The Burt Bacharach Discussion Forum

B. J. Thomas discusses Hal David:



Here he discusses "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" and says the song changed his life and says that he never gets tired of singing it, and that he knew it would be a big hit:

Burt sings! Burt, Dionne, Carole Bayer Sager and Olivia Newton John singing, "Stronger Than Before":

The old ones are the best !!!


"blue"

What do you think of this version? It certainly doesn't have a "normal" Burt arrangement, does it? Maybe it has to grow on me and it's probably not fair of me to judge outside of a theatrical context; however, this version isn't rockin' my boat.

I'm sorry it's not Burt related.......just a tremendous performance !


All the very best everyone !
"blue"

Perversely, I like the above version of "Every Other Hour" better than any other I`ve heard. I`m not sure why; maybe the staccato piano. It just sounds more satisfyingly Bacharach-like to me.
While I`m at it, why will this "fail" if it can`t rent a theather on Forty-Sixth Street (or wherever)? Given the current economic realities and what has lately been filling seats in midtown, wouldn`t this just be a beautiful album on its own?

See Hal and Herb talk about Casino Royal. Hal talks about "The Look of Love" and also about how he and John Barry wrote "Moonraker" in one day. (It's funny--Hal admits that he doesn't know what a moonraker is.) Hal David seems like the nicest guy on the planet.

Hal also talks about "The Look of Love" and how Dusty Springfield is one of the greatest singers ever. That, of course, is so true.



By the way, if you're a fan of the James Bond movies and, in particular, the James Bond songs, this 14-part video series on youtube is well worth your time. And, oh, of course... if you're a John Barry fan (who isn't??), then you'll really love it.

Thanks Enormous !
And let's not forget this one...
In in my humble opinion, one of the most beautiful songs ever written.


"blue"

Enormous!

Re: "Moonraker" ....... At the risk of being accused of having all my taste in my mouth - I have always liked the song and Shirley Bassey's performance. ....... I know many many songs are written in a day or less; however, the fact that John and Hal were given just 24 hours to come up with it is a testimonial to the talents of these 2 men. .... I could not imagine anyone other than Shirley Bassey singing "Moonraker". .... Given all of her great recordings over her 50+ year career - my least favorites are her interpretations of Bacharach / David classics.

With the exception of "The Look of Love" even Dusty Springfield's Bacharach / David recordings were inferior to Dionne Warwick's. ..... Bassey and Springfield along with Warwick are among my all-time favorite vocalists (for over 40 years)

Note: Could not agree with you more - "Hal David seems like the nicest guy on the planet" ........ Classiest too! ....... I've met Burt - spent time with Dionne - and would really like to visit with Hal David.

I know some of my fellow forum participants are not impressed with the various tributes honoring performing artists; however, I must say that after watching the Kennedy Center program this week - I could envision Burt, Hal & Dionne sitting in that upper balcony being honored for their incomparable contributions. ......... Hope that can happen while they are all able to attend!

Ron, I know we`ve disagreed on some points here before but we certainly agree that Hal "seems like the nicest guy on the planet." If you have ever watched any interviews with Nikki Jean (and, no, I still don`t know her), you might agree that she seems like the nicest woman on the planet as well as one of the best singers. Wouldn`t it be fun to hear what Burt and Hal could compose for her? I wonder if such a project wouldn`t energise(especially) Burt as much as the Painted From Memory effort did.

Blair! ..... I'm beginning to think that 2012 may find us agreeing more and more! ...... Nikki Jean has that "certain something" in her voice, looks and presence that when combined with the creative skills of Burt & Hal could produce an impressive result! ...... Although many - including Burt - think that the days of hit singles are behind us there are some notable exceptions (Adele, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Rhianna, Beyonce) ...... Nikki Jean with the proper material could be among them!

Burt is not a song but that seems written by Burt .....
Mario Biondi & Chiara Civello



All I Really Want

Bye
Rob

breaking up....is so very hard to do.


"blue"

Sounds great until she gets to the word "so" and they play the V chord instead of the ii chord. I had to listen to the Jerry Butler version to clear my mind.