The Burt Bacharach Discussion Forum

Happy Birthday from Tennessee.

We love you..

Tim

recent Houston article
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/4224390.html

Meeting Burt Bacharach after one of
his shows was a real highlight. And yes,
bring one of his CDs to sign.

Dionne Warwick Concert

This Saturday, May 20, Dionne Warwick will be in concert at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville. We got front row seats.
Anyone else attending. I've never seen Dionne, what can I expect?

Hello everybody, Burt is quoted in USA Today Excerpt ...A string of recent CDs reflect changes in what popular artists from country star Martina McBride to jazz veteran Herbie Hancock to pop diva Bette Midler are presenting as classics. Musicians are embracing the work not only of latter-day pop tun...

Happy Birthday Burt
from your friends in Tennessee

Hope you have a great day.

Another night to remember.

The evening was led off by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) doing MGM movie medleys. The ASO sounded really good on these selections. The Great Escape March and a medley of Henry Mancini songs was performed, oddly leaving out Moon River. They closed doing part of the actual score from John Williams E.T. that really showed the depth of this Grammy-winning orchestra. (After the concert I made a point to view some actual Grammys in the lobby.)

We had 12th row seats down on the main floor, no need to look through a zoom lens to see Burt as we did the year before. The Atlanta Symphony Hall had cameras that showed close ups of the performers. Last year I barely saw the members of Burt’s group – trumpet, sax, singers, etc. but with the video feed, they were shown doing their solo parts. A nice touch. Unfortunately there was a buzzing in the speakers from one of the microphones or some wire. I was the only one in my group to notice it but it was there, especially in those times Burt does those wonderful solos while playing the piano.

I knew the set would be much the same as the last time. And it was. The monologue was the same and the intro exits, etc., etc. God Give Me Strength was taken out and Etta’s (Love) Theme from Butch Cassidy was inserted. John Pagano who sang, GGMS last year did “Any Day Nowâ€￾. He is really, really good. Etta’s Theme was performed with the trumpet of Tom Ehlen and Dennis Wilson on clarinet from Burt’s traveling ensemble. The came out and did it together on center stage. I thought it was a tender moment. Encore was “Windows of the Worldâ€￾ beautifully done as ever and no second encore this year though the crowd clearly enjoyed every note.

Last years orchestra in Knoxville seemed more powerful. Or it could be that it was more of a thrill last year because it was my first concert? However, the strings did sound sumptuous on “Wives and Loversâ€￾. And I love the range of sound from the solo sax to full orchestra on “A House...â€￾
just gives me goose bumps.

Speaking of goose bumps, When Josie James does, “Anyone Who Had a Heartâ€￾, well, after that you could go home and fell completely entertained. That song is worth the price of admission alone. All three of the singers seemed more prominent in this production somehow. Well showcased.

Thank you, Mr. Bacharach.

We'll be there. Saw Burt last year in Knoxville. This time we are on main floor - much closer. stevegold: Mr. Bacharach is very gracious and you might be able to meet him. We did. Often there is a select group of patrons that have invites. But I don't know what the set up will be there. The song lis...

My family and I met Mr. Bacharach after a show in Knoxville - March 2004. He was very gracious as everyone as said. You never know what to say. I simply thanked him for writing music that has meant so much to me. I have a fantastic autograph on the sheet music for "What the World Needs.." ...

I was checking our local PBS schedule for December.
Looks like many stations will be airing a Dionne Warwick show from 1977.

In Concert Classics Dionne Warwick

"…Warwick demonstrates her versatility with an opening set of numbers made popular by other artists, offering spirited renditions of “Love Will Keep Us Togetherâ€￾ and “This Will Be.â€￾

"Many of the memorable songs in this concert (recorded on January 21, 1977 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) were written for Dionne Warwick by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, including 'Walk on By,' 'I'll Never Fall in Love Again,' 'Don't Make Me Over,' 'Say a Little Prayer' and 'Alfie,' among others. The collaboration of Warwick and Bacharach and David produced timeless hits, 14 of which are featured in this program."

It's on here in Knoxville on December 12 but other areas are earlier.

Last night on our local PBS station, I was watching SoundStage and was surprised to hear Cyndi Lauper do a rendition of "Walk On By". I realize she may not be on everyone's "A" list but the performance was O.K. (She used to be so "unusual".) http://www.pbs.org/wttw/soun...

Here's wishin' and hopin' you have great day!

Happy Birthday Burt

Now you've gone and done it. I enjoyed BB in Knoxville too and when I saw the Charlotte concert coming up I thought maybe we should go to it also.

But after reading your post, looks like I should definitely make plans.

Only wish I knew how to get really good seats.

We enjoyed Burt with the Symphony also last night (3/13/2004). The medleys were incredible.This was the first time I had seen him live and it was the experience of a lifetime. We sat in the center of the lower balcony and viewed right down the spotlight and could see every move has he conducted and ...