The Burt Bacharach Discussion Forum

Hi geoff85, I think Billy Davis is just so underrated a singer, so much emotion in his vocals. Once the 5th Dimension disbanded, he continued on with wife, Marily McCoo and this is 'wonderful', here's "Wonderful",
absolutely fine sax solo from the great Ernie Watts:

He was a really great singer and really complemented the girls and other guys in 5D.

I know the band Swing Out Sister have been mentioned on this forum more than a few times for their obvious Bacharach influence. I don't know whether their song 'You On My Mind' has ever been posted here before but here it is anyway, although this probably owes just as much to Jimmy Webb and Tony Hatch as it does to BB, especially in the arrangement. Incidentally, I've seen Swing Out Sister play live just the once and they were supporting, yes, you've guessed it, the Great man himself:

Martin!
Clearly influenced by BB with an arrangement I'd associate with many of Petula Clark's successful recordings written, produced and arranged by Tony Hatch. ..... THANKS for posting this link. Burt should be flattered knowing his influence will endure forever - and - he continues to add to this influential legacy.

Yes Ron, Pet Clark with quite a lot of the 5th Dimension thrown in as well. If Bacharach, Tony Hatch and Jimmy Webb had got together to write and arrange a song circa 68 or 69 it might have come out sounding something like 'You On My Mind'. It's well known that Jimmy Webb orchestrated two of the tracks on Swing Out Sister's 'Kaleidoscope World' album from which 'You On My Mind' is taken and a terrific job he did too. Apart from Bacharach, Webb and Hatch, the other influences the album betrays are John Barry and Michel Legrand. Swing Out Sister are essentially Corinne Drewery and Andy Connell, two people of obvious talent, taste and discernment!

Here is another Swing Out Sister song with more than a bit of Bacharach in it - "Between Strangers"



Dave

Corinne Drewery IMOH has the perfect "Bacharach Voice" it's a great shame they've never
worked together.
Here's Swing Out Sister with "When The Laugher Is Over"...



"blue"

Martin,

I've seen Swing Out Sister three times in concert, and the time they backed BB at RAH was easily the worst. Put them in a small venue - eg. Jazz Cafe at Camden - and they seriously rock.

Blue, "When The Laughter Is Over" uses elements from a great track from Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends, "I Can See Only You" (from their first lp). That first album also includes a wonderful version of "Don't Go Breaking My Heart".

Here's Roger Nichols & the Small Circle of Friends, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart":

Thanks grooverider, one of the best versions I've ever heard....love the Harpsicord !
Another Roger Nichols song, with more than a "hint" of Bacharach.


"blue"

Great Herb Alpert track composed by Roger Nichols and Tony Asher.


"blue"

It's good to see Swing Out Sister getting so much attention here. Their 'Kaleidoscope World' is probably my favourite pop album of the last thirty years and it was really admirable the way they utilized all those influences (mainly B.Bacharach and J.Webb) to make beautifully crafted and memorable songs. A particular favourite track of mine is the one that probably owes the most to Bacharach, 'Forever Blue'. Listen out for Jimmy Webb's stunning orchestration:

Bonjour Sara D;

Thanks for posting this song! How refreshing to hear someone that can sing and that lovely music!

Take care;

Vincent

It's a pleasure, Vincent, and I couldn't agree more. 'Precious Words' is another track on Swing Out Sister's 'Kaleidoscope World' album to benefit from a wonderful Jimmy Webb orchestration. Again the Bacharach influence is palpable: