As intriguing as it is to see a song wholly reinterpreted by the band covering it, it’s just as much fun when the artist plays it straight up to suit their style.

At Take Cover Omaha last weekend, CJ Mills played first, chosing to cover High Up’s “Two Weeks” right out of the gate. The cut made sense given the Omaha singer/songwriter’s powerfully soulful vocals and the talented assemblage of musicians behind her.

And the four of them nailed it, filling the song’s open spaces by kicking up the tempo and replacing the vibrant horn section with swelling waves from Mitch Towne’s keyboard. The band felt and looked at home in the song, able to stretch out and add its own flair. It was a bold choice, but one that paid off.

Watch CJ Mills perform “Two Weeks” at Take Cover Omaha:

(Special thanks to Ian Aeillo/Live At O’Leaver’s for audio.)

photo by Lindsey Yoneda