(these
questions were answered
by David in May
2006)
David, I must say
that as much as I love James Taylor's music, his performance is greatly
diminished by not having you or Valerie Carter in the mix. I
saw you guys in Philadelphia at the Mann Center in 1997, and the sound
was incredible. I have no desire to see James Taylor from
this point on in live performance because half of the soul of his music
is not there. You guys had such a chemistry on
stage. I believe that I am not just speaking for myself as to
all the other comments that have been made. In my opinion,
James' management has done him a disservice by not including you and
Val. James is losing, or will be losing a huge fan
base. Most people I know who have had the opportunity of
hearing you guys live come to hear the group just as much as James
Taylor. How is Valerie doing? I tried bringing up
her website to no avail. Best regards with your future
projects
Ron
Dear Ron,
Don't give up on
the James Taylor tour. You might just love it! As
for Valerie, her web site is www.valerie-carter.com
David
Hey David, what
was your involvement in the MusiCares Gala for JT in LA?
Also, was Arnold there and what was his role?
Jeremy
My involvement in the MusiCares
Gala was as a background vocalist with James, and Arnold McCuller, Kate
Markowitz, Andrea Zonn and I sang backgrounds for a "who's who" group
of artists: Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, the Dixie Chicks,
Dr. John, Taj Mahal, Keith Urban, Carole King, David Crosby, Sheryl
Crow, and JT himself. It was quite an evening!
David
Hi David, how
blessed you are to have such a wonderful career. I am a
talented singer and would like to fulfill my dream to become a back up
singer (live or session.) I was on the right track about 15
yrs ago in my early 20's but unfortunately was in an abusive
relationship which just killed my creativity and drive. I have since
remarried and have two beautiful children, but I have that space in my
soul that I need to fill. Is it ever too late to try and
begin a career? What is typically covered on a demo
CD? Do I need a manager? Please point me in the
right direction. Thanks.
Lisa
Dear Lisa,
Don't give up on
a dream – it's never too late. You don't need a
manager. As for a demo CD, it should contain music that
showcases your voice. Sorry I don't have any more specific
suggestions for you, but good luck!
David
Hi David,
Great
music! Just love the song "Got To Find Love." Sure
hits close to home. Very sexy song. Lots of luck
with your music! I hope 2006 is a happy and healthy year for
you!
Hugs,
Mary
Thanks,
Mary.
David
I've loved your
song "It's a Cryin Shame" since it came out in the 80's. I
only wish the 12" mix was available on a CD somewhere.
Sköt
Thank you. Only the 45
edited mix version is available on my BACK TO BLUE-EYED SOUL
CD, which is available on our CONTACT/SHOP
page.
David
Hi David
I have had all
your CDs for years and in fact, you sent me a picture of your group The
Utopias, with your sister which hangs lovingly in my house. I
also was a very good pal of Laura Nyro back in the late sixties and
seventies and like hers find your music timeless. My question
is this: At some point you talked about doing a record of
some Laura covers. I know that is a pretty tall order but I
hope you plan to do it. Only an artist as talented vocally as
you are could pull it off! Go for it!
Ann
Thanks very much, Ann.
I so much want to finish the Laura project, but it won't be out for a
few years. I'm currently working on a CD of show
tunes. It's really nice.
David
Maybe I'm making
more of it than there is, but as a gay man myself, I've wondered before
if "Lead Me On" was written from the perspective of a gay person having
a crush or loving someone they know they can never have but because
they love the person they stick around... or is it just a great pop
song? Thanks.
Allen
Allen, thanks, but "Lead Me On,"
co-written with Allee Willis, is indeed "a great pop song" written for
a publishing commitment, not as a result of a relationship.
David
David,
first I must tell you that I have been looking for your single "If I
Had My Wish." It's the most powerful ballad I have ever
purchased (back in the early eighties). I was 13 when that
song came out. I use to cry to that song in reflection of a very
painful crush that had completely taken over my emotions. My
favorite lines were "I may never get over you, but I'll try, Even if it
takes my whole life through, that's how long I'll cry.". And I did at
the time. I haven't physically heard that song in 20 years and I still
sing it out like REE-REE when I get to the ad lib. LOL.
Although you are
well respected and probably finacially sound, does it ever bother you
that your success never mirrored your talent. I recorded a
number of records over a five-year period in the late eighties, having
scored a top ten UK hit with " Touch Me, Love Me Tonight, " but I feel
so bitter that through all of the record companies, trials and
tribulations, I never had a big hit of my own. I wonder if
the really true greats like yourself ever feel like that.
I have a
wonderful demo copy of an Gregg Diamond album with you, Cissy, and
Luther, and I love it!! I particularly love the song
"Paradise" which you sing the lead on. A couple of websites
also left out the fact that you did backgrounds with CHIC.
I would love to
hear back from you,as I admire you and your work so much!
Brian
Dear Brian,
Thank you so
much. Sometimes I feel sad that I didn't reach a larger
audience with my records, though the U.K. seemed to play me even more
than the U.S.A. By the way, we have MISSIN' TWENTY
GRAND and BACK TO BLUE-EYED SOUL CDs for
sale on our CONTACT/SHOP
page, and both
have "Wish" on them. BTBES also has "Hot
Butterfly" with my
lead vocal.
David
Hi David, I'm a
huge Michael Landau fan and a lifelong guitar student. I 've given up
the idea of playing professionally as I'm already a few years older
than Michael, but I love to study his work nonetheless. I was
wondering if you could share your thoughts on his style from a
vocalist's perspective. Why do so many vocalists choose him
for session/performance work and is there any strategy or approach that
you feel makes a guitarist better than others when it comes to
supporting a singer? Any information you could offer would be
much appreciated! Thanks.
John
Landau is great. I love
working with him because he's very aware of space and arrangement, when
and when not to play, etc. All the best.
David
Hi David, thank
you for all of the amazing contributions you have made and continue to
make to the world of music. I fell in love with your song
"Come What May" a few years ago -- is there anything you can tell me
about how it came about? Was it written specifically for
Patti LaBelle or a show or anything? And did you stay in
collaboration with Alta Willis after that song? It is so very
special, the sentiments it expresses speak to a very bittersweet
reality to mature love. Thank you for any info you choose to
share,
Margaret
P.S. I
see that in your bio you list A. Willis as Allee Willis. I
have also seen this song credited to Alta Willis. I am
confused. So again, any info you choose to share is helpful
and appreciated. If it is Allee Willis, is that the woman
with the website www.alleewillis.com? And is this the same
song she is credited as having written recorded by RuPaul and Jennifer
Lewis for a movie? Many thanks for the song and whatever info
you can give.
Allee and Alta are in fact the
same person. "Come What May" wasn't written for Patti
Labelle, but it was written in Los Angeles and was recorded first by
her. I love a version by Herb Alpert and Lani Hall, a
sensational duet produced by Allee from a great LP she produced for
Lani Hall. I sange background vocals on that one. A
few others have recorded "Come What May," though it escapes me
who. Thank you for the RuPaul and Jennifer Lewis
tip-off. I've never heard that version.
Alleewillis.com is the correct web site for Allee. Two
interesting side notes – Patti Labelle sang "Come What May"
at Cindi Lauper's wedding, and Allee has just been nominated for a Tony
Award for her contribution to the musical The Color Purple now on
Broadway!
David
(these
questions were answered
by David in January
2006)
David, I finally got to see James
Taylor at
Tanglewood this past
summer and was surprised that you were not singing with him.
I see
that you've answered questions about what you're doing now, but why are
you no longer touring with James? And why isn't Valerie
Carter touring
with him? Having been a James fan forever and having enjoyed
your
voice with his (especially on "Hard Times" from Dad Loves His
Work),
I was disappointed to find you missing from the Tanglewood
stage.
Why? What happened? In your road notes you mention
getting
a phone call from JT management, but no more. Why??
Take care
Roy
Roy, I really don't have a reason
why I'm not with James on stage. Happily, I've still done his
records
(like the 2004 Hallmark Christmas CD), and, in fact, in early February
I'll be performing live at the Musicares tribute to James with the JT
band
and singers and some GREAT artists singing James Taylor
songs. I
saw the 2005 JT tour show two times last summer, once in Detroit and
once
in Hollywood. It was fun to jump in and sing on "Never Die
Young"
at the Hollywood Bowl. Someone recently told me they had
heard about
a bizarre rumor that in 2006, James was doing a summer tour with the
Section
and Arnold and me, like the old days – Kootch, Leland, Russ,
Billy or Clarence,
Sanborn, Arnold and me. Wouldn't that be a great tour reunion?
David
Dear David, your songs on MySpaceMusic
sound phenomenal. Congratulations! We saw you a lot
when we
saw James Taylor. I am the "Mystery Woman" on the Pull Over
Tour
DVD, giving him flowers just after "Mexico." Will you be
touring?
Miss you on "Shed A Little Light." I am wondering, do you
remember
the gift baskets in Chicago that had iced tea by Republic of Tea and
the
You've Got a Friend in Me cookies? Also, we brought the
basket all
the way from Chicago to the millennium show in Raleigh. I
hope you
tour with him again and by yourself too. Thanks.
Paula
I do sort of remember the Raleigh
basket. Thank you for doing that, and thanks for your nice
thoughts
about touring with James Taylor again.
David
Hi David, I did some catching up of your back
catalogue over the
holiday and bought myself DEMOS
(vol. 1). There's some great songs on this set (like "Promise
of
Love," "I Don't Go Shopping" and "Smalltown Change"). As I
make my
way through disc 2, I wondered, who is "Crazy Man" about?
Corey
"Crazy Man" is an imaginary song,
written way back in 1973. It was demo'd later, in 1983,
because my
friend Ula Hedwig loved that song and asked me to finally demo
it.
I also needed to deliver songs to my publisher at that time.
I wanted
to use this song on RAINDANCE,
but EMI said "no way." It was my sort of "Jackson
Browne"-type of
song, and if anything inspired the tune, it was his first LP and song
writing.
Like you, I love "Promise of Love" and "Smalltown Change." My
co-songwriter
on those, Don Yowell, was so brilliant! Don's been gone now
21 years,
and Peter Allen, my co-songwriter on "Shopping," has been gone since
1988
or so. It's so sad. Oh, the plague! So
many brave souls
lost. It's sickening.
David
David, thanks for being an example of
excellence as a vocalist and
writer and for your legendary presence on so many of my favorite artist
releases. I listen to you often. It's helped me to
understand
myself all the more. Much continued success on and off the
stage.
My heart extends to you for the loss of so many close friends (I get
your
artist newsletter), and I pray for you to continue to honor them by
singing
and remembering their contributions.
BrotherDouglas of TaoBrothers
Thank you very much. That's
so kind.
David
Wow! You have a beautiful
voice!!! And you've sung with
the greatest!!! BRAVO!! I want to be like you when
I grow up. 
I've been singing since I was 13, in choirs and girl groups, and just
recently
started working on my own album. I'm also focusing on being a
pro
background vocalist, and I'm looking for gigs. Do you have
any advice
for a newcomer trying to break in the business?
Mona
Practice. Don't give up.
Learn how to "program" music. Work with computers –
it's a digital
world whether we like it or not.
David
I'm a session singer (went full-time this
year). Like many,
I'm so totally sad at Luther's passing, having been a massive fan of
his
since noticing his name on the Sister Sledge album, after wondering who
the great male voice was in the harmony blend. Firstly then,
thanks
so very much for sharing your friendship with Luther with us on your
site.
My question is, I've been listening to lots of stuff by Chic,
lately.
The Chic website says that Luther was only on their first two
albums.
Is that correct? You and Fonzi Thornton are listed as being
on all
of the early albums. So, is that Fonzi or you that I can hear
cutting
through on the second line of the "Good Times" chorus (i.e., the ''our
new state of mind'' line)? It sounds so much like Luther to
me.
I always thought that it was. Could you let me know which
Chic songs
you remember him singing on?
P.S. I forgot to add how brilliant
I think you guys (you, Fonzi
and dear Luther) sang on all those Chic productions. Before
you guys,
background vocals were pretty much dominated by ladies, but you guys
changed
all that. I was probably one of the first in the UK to hear
about
Luther's passing. I was so upset that I sent a text to
everyone I
knew. It was like that, for me, when Dusty passed away
too.
Two of the songs of his that I played (and keep playing) are "My
Sensitivity"
and "Little Miracles." Like Dusty, he had such an incredible
vocal
sound, as well as also being an awesome stylist. I know you
must
miss your dear friend very much.
Mike
The first two Chic LPs are David
(me), Luther, Alfa A. and Diva Gray. Luther and I then
stopped doing
their LPs, and Fonzi started with Good Times, so
it's Fonzi on "Good
Times" (no Luther or David). Thanks, Mike, for your
condolences about
Luther and Dusty. I miss them both terribly.
David
Hi, David, I love your work both as backing
and main vocalist.
Your album SOLDIERS
ON THE MOON
is one of my favourites. Please tell me what was it like
working
with Jeff Porcaro. Thanks.
Andy
Jeff was, of course, great.
He loved playing. He was the best. I love his work
on "It's
Too Late" on SOLDIERS. He was nice,
professional, quick and
serious. I didn't hang out with him, but I also did
background vocals
on many things he played on like for Boz Scaggs, among others.
David
David, would you be interested in performing
in Australia?
Byron
I'd love to come to Australia
again. I was there with James Taylor in 1981 –
Sydney, Perth, Adelaide,
Melbourne and Brisbane. Problem is, I don't fly anymore.
David
I know you had a cooperation with Nick Kamen
in 1987 -- how was it
working with him? Where did you record the album?
Are you still
in touch with Nick? Many thanks, and hope to see you on tour.
Darren
I loved working with Nick Kamen.
He recorded a song of mine called "Help Me Baby" on his solo LP
produced
by Stu Levine. I sang on the cut with Luther, Myrna Smith,
Jolie
Jones and others. I remember Nick as a real gentle and nice
guy,
also serious about his recording work. Miss those days.
David
(these
questions were answered
by David in October
2005)
I've heard
that you recorded a song with Dusty
Springfield for your album MISSIN' TWENTY GRAND.
Why was that
song cut out, does it still exist, and what was recording with her
like?
Also, were you present when she recorded your song "I Wish that Love
Would
Last?" Do you have any other personal/ professional
recollections
of her? Thanks.
Allen
The track you're thinking of
with Dusty Springfield on background vocal's is "Earth Children," from
my BACK
TO BLUE-EYED SOUL album.
My comments about it relating to MISSIN'
TWENTY GRAND and recording with Dusty are on our BACK
TO BLUE-EYED
SOUL page. I have a 60's or 70's style green sort
of Western
"car coat" that Dusty left at my session. I never got to
return it,
as she moved to Toronto for a while. I wore this jacket on
Jay Leno
singing backgrounds for James Taylor in October 2002.
Yes, I was present
when we recorded Dusty's version of "I Wish That Love Would
Last." I sang background vocals with Arnold McCuller and
Yolanda
Fischer (the wife at the time of producer Andre Fischer).
Dusty
was there before us doing her great vocal stylings. She had
taken
the lyrics from my demo of "Wish," as nobody had bothered to provide
her with a copy. I think she was too shy to say she needed
the
words. She was just that way, such a pro!! I miss
her and
listen to her all the time. There is a brilliant 4-CD set, Simply
Dusty,
with "I Wish That Love Would Last" finally on it, and it tells about
that session, which took place at Cherokee Studios in Los
Angeles. The theme from Norma Rae, "It
Goes Like It Goes"
was the A side, and "Wish" the original B side, but two weeks after
release, they flipped it. "Wish" became the A side, and it
was an
R&B hit. I was so happy, and Dusty is still the BEST!
David
Hi
David. Thank you for all of your great
music. I know this was asked before a while back, but are
there currently
any plans to release RAINDANCE on CD? I
always find it a shame
when a part of a talented artist's catalogue is out-of-print, and this
is the only one of yours that hasn't been re-issued yet. It's
also
one of my favorite album covers - so elegant. I'd love to
have it.
Thanks again! I'm looking forward to hearing DEMOS
VOL. 2.
Corey
Thanks, Corey. No, sorry,
there aren’t any plans currently to issue RAINDANCE
on CD, but you never know, so stay tuned.
David
David, I
love Debra Laws' "All the Things I
Love” sooooooo much. It's all the things I love in
a song.
Please send me the lyrics. I want to sing it for the love of
my life's
birthday. It is such a beautiful song and says all that I
want to
say. You must be one hell of a guy to write something so
sensitive,
yet not sappy.
Katya
Thanks, Katya. I wrote
the music for that song, and Roxanne Seeman wrote the words.
David
Hello
David. I am a really big Luther
Vandross fan, and I am wondering if you could tell me where I could
possibly
get a copy of the Mascara LP See You In L.A on
CD? I have
seen a copy of it on vinyl on eBay, but it’s a bit out of my
price range.
Please, can you help?
Mark
Sorry, I don’t know what to tell
you. Luther, Ula Hedwig and I sang on this album, which we
thought
was going to be called Lipstick, but I never even
saw the album,
which was released in England.
David
Would you
happen to know where I could find
a copy of “Grace” by Sylvia St. James? I
still have a turn table,
so wax is okay. Thanks.
Kheru
This song is only on vinyl as
far as I know. I sang background vocals on it, and it was
written
by a friend, Roxanne Seeman. Have you tried gemm.com?
David
Hi
David. We were sitting behind you
at the JT concert last night [August 13], but I wasn't sure it was
you.
So I asked my husband, who knows every musician's face, and he said it
was you.
I was
wondering what it is like to watch a
show you've pretty much done before. I thought the show was
phenomenal,
one of his best ever. Seems he gets better with age.
Did you
want to run up on stage and sing?
Or were you able to relax and enjoy the music? Also, what are
you
doing right now. You are one of the most talented singers
around.
Kim
Kim, you’re right – it was
me.
Actually, I really enjoyed watching an entire show and agree with you
–
it seemed like a great show. He was in excellent voice.
Thanks for
spotting me at Pine Knob, and thanks for the compliment.
David
Hi
David. I am wondering if Luther Vandross
ever worked with any of the Laws. If there were recordings,
where
would I look to find them? Thanks for your
expertise.
Darcie
If you meant Debra, Eloise, Hubert
or Ronnie Laws, I don’t believe so. Arnold McCuller
and I did backgrounds
on Debra’s LP on Electra.
David
Hi,
David. Thanks so much for writing
your thoughts on Luther. Sad he's gone, no?
I'm
writing this time to ask you when your
birthday is. "Inquiring minds need to know!"
Thanks,
Erica
It’s August 20 –
“Leo.”
David
I am an
aspiring singer. Where can I
find audition information for jingle singers?
Kamau
Hi
there. I am trying to get back into
doing session work as a background vocalist. I'm so out of
touch
with the business. I don't know where to begin.
Where do I
start? Any advice would be much appreciated! Thank
you.
Tamra
I have
wanted to know for years how to become
a background or backup singer. Can you tell me some steps to
getting
into the business? I have a CD with several songs on it and I
have
continued to sing the national anthem at sporting events. Is
there
an agency, company or agent that could get me started? Thank
you
for any help you can provide.
Deborah
Hello I
just was inquiring how does one, if
one has written an album, get it out there for others to see?
Utah
doesn't seem to have the network capabilities that one would need to
get
noticed, and unfortunately moving isn't an option now. And
when it
is, how do I start? Thank you for your time.
Jose
David, how
do I become a R & B background
singer? I'm sure there are several different steps and people
I should
follow and talk to. Could you help?
Chiquita
I am a
pianist and currently compose music
from a virtual studio on my PC. I was wondering how do I go
about
finding jobs advertising my music for commercials, film scoring, or
perhaps
videos games, etc? I've been on different job websites and
find nothing.
I was wondering if there's a special website I should log on to or
something?
I was told it was best for me to do music for tv and film for exposure
if I want to pursue a career in music as a producer/composer.
Thank
you.
Diana
Kamau, Tamra, Deborah, Jose,
Chiquita, and Diana, I don’t really have answers for these
kind of questions,
but you might try to pick up a copy of Stephanie Spruill’s
new book 17
Points to Longevity in Show Business at her website.
Good luck.
David
Just
received your fantastic CD MISSIN'
TWENTY GRAND (I hope you found it by now, ha
ha). I love
it, but I miss you onstage with JT. I would love to see you
live,
in your show too! Saw JT in Hershey this weekend, awesome,
then I
played your CD on the drive home to Richmond, VA. It was very
nice,
as music from both of you inspires me (as I am an amateur, and more of
a 'hobby' kind of singer/player), and the energy that both of you, as
well
as Arnold, Kate and Valerie put out is truly appreciated by
me.
Thanks for
expressing your gift to us, and
for being an approachable artist, and a damn fun guy to listen to and
follow.
Lou
Thank you, Lou.
David
I just
wanted to say thanks for posting the
obituary about Phillip Ballou. He and I recorded some great
songs
together over the past 5 years. Shoot, he taught me how to
(finally)
come up with some great -- and I do mean great-- ad libs and
harmonies.
I am missing him.
Kathy
Thanks, Kathy. Did you
do sessions with Phillip? Yes, I miss him so much too.
David
Hello
David. I've translated your beautiful
thoughts on Luther into French on my JT
French site for a little tribute for him. Luther
Vandross for
me was vocally and humanly like a lighthouse. Luther was a
giant.
Period. I danced (and dance) to his music and voice since I
was fifteen.
I'm forty this year and know that his music will accompany me till the
last day. Nobody grooved like Luther!! I'm with you
and the
family and friends and will play Luther out loud as often as i
can.
Take care, you guys. You're so precious in this troubled
world.
I know
you, Arnold and Luther recorded several
covers of Beach Boys songs. Is this still available?
Sam from
Paris
Thank you, Sam. Regarding
the Beach Boys covers, Arnold, Luther and I did an album of these songs
called Good Vibrations. As far as I know,
it is only available
on vinyl.
David
Dear
David, we met a couple of times when you
were here in Toronto with the James Taylor tour. I worked at
HMV
and had the wonderful pleasure of assisting you in finding some music
you
were seeking out. Though we enjoyed JT's Molson Amphitheatre
concert
last night, my friends and family and I were quite disappointed not to
see you. Will you be joining the JT band along the way, or
have you
ended your involvement with the band? Either way, thank you
for the
wonderful music (we've seen the band now six times), and I wish you the
best of luck in your own music. Kind regards.
Michael
Thank you, Michael. Boy,
I do miss shopping for music in Toronto – great
selection! Thank
you for remembering me and “missing me” in the
show. I miss it too,
and we’ll see what happens in the future.
David
Hello.
More a comment than question.
Just e-mailing from London, England to say thanks for the Utopias'
incredible
“Girls Are Against Me,” one of the absolute
pinnacles of "girl"group soul
recording in my humble opinion. A beautiful vocal performance
throughout,
and incredible production to boot. Fingers crossed I might
even find
a copy soon!
All the
best,
Joel
Thank you for such a nice compliment.
Keep looking for that vinyl record – it’s very rare
now.
David
Hi
David. First can I say how great your
new CD, DEMOS
VOL. 2, sounds.
Can I ask who do you like at the moment (music that is)? I
like James
Taylor and you, also Elton John, Millie Jackson, Beth Nielson
Chapman.
Beth is great -- I think you could do a song with her. I am
sure
it would be fab. I am from the U.K., so I only see you when I
see James
on tour, so I miss seeing you sing live. Many thanks, take
care.
Brian
Thanks, Brian. I listen
to Shelby Lynne’s I Am Shelby Lynne.
I’ve been listening to The Best of Tony Hatch,
a brilliant U.K. writer who wrote with and
for Petula Clark and Jackie Trent, and I listen to anything by Laura
Nyro.
Also Chet Baker, Let’s Get Lost
soundtrack, and Joni Mitchell’s Hissing of Summer
Lawns. There is a great CD of the best of
Jack Nietzshe on Ace. I also love a three-CD set by Cilla
Black called The Abbey Road Years. And,
I’ve been listening to an older
solo CD by Michael Lindup. He is a brilliant singer and
keyboardist
from Level 42. I’m also into anything by Phil
Spector, the Ronettes,
Darlene, etc.
David
Hi David,
I just by some miracle happened upon
this website! Cheryl Lynn is and always has been since 1978
my favorite
recording artist! To tell you how much would take
forever.
You mentioned that you recorded duets with her in a prior reply to
another
fan. Can I PLEASE have a copy of anything you have with
her?
She brightens my world, and I have everything she has ever made except
for your collection. I even have tunes such as "At Last
You’re Mine,"
"Goodbye For Now," "All The Strength We Got" and "Steppin' Into The
Night,"
all of which only a TRUE FAN WOULD KNOW OF.
Vernon
Dear Vernon:
I only have one jingle on CD
that I can burn for you. Please email your mailing
address.
Also, there are many on an old reel to reel, circa
’86 and ’87, that
I might find one day. We sang a lot for Luther Vandross
together.
David
David, you
have given great input to people
who want to get started singing (outside their showers). What
would
you say to help someone get over stage fright? I know I need
to do
an open mike night or something, but the thought sends adrenaline
racing
through me. I know the will to sing needs to be greater than
the
fear of an audience. But right now I feel
paralyzed. Any tips?
Tia
Tia, if you have very severe
stage fright, I have heard that some people take small amounts of
Inderal
(a beta blocker). It’s a heart medication that
someone told me is
given in mild doses for fear of performing. Of course, it is
available
only by prescription, and in any case, you’d want to talk to
your doctor
about taking anything like that.
David
Hello
David, my name is Nate, and I am a fan
of Culture Club's early material. I understand you worked
with and
provided backing vocals with the band on their fourth album, From
Luxury
To Heartache. I was wondering if you might have
some old photos
of you with the band that you would share or maybe an interesting story
about your experience working with Culture Club.
Nate
Yes, there are two photos in
the recording studio in Montreaux, Switzerland that I have somewhere
(in
storage), but I don’t know if I’ll be able to find
them. Helen Terry
and Ruby Turner and I did all the vocals for most of that LP.
George
is a sweet, sweet guy. I even got to meet
“Marilyn.” There
were fans waiting for George to sign autographs, etc., every day
outside
the studio. He was always kind to them. The band
was great
– Roy, etc. I remember on the last day of recording
in Switzerland,
the fans tried to break the studio door down. They were so
excited.
George’s parents were in Switzerland to visit him, and they
were also very
sweet. I remember singing on “God Thank You
Woman” and “Gusto Blusto”
with Ruby and Helen and “Heaven’s
Children” with Helen. I stacked
about 16 vocal tracks and did step outs on
“Reasons.” It was great
fun! I miss seeing George. We used to meet for tea
in the late
eighties when he was in L.A.
David
I am a
background singer. I have been
blessed to be getting quite a lot of work, but 100% of it has been for
backgrounds on live shows (both within my city and on two
tours).
I've recently been asked to do some session work, and I'm wondering how
much I should charge. With live shows its much simpler,
because I
just charge my flat fee, or a weekly rate if I'm touring. But
for
sessions, do you usually charge by the hour, or do you charge a flat
rate?
I was thinking that maybe I would charge a flat rate, and then if the
session
goes past a certain amount of time, I'd start charging by the hour (ie.
$75/hour). What would you suggest? Is there a
difference in
what should be charged if you are being asked to sing the hook on a
song
as opposed to just straight backgrounds? What was your rate
when
you were first starting out? What do you charge
now? Also,
how do you make sure you get your just due (money-wise) if the song
turns
out to be a hit? Thanks in advance for answering my
questions.
You've got a great website here; very informative!
Iandi
Every city has an AFTRA office.
Are you a member of AFTRA perhaps? There is a
“going rate” for solo,
duo, 3 to 8 singers, etc. I honestly don’t remember
what the rates
were when I started. I know they should be higher, ha ha!
David
Just
wondered where in Michigan you are from?
I am also from Michigan and have been at JT concerts where he has made
reference to you being close to home or having family present so I'm
just
curious. Enjoy you and the other backup singers very
much.
I also sing back up for JT, but he is not aware of it. Thank
you
for your response.
I am from the Upper Peninsula
of Michigan near Sault St. Marie, Pickford and Detour, that
area.
Close to Canada.
David
David, I
recently purchased the James Taylor
holiday CD and was excited to see (and most importantly hear) that you
were included in the vocals/choir. What about you?
Are you
in the process of recording? I have about worn out MISSIN'
TWENTY GRAND, DEMOS
and EXPECTATIONS OF LOVE!
Best of luck and happy "early" holiday greetings!
Jerry
Happy holidays back to you almost
one year later (sorry!). Yes, I released a new CD earlier
this year, DEMOS
VOL. 2 - TAKE A LOOK,
on Cool Sound. You can order it from this web site.
Thanks!
David
Hey
David! Been a fan for 100 years,
or so it seems. Constantly have your tune "If I Had My Wish"
running
through my head. I would like to know what the Algiers Hotel
Incident
(from “Take A Look”) was if it's not too
painful. That tune runs
through me and gives me chills no matter how many times (1000's at
least)
I play it! Your voice is the antidote for many a blue day and
night!
Peace and Light.
Eeni
Thanks, Eeni. The
“incident”
at the Algiers Motel I am referring to in my intro to “Take A
Look” from
my MISSIN'
TWENTY GRAND album
was written about by John Hersey in a book in 1968. It
explains a
lot about the riots of 1967 in Detroit. Take this
link to Amazon.com
for more information about the book.
FROM
AMAZON.COM: Thirty years
ago, three black men were killed and nine other people brutally beaten
by, as John Hersey describes it in The Algiers Motel Incident,
an
"aggregate of Detroit police, Michigan State Troopers, National
Guardsmen,
and private guards who had been directed to the scene." Responding to a
telephoned report of sniping, the police group invaded the Algiers
Motel
and interrogated ten black men and two white women, none of whom were
armed,
for an hour. By the time the interrogators left, three men had been
shot
to death and the others, including the women, beaten.
David
Dear
David, I once saw you sing at At My Place
in Santa Monica. You were great!!! I remember that
you did
some really mellow ballads with acoustic guitar as well as full-on
R&B
with your whole band. Who was that guy who was backing you up
on
acoustic guitar back then? Did you ever record any of those
tunes?
Thanks,
Robert
Thank you! Depending on
which show you saw, it was either Jamie Michaels (when I read poetry
and
sang “I Run with Trouble”) or Michael James (on the
later shows, “Looking
for Love on Broadway.”) Some of the tunes I sang at
my solo shows
are on my SOLDIERS
ON THE MOON
CD.
David
Every time
I hear your song “Come What May,”
I get a lump in my throat and goose bumps. It is by far the most
remarkable
song that Patti LaBelle has ever sung and one of the most beautiful
that
I've ever heard. It's honest and touches something at the
core of
us all: vulnerability. Could you please tell me where to find
the
lyrics? Thanks.
Vanessa
Here they are:
Wish I was
your child
Hold me in your
heart
We could love so
free
And know we'd never
part
But I'm
not a child
And wishes are just
Child's play my love
No I'll never be
afraid
Of who I am and who
I'm not
Come what may
Wish I was
a bird
I'd warm you with
my wings
Safe from all the
storms
You know true love
can bring
But I'm
not a bird
And wishes can just
fly away my love
And I'll never be
afraid
Of who I am and who
I'm not
Come what may
Oh I'm the
moon
Shining in your eyes
And you're the
stars my love
No we'll never be
afraid
Of who we are
And who we're not
Come what may
Copyright David Lasley and Allee
Willis
David
We were at
a James Taylor concert tonight and
we missed you. What are you doing these days?
Sharon and
Joni
I was
sorry you’re not touring with JT during
this current tour. Miss your wonderful voice. What
are you
working on? Thanks.
Bobby
David, I
am going to see James Taylor and the
band this Saturday night, July 30th. I did not see you
listed.
Are you not singing backup with James this tour and why not?
You
and the other three backup singers with James make the show such an
awesome
experience. I hope this is just a mistake and that we see you and the
whole
"dynamic four" as well.
Best,
Dennis
I'm sure
this is a regular email you're getting.
I was so disappointed at the JT show this week, not seeing
you. The
missing part was obvious, you bring so much to the harmonic
blend.
Can you elaborate on why you're not out with JT or if you will be back.
Thanks.
Greg
I have
enjoyed your singing for many years.
After so many years touring with James Taylor, I wondered why you are
not
singing on his current tour? I also wondered why long-time
band members
Clifford Carter and Valerie Carter are no longer touring with
JT?
Thanks for taking the time to respond.
Don
David, I
caught two JT shows at PNC Arts Center
and was disappointed to not see yourself and Valerie there.
Hope
to see you on the road soon.
Gary
Hi David,
I'm wondering if you, Arnold, Valerie,
and Kate are touring with JT this summer. I attend JT
concerts as
much for the four of you as I do JT. There is a magic that
the four
of you have together that I don't believe can be replaced.
PLEASE
TELL ME THAT ALL FOUR OF YOU ARE TOURING WITH HIM THIS
SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sonya
Will you
be touring with James this summer?
I sure hope so!!!
Ian
Are you
touring with James on this latest tour
2005? I play the piano myself and know all of JT's songs
(seriously)
and love Steve Gadd and you’re awesome too!!!
Jason
Thanks so much to all of you
who wrote about missing me this summer. As to where I am,
I’m at
home in Los Angeles, and I’m working on a new CD. I
visited the JT
tour in Detroit on August 13 and enjoyed it so much. I also
saw it
on August 22 at the Hollywood Bowl back home, where I joined in for one
song, "Never Die Young."
David
David, my
name is Mike. I have been to
over 26 concerts. Just wanted to let you know how much I have
enjoyed
your singing. Being a fellow musician, you help make or break
the
JT show, plus you’re a damn good songwriter. Thanks
for the music.
You truly help the world go around
Mike
Mike, thanks for the compliment.
David
Who
originally sang “When You’re Smiling”?
Yvonne
I’m not sure. Wasn’t
it,
um, William Shatner?
David
