(answers to these questions
posted in March
2008)
Hello David,
My wife and I were fortunate to get tickets a few years ago to see
James Taylor in Birmingham. I was so amazed to hear how similar
the live concert was to his recordings. I wanted to say that what
impressed me as much or more than James was your sound. That
night I remember James announcing that it was your birthday, and that
you didn't want a big-to-do about it. Recently I saw the James
Taylor Live album and bought it. I was so glad that you were on
that recording. The album has Arnold singing a solo part on
"Shower The People" as he did that night in Birmingham, but I didn't
hear or notice a song where yourself and others did a similar
'spotlight' portion. Are there James Taylor songs where you are
spotlighted either in recording or live? By the way, you all
'make' James Taylor.
Best,
Tom
Thanks, Tom. Years ago, I
would share the live "Shower" fade with Phil Ballou only when Arnold
was not there. It's just not my best thing – "gospel fades"
– ha ha. Mostly, "Shower" is a rough key for me to riff
in. I do solo step-out types of things on certain recorded JT
songs, like "Down in the Hole," "October Road," "Hard Times," and a lot
of songs on the That's Why I'm Here album. Many of those
are just James and me -- for example, "Turn Away " is just the
two of us stacking vocals, like maybe three tracks. So
technically, some of the credits on that album are not correct because
the credits are sometimes already printed, and then we go in and change
stuff and it's too late for the sleeve, which is often already printed
by then. That's Why I'm Here, the album, was one of those
where I went to New York at the last minute and "fixed" and replaced
some things with JT. Usually, though, almost always, for James
Taylor recordings it's almost the entire group of singers. By the
way, we (the entire group of singers) have just recorded an album of
cover tunes with James. What he's done is just brilliant, and I
can't wait to hear it. Look for us on tour this summer
(2008). The closest we'll be to Birmingham is at Chastain Park in
Atlanta.
David
I really love the song "Small Town Change." How did you get the idea to write it?
Natalie
I'm not sure, maybe because I was a
country boy, and (my co-writer) Don Yowell a city boy – something
about the differences and similarities. I love that song
too. Thanks.
David
First of all, I want you to
know how much I love Missin' Twenty Grand, an album I bought at
Kendricks Records in Detroit when it was released. I am listening
to the great Candi Staton track, "Young Hearts Run Free," and I thought
I recognizd your voice in the background. I don't have the LP,
just the cut off of iTunes, and the web hasn't helped me. I
noticed that your friend and frequent colleague Fonzi Thornton sings
back-up on a subsequent Staton LP, so I thought it possible you were
there in '76 providing those great vocals. Could you corroborate
or disabuse me of this? Thanks so much.
Alice
No, that's not me on Candi Staton. It's probably Luther, Fonzi, Michelle Cobbs or Robin Clark. They're so great.
David
Dear David,
I haven't any questions but I wanted to thank you for one of the most
memorable nights of my life in Charlottesville, Virginia 2006. I
have been to many, many of the summer tours (James Taylor) over the
years. That night I was up-front and so close to the stage at the
concert, that I could actually SEE the feeling with which each word was
sung --what a fabulous concert. I have looked forward to each
tour, the music... the swelling of my spirit at the encore's end.
It was truly a treat to see you sing. I have loved your songs
over the years; your poetry is among the most beautiful ever written --
you amaze me. Thank you for making my heart so very happy.
Cheryl
Thank you, Cheryl, for liking my
poetry. I love doing it. Also, the 2008 JT tour brings us
to Virgina Beach this year. Sorry we don't come through
Charlottesville – it's a beautiful city.
David
Hi David,
My friend Mark and I dedicated an unofficial website to Nick
Kamen. We worked hard to find him, and we got some news and an
interview dated 2002. Please could you tell some memories you
have about him? Something special you remember?
Regards,
Roby
I really enjoyed working on Nick
Kamen's record. He did a great job of "Help Me Baby" (my
song). He was kind enough to attend one of my live shows at "At
My Place." He was a sweet guy, very nice.
David
Hello David,
I love what you do. I just wanted to tell you that first
off!!! You did an opening for Phoebe Snow, way way back in the
80's. It aired on some TV show. I videotaped it, but of
course, I have no idea what became of the tape. The song you did
was a ballad. It ended with you scatting these Godly, angelic
sounds out of your mouth. What was that song, and does it sound
anything like that on the recording? Whatever the case, even if
you don't know what I'm talking about, I will find it!!! I
remember loving your performance! Your music was so
beautiful. I love what you do with James.
God bless you,
Joshua
Thanks so much. That show was
the 1988 “Reno Sweeney Reunion” at the Bottom Line in
New York, broadcast on A & E produced by Marsha Malamet. The
song I was singing is "Warm as the Wind," It is from my CD SOLDIERS ON THE MOON. It's a beautiful tune from Don Yowell (who I wrote "Small Town Change" with, see above, a great writer).
David
Dear David:
I've been a big fan of yours since the Rosie days. I was
EXTREMELY happy to discover I can get these recordings on CD!
However, they're sold out. Are there more to be had in the
future? I think Soldiers on the Moon is stellar -- makes
me cry everytime I play the title song as well as "Warm as the
Wind." You're a great artist! Thanks for the music.
Love and regards,
Patricia
Thanks Patricia. I'm sorry,
the Rosie CDs are sold out, and I don't know when we'll be getting any
more, but you might consider ordering DEMOS VOL. 2
because it's mostly me with Lynn Pitney on vocals, and some tunes were
written with Lana, so it almost sounds like what a third Rosie record
would have been.
David
Hi David,
I'm a singer/songwriter who's recently been asked to do vocals for a
remixed version of a song. So, essentially a work for hire.
The producer asked me to think about what I would charge for
this. I really don't have any point of reference as to what to
charge. Can you please shed some light as to what the range is
for this type of work? Also, are there any respective agreements
in terms of royalties should the song hit or is this arrangement
typically ONLY a work for hire? Many thanks in advance for your
help.
Regards,
MJ
It's a bit difficult to answer your
questions, though I do understand you need answers sometimes,
huh? No, there are no royalties for background singers.
Yes, you are always a "work for hire." There would never be a
contract unless possibly you did a guest lead vocal on, say, a jazz
CD. Perhaps you should refer to the AFTRA union website.
There are rates for solo backgrounds, duos, groups, etc. You are
allowed one session ("Taft-Hartley") before you must join AFTRA, or you
can work "off the books," which I don't recommend.
David
Dear Mr. Lasley,
As a fan, you have helped me through my life so many times. My
friend Rudy reintroduced me to you via other music that you have made
through the years. I hope you don't mind me writing to you, but I
wanted to let you know that the duet with Luther that Rudy played me on
my last vacation to LA was just so beautiful. Thank you so much
for such wonderful music.
God bless,
Kevin
Thanks so much, Kevin. I agree about the duet.
David
Did you do the Aunt Jemima pancake jingle on the 1967 or 1968 TV commercial?
G
Radio only – it was 1987 or 1988.
David
Hello sir,
I've been a fan for years! I too am a session singer in upstate
NY but have hopes of moving to LA to do it there. Do you have any
suggestions on who to call or contact for jobs?
Patty
Patty, did you consider Manhattan
for session work? It's pretty slow in LA workwise, even for us
"old school divas" (that's a joke). I don't really have any
contacts. I don't have an agent and never have. It's sort
of "word of mouth" until you get established.
David
Who sang the vocal at the end of "Shower the People" on James Taylor's Live album? Was that you?
Diane
No, it was Arnold McCuller.
David
Where did the inspiration come for writing "Lead Me On," and did you chose Maxine Nightengale to sing it?
Davan
It was a pop song written by Allee
Willis and myself, not about a love relationship. It was sent to
Maxine by the late great Shelly Weiss.
David
Click HERE to read more "Ask David"
|
