; and you sound even better now. Thank you!

[@kenbrownfield6584]

Restless Nights albumn put her on the map

[@G.Gordon]

There is no more perfect performance than this!❤❤❤

[@FrancisFaithGF7]

Each time I listened to this song, I felt so emotional, especially sang by Karla and Nina, a fantastic guitarist, really spices up the music so beautiful. I will never get tired of this song. Forever green. The lyrics is so meaningful.❤🎉😊

💖💖💖 For about 40 years, Karla, you have been in my heart and in my mind with your compositions and your ideal voice. Keep healthy and never stop, please!

[@Dan0__]

What a gift... Beautiful... Thank you! 👏 And the electric guitar... Wonderful!!!

[@PocoPortillo]

I can't catch all the tears this song brings. I think of all the people I have ever met and am truly grateful for the friendships. And, my wife Susan for bringing me more than luck or love.

[@kalimalinali5027]

You are as brilliant as I remember when I first heard you in High School...(them...30 years ago) Thank you for your timeless poetry and lovely voice! You are a treasure!

[@user-hq6zq9wk8k]

Greatest's singer,the greatest song😍

[@jimhamilton5782]

I love that song & it makes me think of someone I hold dear. And the brilliant towering otherworldly instrumentalist, creating such beauty through pain.

[@bethlawrence9077]

Makes me cry every time

[@tinacastanares8046]

i love them both. This rendition is gorgeous, just as Karla's version with Garth Hudson was. Thank you to all three.

[@twinsdad902]

Her songs and voice comfort me,ease my mind.I am listening to her songs almost everyday these days.

[@SeeCSeesCC]

❤️ beautiful Karla and Nina

[@ALinn-vr3nl]

I first heard Karla Bonoff's recording of this accompanying a video tribute to Mary Daly. Fell in love with that video and Karla's beautiful rendition of it then. And I always love listening to and watching Nina Gerber perform.

[@tovarisch2788]

I absolutely love this rendition. Brava!

[@pmangum6879]

Many of us are just discovering your Five-Minute Concert Tour, Karla! Please, please keep it up - SO uplifting in these horrible times.

[@jezebeljones659]

Damn right they're horrible, and by now, even worse!

[@apxpandy4965]

Wow - I had this on a record, years ago and it had someone singing close harmony - sounded like James Taylor. Has stuck ijn my mind for all these years. Now refreshed, As anther comment said below - Karla's version is without doubt the best I've ever heard. Thanks!

[@michaelescareno7048]

My favorite performance by Karla Bonoff. Perfect artistry!! Was fortunate to see this show in Austin several years ago.....

[@DoctorRockAndRoll]

I just love your voice Karla, so clear and direct, in perfect tune and timing. The song is brilliant and so is the guitar playing of your backing.

[@downeastxg]

A boat that can carry two.. and both shall row...

[@hiding_u9944]

I'm 18 but I found this song's really pleasing 😊😊

[@iosmusicman]

Why say “but”? Isn’t it beautiful irrespective of age? Just asking…

[@hiding_u9944]

it was a mistake, I suppose to type AND not BUT so.

[@paullevine1813]

The result of giving two Angels guitars & a voice .

[@dobol52]

Nina compliments you well---nice team.

[@KJ-vc3sw]

Beautiful. If I wasn't such a tough guy I might even let a small tear run down my cheek.

[@stubbsd]

I’m humbly requesting that Karla extend her Five-Minute Concert Tour beyond next week, until further notice, held over both by popular demand and by necessity. Her weekly performances, solo or with Nina, have been a pure and delightful lungs-expanding oxygen during a time that this entire world has either been holding its breath or hyperventilating. If the water is a fraction as wide, and deep, as Karla’s gift for music, then it’s doing very well indeed.

[@williamgarvy1393]

I second, held over indefinitely by overwhelming acclaim!

[@4orrcountry]

@@williamgarvy1393 And I move we make it unanimous! When Karla sings, the room goes quiet. We want to hear every blessed note. And Nina's guitar helps bring subtle but essential mood and emotion to every song.

[@marymuller1062]

Dave Stubbs I agree, Karla please extend these sessions. Dave, I always love what you write regarding Karla. I don’t think that I could capture her essence as well as you do. What a wonderful, beautiful and gifted artist. I can’t get enough. I have tickets to see her perform at the end of July and I pray that the universe will cooperate.

[@stubbsd]

@@marymuller1062 Mary, thank you for your kind words. Karla has long been my go-to artist when I've needed to restore a bit of balance, but never more than during these past two remarkable months. If Karla doesn't extend her video concert tour, there is plenty of her music to enjoy, which I most happily consume in a dark room under headphones, the aural experience richest when every other sense is turned off.

[@rejoician]

That elec guitar is awesome, some like organ, guitar, bells versitile.

[@MrJOHNMICHAELVEGA]

Beautiful! Thank you.... ❤️🎶

[@donh7960]

Karla sings most beautiful version of this classic song.

[@SGC511]

exquisite

[@user-zu5dh4ub8x]

Absolutely fantastic

[@alexabravanel9572]

wonderful!!! and Nina Gerber too!!!!

[@ragpicker006]

Wow! Karla's voice! No change at all over the years. Brilliant.

[@skygerspacher6891]

This is lovely.

[@tedlee6521]

Beautiful!!!!

[@cowsongs]

I was a pup when I bought "Restless Nights". And when the (vinyl) album got to the last track on the last side, I couldn't believe my ears. I'll never forget what an impression it made on me. Her version of this classic song has always been my favorite. What a beautiful collection of songs, Karla. Thank you.

[@kathrynwebster6307]

Outstanding voice! and Nina Gerber!!!!

[@Edwardmunafo]

In my humble opinion, you own this song. Nina Gerber's guitar playing is tasteful and to the point. I've been a big fan of yours for years.

[@MrButtonpresser]

A timeless classic, sung so well. Thank you.

[@58landman]

Karla, I've been a solid and undying fan since I heard the first note from Restless Nights and like perfection it never fails to make me stop what I'm doing and listen to every note, sung and played. Priceless treasures.

[@PonyLee444]

We love you Karla

[@georgegeysen6499]

Really beautiful accompaniment, very tasty and complements the arrangement perfectly. Really precious version of this wonderful tune.

[@jeanniecampbell1374]

Beautiful and so good together .

[@masatoshishoji8271]

I've been listening to lots of music and been a fan of Little Feat, Bonnie Raitt, CSN&Y, Eagles, Flying Burrito Brothers, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, JD Souther, Byrds, and so many other musicians. Linda Ronstadt's "Sound of My Voice" brought me here finally. I love your music and am looking forward to watching your music. Bravo, Laurel Canyon(^^♪

[@jamiecorrigan3241]

BEAUTIFUL IN SO MANY WAYS.

[@davesteer8007]

Thats the best live performance Ive ever seen.

[@tomlacko606]

What a gift from God!

[@user-vk6bm4ls3p]

I'm Japanese and I'm very happy to see Karla Bonoff's footage

[@user-vp6re4jm7h]

很美的歌曲，深情地演唱，谢谢！

[@dennislafrinere9428]

Hey Karla... Remember me?... I was next to you in the hospital. We just came into this world. I remember looking at you and I remember you looking at me. I knew even then you were going to be a great songwriter and performer. I've been right about at least one thing in my life.

[@user-ri6rk5mb3y]

Still your voice is beautiful

[@ChuckKruger]

VERY Nice! Amazing vocal sound and such tasty backing. Thank you from Maine.

[@1m1a]

I've loved your music for so many years now, really enjoyed this. As a bonus, that was one of the most beautiful guitar solos I've ever heard.