| "Compared to What" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Les McCann and Eddie Harris | |
| from the album Swiss Movement | |
| Language | English |
| Released | 1969 |
| Recorded | June 21, 1969 |
| Venue | Casino Karsuul, Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux |
| Genre | Soul jazz |
| Length | 8:41[1] |
| Label | Atlantic |
| Songwriter(s) | Gene McDaniels |
| Producer(s) | Nesuhi Ertegun and Bob Emmer |
| Official audio | |
| Compared to What (Live at Montreux Jazz Festival) on YouTube | |
"Compared to What" is a protest song written by Gene McDaniels. It was recorded by Roberta Flack in February 1969 for her debut album First Take, but became better known following a performance by Les McCann (piano and vocals) and Eddie Harris (tenor saxophone) at the Montreux Jazz Festival in June of that year. The song appeared as the opening track on their 1969 album Swiss Movement on the Atlantic label, which was certified Gold in sales in the United States.[2] The song has been recorded by more than 270 performers, including Ray Charles and Brian Auger.