Introduction to Burt and his music

[burtchifan]

Hello to all.
I am a new member to the forum, but been a fan of Burt's music for a long, long time. I'm only 36, but Burt's music was always playing in the house. My mom loved the music of the 60's, especially Motown, R&B, and the like. My dad was a Chicago fan (the band), so, naturally, I grew to appreciate all kinds of music.
I remember listening to Dionne Warwick's songs: Walk On By, Anyone Who Had a Heart, Don't Make Me Over, Do You Know The Way To San Jose (is it Burt's longest-titled hit?), I Say A Little Prayer, etc, etc, etc. I liked those songs, they were catchy and fun to listen to- not easy-listening, but fun in that the tunes were just different from the other songs I heard growing up. Then, one day my mom put "Reach Out"- Burt's album- on LP! I was blown away. Those songs I had heard before just sounded different, and very nice. I would listen to all Burt's albums: Make It Easy On Yourself, Butch Cassidy sntdk, Burt Bacharach, Woman, Futures, Plays Hit Hits, Greatest Hits, Live In Japan, Casino Royale, What's New Pussycat?, After The Fox, and Lost Horizon (I hadn't seen the movie prior to listening to the album the first time). About the only album I still haven't heard (to this day)is Living Together. This era was the 80's, when I was in my early to late teens. During that time, Burt's 80's compositions were good as they had been in the 60's and 70's, but sounded 'soft' - don't get me wrong, I truly enjoyed those tunes: On My Own, That's What Friends are For, Heartlight, Love Power, etc.
It's important to note that I didn't know about the Lost Horizon fiasco or the Bacharach/David/Warwick split. To me, Burt was Burt and his music was new to me. When I read about all the things Burt went through, I was amazed, seeing how he managed to pick himself up and move forward with his career.
Fast-forwrd to 1998. I had been keeping up with his career. I bought 'Painted From Memory' and thought it was just an incredible album. Then, the unexpected: Burt and Elvis in concert at the Chicago Theatre in November, 1998! Saw the show, had a great time listening to al those tunes LIVE played by the men themsleves, especially Burt's songs played by the man himself. After the show, I waited outside the backstage entrance, as I had seen several people gathered and they told me that Burt greeted his fans after each show. After about 40 minutes, Elvis Costello came out: I approached him for an autograph, but he refused. I thought, "oh Well". Then Burt came out: smiling, and seemingly astonished to see a large crowd cheering him when he came out. I approached him, told him I was a huge fan, he smiled and said "Thank you very much, thank you". He gave me his autograph, and Elvis saw that, and he signed right below Burt.
In closing. I am particular to Burt's interpretations of his material. To me, his versions of the following songs are the definitive: Reach Out (For Me), Make It Easy On Yourself (he has limited singing, but he pours his heart out on this song), Wives and Lovers (70's version, not 60's version), Nikki, Pacific Coast Highway. I have yet to purchase "Live At the Sydney Opera House", but that is coming soon. (Sorry for the looong post)

[Blair N. Cummings]

Welcome!
A couple of treats are in store for you if you`ve not heard the mid-70s Stephanie Mills album,For the First Time and the near-contemporaneous Carole Bayer-Sager album, Sometimes Late at Night.
I don`t know if either is down-loadable somewhere or not, but they`re both worth seeking out.

[An Enormous BB Fan]

Welcome to this site, fellow Burt fan, burtchifan. Your post wasn't long at all... it was wonderful! And you're so correct that Burt's music is just different from everyone else's. It's uniquely Bacharach, and that's what make his music so special and wonderful. After all these years, I still can't believe all the amazing music Burt composed. But thank God he did!

[vincent.cole]

Welcome aboard Burtchifan!

It's always nice to have new members!

Try and find the, "Living Together CD." You will find many gems on it!

[Rio]

I think you post was sooo nice to read (not so loong). The songs you mentioned as among your favorites are among mine too. I am very partial re Burt's own (A&M) recordings of his songs. I've listened to A&M Bacharach before I listened other versions.
I don't know if you've listened to the songs from the movie "Together?" I particularly like I've Got My Mind Made Up. One of the many largely hidden gems.
What about the new song for Promises, Promises (You've Got It All Wrong) or his Oscar 2000 Overture or even his, in my opinion, sensational medley for that show? Great songs, great arrangements. (What an arranger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
What about Walking Tall (first Stuart Little movie)?
Every Other Hour/Come In Ogni Ora? Is it not mind-boggling?
I've been listening to For The Children (the CD arrived from Australia a couple of weeks ago) and it has become a rather emotional experience. Burt's repertoire is soooo wide-ranging and so damned good it hurts.
I look forward to your continued participation. (And I'm grateful to our webmaster, Mark, for having set up this forum and watching out for it so well.)

[Roberto Pinardi]

Hello new friend
Welcome

very great Bacharach's MUSIC:

Incidental music from Lost Horizon
Futures
Woman
Togheter?
Song from the children


Bye
ciao
Roberto

[bonkersforburt]

hi burtchifan,

welcome..you will find great friends here....you may run into us backstage....some of us are always there... and when we are not someone makes us feel we were with their wonderfully descriptive posts...( especially vincent). being here with other devoted fans is the next best thing to being at a concert.

[Jerry]

Hey There!

Welcome to this wonderful sight and the folks who populate it!!

i enjoyed your post immensely!

All The Best,

Jerry

[Tom Michael]

I used to have a copy of "Together" and lost it. Does anyone know where to find it?

[burtchifan]

Thank you all for the warmest of welcomes. It is great to see so many of Burt's fans on one place.
The 'youtube' posts are fascinating to say the least. So many songs, such brilliance. My respects to those who can write song after song and not repeating oneself. McCartney, Lennon, David, Lamm, Pankow, Cetera, Foster, Warren, Bayer-Sager, Newton-Howard, and of course- Bacharach. There are hundred others, but those songwriters have that special something that makes their tunes 'theirs'- a hook, a particualr style, etc.
Again, thank you for welcoming to the board and look forward to many, many postings as I read and share wonderful Bacharach info.
PS Does Burt read and/or post on this board? What does he think of the site? I think it's done with class, style, professionalism, and above all- RESPECT to Burt.
Thank you