(date indicates the day that David answered the question)

QUESTION:
What is the correct lyric in one of the songs you sang backgrounds, "Who Comes This Night," on James Taylor's Christmas album. Is it "Brother Joseph bring the lamb?" Or is it "lamp"? 

Jenn

DAVID'S ANSWER - 12/8/04

Lamp? Ha, ha, that's funny. Who thought that up? No, it's LAMB, as in lamb of God.

David

QUESTION:
It was rumored at one time that you were thinking about doing a CD of Laura Nyro's music.  Will you venture there?  I sure hope so.  A man doing Laura covers would be sooooo excellent. 

Jody

DAVID'S ANSWER - 8/9/04

Yes, I'm one-third done, but it's going to be a while before it comes out, a year at least.

David

QUESTION:
Hello, David!  I am from the Philippines.  Anyway, the reason I wrote is because of a cassette album I bought when I was a freshman in college back in 1985 -- RAINDANCE. 

I was browsing along the racks of jazz albums when I chanced upon this album right after I picked up a Rufus album (I think it was Maze).  I had no idea back then who you are or what have you done before.  I was very deep in the neck with new wave bands and occasionally jazz artists.  But just the same, I bought it for curiosity sake.  At first, I couldn't really relate on the songs.  It took me a while to really like them,  but eventually I did.  It was indeed, as some write-ups have mentioned, way ahead of its time.  Up until this day, I have never thought nor imagined how lucky I am to have that tape.  And only now, as I write this, have I realized how rich your musical backgrounds and experiences are.  It's the "who's who" of today's top pop and jazz artists!  I'm sure working with these talented singers, musicians, and the like is a gem to treasure.

My most favorite track on this album, ironically, probably the least famous among the lot, is "Euripedes Meets the Shangri-Las."  The other songs I like are "Afterglow," "Oh," "It's A Crying Shame," "Saved By Love" and the funky-sounding "Don't Smile At Me… I Already Know."  It never fails to give me a quirky smile.

It's just a wonder to me why you never seemed to hit the supertar status, as most of the artists you have worked with have.  Boy, I have probably sung "Jojo" a hundred times not knowing it's your own composition.  Or probably you prefer to be behind the limelight, and that's very respectful of you.

It's a shame, though, that this album was not converted into a CD format.  A lot of people I'm sure would love to have a copy of their own, me included. 

I hope you continue singing.  Yours is a legacy that we, the chosen few, have the greatest honor of discovering.  THANKS!!!!

Glenn

P.S.  Man, you never cease to amaze me!  Just today, I read in the LINKS part of this website that you wrote "Shaker Song" by The Manhattan Transfer.  WOW!  This is not just a song sung by a famous group.  THIS is a song that they can truly claim one of their greatest, ever!  Every day seems to be a learning experience to me.  I am eating my humble pie, and loads of it. 

Hope to discover more of your work.  If it's not too tiring for you to jot down ('cause I know you're busy as a bee, plus the fact that it could very well be that the credits are too many to mention), I'd be glad to know more of the works you have written for the jazz greats who may or may not be in my collections already.

Toast to a true humble shining star.

DAVID'S ANSWER - 8/9/04

Hi Glenn,

Thanks for all your kind words and especially for liking RAINDANCE.  Regarding my songwriting credits, you can see my SONGWRITER DISCOGRAPHY here on our site.  For "Shaker Song," I wrote lyrics to this with Allee Willis.  I like this cool and difficult song.  Janis did a great vocal.

David

QUESTIONS from Tina and DAVID'S ANSWERS- 8/9/04

1. How did you get into this career?
Listened to records.

2. How much was your first pay?
$1.00

3. Is this the type of job you would recommend others to get into?
No?

4. Is it true that there are a lot of drugs in this career because of all of the pressure that people are in?
Where?

5. Is this a stressful career?  If so, does it drive you to do drugs?
Aspirin.

6. What do you think and feel about this career?  If you were retired, would you enter this career again if you had a chance to?  What would you say is one of the problems from keeping people entering this career?  What would you say that the formal definition of this career is?  How does one advance in this career?  What would you say that the character traits are for people to be successful in this career?
What career???

7. If you could do all of it again, assuming that you were still retired, what would you do again and why?
Do what?

8. What exactly are the daily environments that you are in?
Smog.

9. When exactly does a person retire in this career?  Is it when they feel they get too old or is there a certain age?
When they've had too much smog.

10. What would you say that some of the related occupations are?
Therapist.

11. Are there any certain job titles or positions that you go through?  (A certain type of ladder?)
I never walk near ladders.

12. Assuming I had the proper training, education and the experience, how likely am I to get into this career?
Your chance could be excellent.

13. Assuming I did get into this career what would it be like?
Like work.

14. Do you have any advice for those that would like to get into this career? 
Sing, sing, sing!

15. How exactly would one find a job like this?  Is there something important that they have to do?
Disregard people who ask you to ask other people questions like these. Tina, sorry that I didn't take most of your questions very seriously.  I have always had an aversion to personality tests.

David

QUESTION:
Good morning.  I live in Canada, and I find it extremely difficult to a find place to go to start out with background vocals or vocals period.  Where would you advise to go or who to ask to start off in such a high strong industry?  Thanks!

Nikki 

QUESTION:
I would like to become a background singer, and I am an amateur.  I sang in high school,  and now I am 38 but I still sing in my personal life.  I know I need training but I would like to do this.  It's something I have always thought about.  I just need to know where to start.  Who do I contact?  What can I be doing right now to get me on my way?  I really have a nice voice, and everyone always tells me I should have pursued my singing, so now maybe as a background singer I might have a chance.  Thank you, and I hope to hear from you.

AJ

DAVID'S ANSWER - 8/9/04

Nikki, possibly someone at a Canadian recording studio or music publisher would be able to give you some suggestions.

AJ (and Nikki, too), see if you can perform at an open mike night near you at a club, cabaret or even comedy club.
 

David

QUESTION:
David, I'm curious how you ended up singing backing vocals on three songs, "Speedin' Back To My Baby," "New York Groove," and "What's On Your Mind" on Ace Frehley's 1978 solo album.  What do you recall of the experience and sessions?  Regards. 

Julian

 DAVID'S ANSWER - 8/9/04

We did the Ace F. session in one day at a studio above Radio City Music Hall known for rock n' roll dates.  Eddie Kramer produced, and Susan Collins contracted (booked).  The singers were David Lasley, Susan Collins, Lynn Pitney, Benny Diggs, Phil Ballou and Don Yowell.  My only recollection was there was a lot of booze in sight (not for the background vocalists).  But it was a great session and I was happy that "New York Groove" became such a huge hit. 

David

QUESTION:
I recently saw you in an MCI commercial, and I was wondering if they had to have your permission or not?

Richard

 DAVID'S ANSWER - 8/9/04

Yes, the MCI commercial with James Taylor features footage of our Live at the Beacon concert, and we had to sign off on that.  Wasn't it fun to watch?  Everyone I know has told me how many times they've seen it on cable channels.  Believe it or not, even though I've seen a video of the spot, I've never seen it on TV!

David

QUESTION:
Hi David.  I was at the James Taylor show [in January 2004] at the Mohegan Sun Arena.  I didn't see you in your usual spot on the stage next to Arnold McCuller.  Are you still touring with JT?  Thanks.

Mark

QUESTION:
David, just a quick note to say that we saw the January 2004 show at Mohegan Sun, and we were a little disappointed not to see you, and Valerie too, performing.  We were at both Mansfield (Massachusetts) shows last June and enjoyed them immensely.  I guess we will resume trying to wear out our Live at the Beacon DVD, an amazing production which highlights so many great talents.  We hope to see everyone together at the next show we get to go to.  We love your voice and songs. 

Ken

DAVID'S ANSWER - 8/9/04

Thanks Mark, and thanks Ken!  I toured with JT in the summer of 2003 (see my TALES FROM THE ROAD).  The most recent thing I've done with James after that was singing background vocals on four songs for his upcoming Christmas CD.

David

QUESTION:
Hi - I'm a big fan.  Can you tell me the story behind the background session for that meeting of the super-divas, Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer on "Enough is Enough?"  I've heard that Luther Vandross arranged the background vocals and is also singing on the track.  Why were you both uncredited?  Were Streisand and Summer present when you were recording the backgrounds? 

Another question I have is that I heard you sang all the vocals on one of the Delfonics' last albums -- is that Alive and Kicking?  If not, please tell me which one so I can track it down.

Lastly, how did you meet Luther in the first place?  I'm sure there's an interesting story there.  Have you been in touch since his stroke?

Anyway, I'll check back for responses.  I can't wait to hear from you.  In the meantime, I'm off to listen to "You Bring Me Joy."  Thanks.

Seth 

 DAVID'S ANSWER - 8/9/04

Seth, thanks for your nice note, and I'm glad you like "You Bring Me Joy."

You're right about "Enough is Enough."  The singers are in fact Luther Vandross, David Lasley, and Stephanie Sphruill.  The LP credits are incorrect if it says it’s the Waters Singers (Oren, Julia, Maxine and Luther Waters).  I don't know if they ever did sing on that song before us, but the album jacket and sleeve were already at the pressing plant when Luther, Stephanie and I went in to sing.  In other words, the text with the Waters info was already printed and couldn't be changed. 

Barbra and Donna were not there when we sang.  The session was at Village Recorders in Los Angeles, and it went quickly. 

I've tried to change the credits to the correct ones.  It's not the Waters' fault, of course.  It happened often in those days.  Many Boz Scaggs credits are incorrect.  Even James Taylor's That's Why I'm Here credits are wrong.  For example, on "Turn Away" on that album, it's just James and me singing, even though the credits list some others and me.  I re-did a lot of the background vocals on that album, but the jacket and sleeve were pressed already by the time I did so.

As far as the Delphonics question, you're partly correct.  Luther and myself did the group vocals for an Arista single called "I Don't Care What People Say" and the A side, "Don't Throw It All Away."  We didn't do leads, just backgrounds.  I am looking for that recording myself.  I have a 45 with the A side only on both sides.  "I Don't Care What People Say" is great.  It was produced by Rick Chertoff.

I met Luther at a birthday party for Andre DeShields in January 1974.  I have talked to him on the phone a couple of times since his stroke, and I've seen him once.  See my TALES FROM THE ROAD from last summer for more on that.
 

David

QUESTION:
What is the difference between singing in the studio and singing on stage?

Rachel 

DAVID'S ANSWER - 8/9/04

I would say that I sing softer and with more finesse in the studio and that I sing a bit louder live.

David

QUESTION:
I'm a internet radio programmer for Live365.com's "Smooth Jazz and More."  I was looking for the Whitney Houston version of the song "Dancin' On The Smooth Edge" for four years.  To this day, I still can't find it.  However, I put a search for the song on Amazon.com and found your version, which is not only a great version of the track, but, to my surprise, you were the co-writer of the song.

Mike 

DAVID'S ANSWER - 8/9/04

Thanks, I'm glad you like that song.  It's on my EXPECTATIONS OF LOVE CD, which is available here on my web site.  It's also available at Amazon.com, and you're right, there is an MP3 of it on EXPECTATIONS' Amazon.com page.  "Smooth Edge" is also the B side of Whitney Houston's "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" (1995) and "All The Man I Need" (1988).

David

Webmaster's Note: 
Buying EXPECTATIONS OF LOVE is less expensive by buying it directly through our site than at Amazon.  Click HERE for information about ordering it and all of David's recordings.  Also, our SOUNDS page has Real Audio-format songs and excerpts of songs from all of David's CDs.  You can access the MP3 of "Dancin' On the Smooth Edge" by clicking HERE.

QUESTION:
Hi.  I am 13.  I have a question.  When you sing, how do you breathe without stopping?

Angelica

 DAVID'S ANSWER - 8/9/04

You breathe in between phrases.  For example,
"You are so beautiful" (breathe)
"So beautiful to me" (breathe)
etc.

David

QUESTION:
Hi David.  I have just discovered you after watching you with James Taylor and realize that I can buy some of your own CDs, which is great.  I just wondered whether you were married or had children, and which of your songs might have been inspired by this.  I think you are a wonderful songwriter and you have the most amazing voice.  Love and respect from a fellow singer.

Kim

 DAVID'S ANSWER - 8/9/04

Thanks, Kim.  I'm not married, and I have no children, but I have many neices and nephews that I'm very close to. 

David

QUESTION:
I am having a discussion with my grandson about the name Lasley.  Could you share with me what you can about that name, its derivative, etc.  We are wondering if he could be distantly related to you.  Thank you very much ahead of time

Nancy 

DAVID'S ANSWER - 8/9/04

I know that there are a great many people with the name Lasley, and I also know that I am probably related to quite a few of them, but as for the derivative of the name, I don't know.  There seem to be a lot of geneology web sites, so perhaps you could find something on one of those.  I've found a lot of the Lasleys I've met in the Midwest are African-American.  Cool!

David

QUESTION:
I was mesmerized by your voice on the song "What Did You Do To Yourself" at the end of  the movie Rhinoceros.  It ran the other night on the TV, and I wrote down your name as soon as the credit rolled by.  Is it possible to find this recording of the song?  Your talent was a delight to behold.  Thanks.

David

 DAVID'S ANSWER - 8/9/04

David, thank you very much. Rhinoceros has just been released on DVD, so I got to hear myself singing that song recently for the first time in many years.  As far as I know, it's not been released on CD.  The song was written by Galt MacDermot, who wrote the music for Hair and Dude (I was in both shows).  Watch for a clip of this song on our site some time in the next few months.

David

QUESTION:
As a Valerie Carter fan for 29 years, I thank you for the homage to Valerie at the end of your Tales from the Road.  Valerie's own website closed in January, so fans such as myself have no way of following her music.  You can't imagine how this feels.  I'm sure you'll know what she's up to... could you promise to keep us posted somewhat?  I'd hate to miss any CD she's on, or the chance to see her perform live somewhere. 

I think that the four of you together [you, Val, Kate Markowitz and Arnold McCuller] were a backing group the level of which may never be seen again.  I'd love to see a CD from you as a group, each one featured on a few cuts.  That would be exciting, and you've got a big fan base for it.

By the way, there's only one David Lasley, too.

Jerry

 DAVID'S ANSWER - 8/9/04

Jerry, that's very nice of you to say.  Thank you! 

David

QUESTION:
I have enjoyed hearing and seeing you perform quite a number of times with JT and just wanted to say that I missed seeing you at the Gorge in George, WA, last September.  I'd seen you perform earlier in the tour in Birmingham, AL (May 28th), at one of the "sheds," as you call them. 

Your "notes from the road" feature is good stuff.  It offers a glimpse into a world that most will never experience.  I've attended a number of shows but have never understood just what it takes for you all to put it together, again and again.  Please tell us when and where your next projects will take you so that we may be there as well. You will be sorely missed by many.  Thanks for your splendid work.

Charlie

 DAVID'S ANSWER - 8/9/04

Thanks, Charlie.  My TALES FROM THE ROAD and TALES FROM HOME installments will continue, so you can keep an eye on my web site for news of my latest exploits.  You can also subscribe to our email list to get periodic updates.  Use the box on our HOME page.

David

QUESTION:
Hi David.  Where can I get your MISSIN' TWENTY GRAND and RAINDANCE recordings?  Been trying for some years now!  Stay beautiful.

Paul (loyal UK fan!)

DAVID'S ANSWER - 8/9/04

Paul, MISSIN' TWENTY GRAND is available right here on our CONTACT/SHOP page.  Couldn't be easier!  RAINDANCE is still only available on vinyl, but you can sometimes pick up a copy on eBay. 

David

QUESTION:
I go from time to time to your website to see what's new.  I remember you answering a question some time ago about the Mascara album.  Well, I guess I am one of the lucky people who just obtained a copy of that via eBay. That track is cool, it is just so amazing!!!

I knew the track for some time now because a great gentleman from England has that track to listen to on the Luther Vandross page of his SoulWalking website.

It's a site really well worth checking out!!!  I consider myself very lucky to have a copy of that album now on CD.

Some time ago I participated in an online chat with Luther, and I got a question through to him about that track.  He said he remembers that period of his life as one of the happiest ones and that he still has the same friends from that time now.

Greetings,
Karin

P.S. Leon, I hope you read my question also.

DAVID'S ANSWER - 8/9/04

Karin, recording that song, "It's Cool," was a happy time for me, too!  We do know of the SoulWalking web site, and we've had a link to it from our LINKS page for some time now.  That site has a page about me as well [click HERE]. Mascara vocals were all by Luther Vandross, Ula Hedwig and myself. 

David

QUESTION:
I've gotta tell you David, I've seen the last two James Taylor shows at Darien Lake in western New York, and the first time, when you guys came on stage for "Everyday," I cried.  Well, anyways, why don't they ever let you "open up" like they let Arnold McCuller on "Shower The People"?  Did it ever come up?

Ray

 DAVID'S ANSWER - 8/9/04

Actually, Philip Ballou and I both used to do the "Shower the People" ending alone and together in the early 1990s. 

David

QUESTION:
Hi David.  I've posted to the section of your web site several times over the years, and you have been kind enough to respond.  Just wondering what you are doing now musically.  Do you give voice lessons?

Denny

 DAVID'S ANSWER - 8/9/04

Hi, Denny, thanks for your continued interest.  I'm doing background vocals sessions and songwriting.  I don't teach, but I've been thinking about it for later on. 

David

QUESTION:
You had written a song called "Very Special" that was a duet preformed by the Laws.  I had recently heard that the Laws re-made that song, so my question is who originally sang that song, and when did it first come out? 

Lauren

 DAVID'S ANSWER - 8/9/04

The artist was actually Debra Laws, and the album was titled Very Special.  My songs on it were "Meant for You" and "All the Things I Love."  Debra is the one who originally recorded it.  My version of "Meant for You" is on my EXPECTATIONS OF LOVE CD. 

David

QUESTION:
I came across your site by mistake, and it's the best mistake I ever made!  I had no idea that so many of my favorite songs were written by one musical genius!  I'm not sure where to start but I'll give it a go!

My favorite of your compositions is Donna Washington's "'Scuse Me While I Fall In Love."  What a wonderful tune!  It really should have been a much bigger hit.  I love the bass playing, and the background vocal arrangement is flawless!  Donna Washington has such a wonderful, powerful voice!  What can you tell me about her and the making of that song?

I also would love for you to tell me anything that you can remember about working with my favorite singer of all time, the very underrated Miss Cheryl Lynn.  I've always felt that she has never received the credit she deserves!

Thank you for the music!

Rod 

DAVID'S ANSWER - 11/1/03

Rod, thank you very much for the nice compliments! 

I agree with you about Donna Washington's voice, I also love it.  I wrote "'Scuse Me" with Luther Vandross, and our demo of the song appears on my DEMOS CD (Cool Sound release, 1999).  I wasn't involved with the making of the Donna Washington version but was very happy with it.  Donna also cut "I See Home," another song of mine, on that same LP. 

I also love Cheryl Lynn's voice.  We have done a lot of Luther's sessions together,  Cheryl, Paulette McWilliams and myself, and I also did quite a few radio jingles for Seagram's Wine Cooler, etc., with Cheryl.  She and I did duets and sound fabulous together (if I do say so myself).  If you remind me, and if I can find it, I'll make you a copy of one of my favorites.

David

QUESTION:
Who are your favorite unknown or up-and-coming R&B singers working out of NY?  Thanks. 

Rick

DAVID'S ANSWER - 11/1/03

Mike Harvey, a New York jingle singer and songwriter is great.  Outside New York, I love an Atlanta singer named Donnie, whose CD is The Colored Section, and also a 16-year-old U.K. girl singer, but I can't remember her name!

David

QUESTION:
Recently saw your JT show in San Antonio, Texas.  I know that it was hot and humid -- I could see you all sweating.  My question is, does that bother you when you sing?  And how do you keep your throat hydrated??  Great show as always.  Do you miss Carlos Vega?  Thanks.

Richard

DAVID'S ANSWER - 11/1/03

Yes, the heat is rough.  I drink tons of water and sing through it.  Regarding Carlos, of course I miss him - I think of him often.

David

QUESTION:
Do you have a link to your lyrics anywhere?  I especially love your song "Help Me Baby."  I like Nick Kamen's cover of it a lot.  Thanks.

Mark

DAVID'S ANSWER - 11/1/03

Mark, thank you for the compliment about that record by Nick Kamen.  It was a very big record in Italy and other countries in Europe.  There is no link to lyrics for that song that I know of.  Thanks again.

David

QUESTION:
Surely your music expresses your personality in a big way, but what else is there?  Imagine having a "voice out" with doctor's order to relax for a fortnight and just do what you like, but NOT sing.  What would you choose to do?  Hot air ballooning, veg-ing on the beach, rock scaling, museums, putting your feet up on Uncle Doug's farm porch?!?  Just what?

Wishing for you to always keep your exciting voice true, and this a hypothetical question.  Greetings from Germany.

Ama

DAVID'S ANSWER - 11/1/03

I would just get out the paints and canvas and paint some pictures!

David

QUESTION:
I truly enjoy reading your TALES FROM HOME.  I am a huge fan of James Taylor and you talented guys and gals in the band.  It offers me an insight to what your life is like as a musician on the road as well as the kind of sensitive person you are.  I never miss a concert.

I am sorry about your losses of family members.  I can tell that family is very important to you as it is to me.  As I always say, "Blood is thicker than mud."  No one can ever replace family.  My question is, do you draw on these life experiences for your songwriting?  I'm sure you do, and if you do, does it help with the healing of losing a loved one? 

Thank you for your music. You are so talented and bring much joy to my life when I hear you.  I will be at the James Taylor concert on July 3, 2003, at Jones Beach.  I will, as always, be so happy to see you on stage with James.

Take care David.

Carla

DAVID'S ANSWER - 11/1/03

Thanks, Carla.  I think that my poetry (especially what I post on my web site), does help me to deal with the losses in my life.

Did you see the first or second (WINDY!) night at Jones Beach this year?

David

QUESTION:
Your EXPECTATIONS OF LOVE is the best CD I have ever bought - and I have many, many CDs!  Is there any chance you will be touring Great Britain in the future?

Veronica

DAVID'S ANSWER - 11/1/03

Thanks for your compliment about EXPECTATIONS!  Realistically, I probably won't get to come to the U.K. soon, but I wouldn't rule it out!

David

QUESTION:
I love the songs you wrote with Peter Allen, especially "I Don't Go Shopping," "Sweetest Music" and "Somebody's Angel."  Are there any other songs that you and Peter wrote together?  Thank you.

Konta (Japan)

DAVID'S ANSWER - 11/1/03

Yes, we also wrote "Flying Sails" and "Nobody" and one or two others.  I love "Shopping" and "Somebody's Angel."  I enjoy the recordings of them by Patti LaBelle, Lulu ("Shopping"), Dionne Warwick, Sarah Dash ("Somebody's), and Mariya Takeuchi ("Sweetest"). 

Writing with Peter Allen was a fun and interesting time.  He was really a "tunesmith" in the oldest sense of the word.  As we wrote, he played and sang and didn't look at words as we went along.  He'd sit at the piano with his back to me, and I'd write the words and melodies we'd written on a legal pad.  He just kept adding line after line and editing as we went along.  Before you knew it, he was singing the song from top to bottom in proper order.  He pretty much played what we'd written back to me from memory.  He was brilliant and quick and had an incredible memory for freshly written songs.  I miss him a lot. 

I've heard that in the Aussie production of The Boy From Oz that some of our songs were still in, but sad to say, by the time it opened on Broadway, my tunes were gone!

David

QUESTION:
When will RAINDANCE be released on CD?

Peter

DAVID'S ANSWER - 11/1/03

No plans at the moment, but soon, I hope!!!

David

QUESTION:
David, I heard, for the first time yesterday, Bonnie Raitt singing your song, "I Ain't Gonna Let You Break My Heart Again," and I absolutely love it!  I am a classically trained pianist and would love to know if the piano arrangement played on that CD is available to purchase.  Thanks very much for any assistance!

Monica

DAVID'S ANSWER - 11/1/03

Thanks for the compliment about the song, which I wrote with my sister Julie.  There is a Nick of Time songbook published by Cherry Lane Music Co., and the arrangement is in that book.  It's transcribed quite intricately.

David

QUESTION:
Thanks for many GREAT shows!  I was wondering if you play guitar or any other instruments.  Perhaps as I explore the web site a little more, I'll find the answer; however, this was a much more fun way for me to discover!

Kevin

DAVID'S ANSWER - 11/1/03

I play piano, and I played trumpet many years ago.

David

Webmaster's Note to Bill D. from Virginia: 
David has answered your question about how JT's background vocals are arranged in his response below to Paolo and Ruth.  He sends his sympathies about your bad luck at the Nissan Pavilion concert and his thanks for the compliments!

QUESTION:
I was at JT's show in St. Louis this summer, and while I thoroughly enjoyed it, I was disappointed not to see you there with Arnold.  Did you have a prior engagement or something?  Hope you weren't ill.  Anyway, I enjoy your tour journals.  Keep it up.

Keith

QUESTION:
My husband and I have seen you and JT the last 3 times you have been in the Seattle, Wa. area since 1991 (twice at the Gorge and once right after 9-11 in Key Area).  We just went to the Gorge last night for the latest JT concert and neither you or Valerie were there.  Your voices were sorely missed!!  I noticed that you were both on the tour earlier.  Where were you two for this concert.  It just wasn't the same without you??!!

Jan

QUESTION:
David, was wondering why we never saw you at the performance at the Gorge in Washington.  Just curious.  Missed your smiling face.  Many fans here!

Candyce

QUESTION:
I just found out you and Valerie Carter won't be appearing on the last leg of JT's tour and I am so, so, so, so sad!  My entire family (husband, myself and our fourteen year old daughter) have seen you all many, many times and were looking forward to our favorite quartet of backup singers appearing with the fabulous James Taylor.  I just can't imagine a JT concert minus the wonderful David Lasley! 

Boo Hoo!  Just wanted to let you know, you will be missed, missed, missed, and we wish you the best of luck.  You are a bright, shining star, contributing so much to the universe with your gifts.  Many blessings to you, dear David! 

Most sincerely, Nancy

QUESTION:
My husband and I just saw James last night at Chronicle Pavilion in Concord, Ca.  What a great show!!!  However, I was surprised to not see you there singing backup.  What's up?  We missed you.  Sitting out in the audience and singing along badly, but quietly, is just the best.  I guess we all have dreams, visions, fantasies!!!! 

Anyway, the show was excellent but we wish you had been there.  Looking forward to the next tour....in the meantime I will continue to listen to you, Arnold, James and Valerie, and I'm waiting to receive Kate's CD in the mail.  More new songs to learn and attempt to sing along with.....BADLY!!!  Thank goodness for showers and cars!  Take care, hope to see you soon.

Tina

QUESTION:
My wife and I went to the James Taylor Concert in Santa Barbara on Oct. 13th, 2003.  I was surprised to see only three backup singers, and you were missing.  It was a great concert, but I was disappointed to not have you there.  What happened?

Dana

QUESTION:
My husband and I saw James Taylor last night at the Greek Theater.  We were both very disappointed to discover you weren't there! I have to tell you that the arrangements just weren't the same without your beautiful voice.  You truly were missed!  Just thought you might like to know.

Karla

QUESTION:
Hi David, I'm a loyal fan.  I've seen you perform with JT for many years (probably close to 20).  Anyway, saw JT at the Greek Theatre last night (10/7/03) and really missed your beautiful harmony.  What's goin' on?  Hope you are well and in good voice.  How come you (and Valerie) aren't on this leg of the tour? 

Denny

DAVID'S ANSWER - 11/1/03

Denny, only James has the answer to that question.  Thank you - and all of you (above) and the many others who wrote to ask where I was and to say you missed me.  I really do appreciate hearing from you.  I would have loved to have done the whole tour, and I'm sure Val would have loved it, too.  I'm happy that I got to do the bulk of the tour (through Fargo in August), but I really missed seeing all of you during the last two legs after that. 

Love,
David