A recent interview with Burt

[An Enormous BB Fan]

Burt Bacharach wrote some of the most memorable pop songs of the 20th century: Such sophisticated cocktail tunes as Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head, One Less Bell To Answer, This Guy's In Love With You and (They Long to Be) Close To You. And that's not even mentioning the immortal string of hits he wrote and produced for Dionne Warwick, with Anyone Who Had a Heart and I Say a Little Prayer standing tall among them.

At age 80, Bacharach has a live album due next month and still does concerts around the globe, including his concert Sept. 28 at the Orpheum in Phoenix. He called from his home in California to chat up the gig.

Question: Is performing live something you enjoy?

Answer: As a composer, you sit in a room by yourself. You write music and it gets popular or it doesn't get popular. There's something very gratifying about getting on a stage and playing your own music.

Q: Because you've written so many songs, some of your fans probably know your material better than you.

A: We will talk and songs will come up that even I forgot I wrote. I'm very proud of the stockpile that I've written. Also, it's very important for me to keep writing, even though these are much tougher times for songs to emerge and become popular.

Q: Why do you think that is?

A: Unless you get attached to a movie, people don't hear it. Radio sucks. The record companies are in huge trouble. Here's an indication: I've got a new album coming in the latter part of October. The launch of it? I'm going on QVC. That gives you an indication of how the business has changed.

Q: Plus, in the '60s, 30 different singers might record one of your songs.

A: Yeah, you don't get cover versions anymore. That's another thing. A lot of these great artists that don't write their own songs aren't on labels anymore. Patti LaBelle, Aretha Franklin . . . I don't think they're on labels.

Q: Who would you want to work with still?

A: Aretha and Gladys (Knight), but I've recorded them. A lot of great artists, like Alicia Keys and Coldplay, are totally self-sufficient.

Q: You worked with Dutch singer Trijntje Oosterhuis on two great albums of your material recently.

A: She's great. When I was in Japan on tour this year, she came over and did a couple of numbers onstage with us. I really enjoy her. She has a great feeling.

Q: It's too bad the albums didn't get more exposure in the U.S.

A: The industry is so stricken, so impoverished. God knows we tried to make those records happen in the States. You know, it's just indicative of the way the market is. Then again, maybe if her name wasn't Trijntje Oosterhuis?

Q: What do you think are best recordings you've made?

A: There are maybe two where I think everything fits: the vocals, the mix, everything. That would be On My Own by Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald, and That's What Friends Are For by Dionne. For me, that one comes as close to perfection as I get.

Q: Do you ever think about retiring?

A: People always ask me that, and the answer is no. It's a losing proposition. It's important to work. I'll keep writing, even if there is nowhere to go with the music.

Q: Do you still have the same hunger for music you did when you were young?

A: I do not. I have two young kids and it is important to me to spend time with them and to be involved with them. I have a 15-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter. I want to be with them. I want them to know me.

From: http://www.azcentral.com/ent/music/arti ... arach.html

I'm wondering why Burt cancelled his Phoenix show. I hope all is well with Burt. Maybe someone here can email someone who would know and then let us know.

[vincent.cole]

Bonjour 'An Enormous BB Fan';

Pour ticket sales is why the concert was cancelled!!!

Hey, it goes along with the articule!

I think the temperature in Phoenix has affected the people out their! I am sure there are many fans from New York, LA, LA Land & Chicago who enjoy Burt’s music who live in the ‘Valley of the Sun!’

I guess the people out their, did not get the word out that a living Legend was coming!

Take care mon ami.

Vincent

[steveo_1965]

Enormous,
Thanks very much for this little inteview with Burt..enjoyed it!

Steveo

Hi Vince!

[vincent.cole]

Bonjour Steve O;

Hope you are doing well!

Take care mon ami.

Vincent