25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 3

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

A sweet vintage Christmas card image from Pinterest. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

In 2008 R&B singer Brian McKnight released his second Christmas album. The title track is such a great take on a classic holiday tune that was first released 80 years ago in 1943. Knight’s smooth soothing soulful version reminds me of the type of music you hear during a Christmas episode of a TV series or the track playing during a montage on a soap opera where we get a look at various couples and families celebrating the holiday. I first discovered Knight after hearing his lovely & evocative 1992 duet with Vanessa Williams (and seeing the gorgeous video) for “Love Is” from Beverly Hills, 90210: The Soundtrack.

For a fabulous instrumental take on the same song, look no further than music mogul & trumpeter, Herb Alpert, who spent a lot of 2023 on tour. His second holiday album, 2017’s The Christmas Wish, also includes his cover of “Merry Christmas Darling” written and recorded by The Carpenters in 1970 on Alpert’s A&M label. I also recommend his first seasonal record, Christmas Album, which was released in 1968 with his band, The Tijuana Brass.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Brian McKnight: “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” (2008, written by James Kimball “Kim” Gannon, Walter Kent and Buck Ram).

Herb Alpert: “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” (2017, written by James Kimball “Kim” Gannon, Walter Kent and Buck Ram).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

28Aug2023

Music Monday: August 28, 2023

Posted in Music, Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to another triple play edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Earlier this month we said goodbye to music mogul & co-founder of A & M Records, Jerry Moss, who died on August 16, 2023 at the age of 88. Best known as the “M” of the label to pair with his friend and partner, Herb Alpert, who was the “A”. Together they brought us music by Cat Stevens n/k/a Yusuf Islam, Carole King, The Carpenters, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Peter Frampton, The Police, Janet Jackson, not to mention Alpert and his group, The Tijuana Brass and so many others.

Known for their artist friendly approach and for giving the ruthless recording industry a human touch, Moss and Alpert nurtured their talent and took their label-which started in a garage for $100 in 1962-and grew it to the $500 million dollar empire they sold to PolyGram in 1989. About a decade later, they received an additional $200 million for a breach of the integrity clause. Both Moss and Alpert reminded us that music is not only about the people who create it, but the people in the industry like they were who gave those artists the platform to make music so it would reach the rest of us.

Top: Herb Alpert (L) and Jerry Moss outside their studio in 1966. Middle: Alpert (L), the A to Moss’s (R) M circa 1972. Bottom: Moss with Richard (L) and Karen Carpenter in 1969. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

The Allman Brothers Band fourth studio album, Brothers and Sisters, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Released in August 1973, it was the group’s first full non-live release after two devastating losses: The death of co-founder & guitarist Duane Allman from a motorcycle accident on October 29, 1971 at the age of 24 and the death of bassist Berry Oakley also as a result of a motorcycle crash a year later on November 11, 1972 at the same age of 24.

Thankfully, he recorded two songs for the 1973 album before he died and one of them is today’s second highlighted pick. Written and sung by guitarist Dickey Betts, who will turn 80 later this year on December 12, it was the lead single from the album and features the musician at his best. The track also gave the band commercial success in the traditional sense as it was their only record to hit the Top Ten, peaking at #2 in October 1973.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

I am not a fan of rap. It is just not a genre that ever spoke to me. But when Lauryn Hill’s debut solo studio album-The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill-was released on August 25, 1998, it was everywhere so I could not help but take notice of it. Plus the music was not only rap but a blend of that, hip-hop, R&B and neo soul which gave many of her songs a different and unique type of sound. The first time I heard the third of today’s featured songs, I felt like I had been gut punched. I immediately got its message from the pain and honesty Hill expressed in the lyrics and her vocal delivery. It spoke to me and so many women I knew who had found ourselves in similar situations at one point in our lives, so there was no way we could not relate to the power of her writing.

Hill went on to work with Aretha Franklin and a few other artists and released a live album in 2002 (MTV Unplugged No. 2.0). But despite the enormous success of Miseducation (it won five Grammy Awards in 1999, including Album Of The Year), the former Fugees frontwoman never released another studio record. There are a multitude of stories and theories on that subject and I do not want to take part in any speculation. I just know that the song I fell in love with was fabulous and as someone who lives for music, I wish to acknowledge that.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Carpenters: “Superstar” (1971, written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell).

The Allman Brothers: “Ramblin’ Man” (1973, written by Dickey Betts).

Lauryn Hill: “Ex-Factor” (1998, written by Lauryn Hill).

Stay safe and well.

13Feb2023

Music Monday: February 13, 2023

Posted in Music, Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to another edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

There have been many losses in the music world lately but this one is almost too much to bear. Burt Bacharach died on February 8, 2023 at the age of 94. And saying farewell to this absolute genius is hitting me incredibly hard.

Yes, he lived a very long unbelievably rich life where he established himself as one of the premier songwriters the world ever gave us. I discovered the ravishing music he wrote through his stunning collaborations with his equally talented lyricist, Hal David. The first time I heard “One Less Bell To Answer” I knew I had stumbled upon something glorious. And it only got better from there.

But any time I hear any one of their songs, I always come back to the first one. And any time a song transports me back to the innocent days of my childhood, when my world was beautiful, complete and whole, then I am reminded that for a little while, all was right in my universe. Nothing illustrated that point better than the soundtrack of that moment. And Bacharach was a significant contributor to mine.

I know I am not alone in my feelings. Tributes to this man are everywhere. Another one of my early musical loves, Michael McDonald, shared this on his Facebook page: “It’s hard to quantify the importance much less the beauty and pure joy of the musical legacy of Burt Bacharach. It will live on in the hearts of all of us who grew up in the 60’s and 70’s, and no doubt, inspire this world with “Love Sweet Love” for generations to come”.

Pete Yorn shared this on on Twitter: “Burt hits home. Even though he had a great run, long life, so much music, his sound just reminds me of being a kid/driving around with my parents, and of that moment in time, of their time, brings it all up”.

And one of Bacharach’s friends, not to mention another musical legend, Herb Alpert, shared this on Instagram: “Burt was a dear friend, who was a humble creative giant with a big heart”.

In a post I wrote back in 2020 I described that when I first heard today’s Bacharach & David song, I absolutely swooned. The singer is not one of my favorites but her work with this extraordinary writing team was a powerful force in the 1960’s. Her voice is so soft and pretty, and delivers a great vocal to a gorgeous arrangement. It is the best of what a sad love song should be: succinct, poignant, evocative and leaving you begging for one more note. I love so many Bacharach & David compositions (“Anyone Who Had A Heart”, “This Guy’s In Love With You”, “A House Is Not A Home” “The Look Of Love” to name a few) but this one I adore. I also love the sultry version of this track by Mr. Soul himself, Isaac Hayes.

Farewell, Mr. Bacharach. Artist. Maestro. Genius.

Top: Hal David, Dionne Warwick & Burt Bacharach circa 1964. Bottom: Bacharach circa 1972. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Dionne Warwick: “Walk On By” (1964, written by Burt Bacharach & Hal David).

Isaac Hayes: “Walk On By” (1969, written by Burt Bacharach & Hal David).

Stay safe & well.

23May2022

Music Monday: May 23, 2022

Posted in Music Monday by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Two of the biggest songwriters this country ever gave us were born in May. Their songs were staples on the radio in the 1960’s & 1970’s and continue to inspire “anyone who has a heart”.

Lyricist Hal David was born on May 25, 1921 in New York City. Almost eight years later, his collaborator, Burt Bacharach was born May 12, 1929 in Kansas City, Missouri. David started writing songs in the 1940’s for bandleaders like Guy Lombardo and Sammy Kaye while also contributing lyrics to the 1951 movie soundtrack of “Two Gals And A Guy”.

Bacharach was raised in Queens, NY and studied classical piano before discovering his love for jazz music. He received a degree in music in 1948, then served two years in the United States Army in the early 1950’s. After his tour of duty he worked as a pianist for Vic Damone before touring Europe in 1956 as the part time music director for actress Marlene Dietrich’s nightclub shows. In 1957 Bacharach met David at The Brill Building in NYC. That same year the duo had their first hit together, a #1 country song, “The Story Of My Life” by Marty Robbins.

After a number of successful collaborations over the next several years, Bacharach & David made their partnership official in 1963. That move & their work with today’s singer started the songwriting duo’s reign as two of America’s most treasured composers. They won every award out there including the Oscar for Best Original Song in 1970 for “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head” from Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid.

Bacharach (L) and David (R) at the 1970 Academy Awards Ceremony. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Fans of their music include Herb Alpert, Bette Midler, Patti LaBelle, Luther Vandross, Elvis Costello and a myriad of others including The Ambassador Of Cool, Isaac Hayes. He did a glorious 12 minute soulful/psychedelic/funk inspired cover of today’s song on his 1969 release, Hot Buttered Soul.

In a previous post about this song I wrote:

Years later I heard today’s song, written by this prolific duo, and I absolutely swooned. The singer is not one of my favorites but her work with this extraordinary writing team was a powerful force in the 1960’s. Her voice is so soft and pretty, and delivers a great vocal to a gorgeous arrangement. It is the best of what a sad love song should be: succinct, poignant, evocative and leaving you begging for one more note. I love so many Bacharach & David compositions (“Anyone Who Had A Heart”, “This Guy’s In Love With You”, “One Less Bell To Answer”, “A House Is Not A Home” “The Look Of Love” to name a few) but this one I adore.

David died in 2012 at the age of 91. Bacharach turned 94 years young on May 12. Together they wrote a chapter of music history that remains unmatched. And today’s track remains my favorite from their remarkable partnership.

“If you see me walking down the street
And I start to cry each time we meet
Walk on by
Walk on by“.

L to R: Hal David, Dionne Warwick & Burt Bacharach in the studio circa 1964 (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Dionne Warwick: “Walk On By” (1964, written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David).

Stay safe & well.

2Apr2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 382

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi everyone. Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing. But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

I know we are still facing a serious situation but a new year gives us hope for the new days, seasons, opportunities & moments ahead. Still, music is something that will never change for me. It is my refuge, the most comforting part of my life & the one thing I consistently count on. So until a more normal semblance of life returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

In the late 1960’s a funk & soul band formed in North Carolina. By 1974 they were signed to Herb Alpert’s label, A & M Records. Three years later L.T.D. (Love Togetherness & Devotion) had a top ten record with today’s song. The lead vocalist was Jeffrey Osborne, who left the group in 1980 for a solo career. A few years later he had a hit with “On The Wings Of Love” & was part of the all star chorus for “We Are The World”. But I think his work with L.T.D. was his best.

“When you put your arms around me
I feel so satisfied
I want to love you forever
I just can’t, I can’t decide“.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

L.T.D.: “(Every Time I Turn Around) Back in Love Again” (1977, written by Len Ron Hanks and Zane Grey).

I do not own the rights to anything. I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

12Mar2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 361

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Today we celebrate birthday #73 for James Vernon Taylor born March 12, 1948 in Massachusetts. A true American treasure, he has been entertaining audiences since his debut album was released in 1968. He recorded it in England as one of the first acts signed to The Beatles’ Apple Records label. One of the album’s songs, “Something In The Way She Moves” served as the inspiration (and first line) to George Harrison’s masterpiece, “Something”.

Taylor has made a career performing his own songs (“Carolina On MY Mind”, “Fire & Rain”, today’s song) as well as those from other artists (Carole King’s “You’ve Got A Friend”, Holland-Dozier-Holland’s “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” & Sam Cooke & Herb Alpert’s “Wonderful World”). But whatever Taylor sings, he makes it his own with his signature soothing vocal & simple elegant musical arrangements. For over 50 years, he has been a permanent part of the landscape of American music. Happy birthday, Sweet Baby James.

“Now the first of December was covered with snow
And so was the turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston
Though the Berkshires seemed dreamlike on account of that frosting
With ten miles behind me and ten thousand more to go“.

James Taylor’s 1970 album. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

James Taylor: “Sweet Baby James” (1970, written by James Taylor).

I do not own the rights to anything. I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

2Mar2021

Let’s Take A Moment Day 351

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Carpenters have the distinction of being one of the greatest duos of all time thanks to the talents of siblings Richard and Karen Carpenter. Their sound was distinctive thanks to Richard’s knack for song writing, his ear for pop melodies punctuated by layered arrangements that highlighted the absolute beauty of his sister’s voice. Karen was born on March 2, 1950 in New Haven, CT. Her family relocated to Downey, CA in 1963 to help Richard, a musician from childhood, pursue a career in music.

Karen went through a few instruments before deciding on the drums, making her one of the first female percussionists to rise to prominence. By 1965 they were playing as a jazz trio with an upright bass player. After he departed the siblings continued together. In 1969 they signed to A&M Records after label co-founder Herb Alpert heard their demo. Karen was 19 years old and it was her vocal tracks that would help make the duo achieve the international success that followed.

It began with a cover of The Beatles song, “Ticket To Ride” followed by the song that launched their career, “Close To You”, written by the iconic songwriting team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David. It went to #1 for four consecutive weeks in the summer of 1970. After that a slew of hits followed, including today’s song, which was a #2 hit in 1971.

Alpert was the one who convinced the duo to record their first #1 song. In a 2011 interview he gave to “CBS Sunday Morning” he spoke about Karen, who died in 1983 from complications related to an eating disorder. He said, “She never realized how great she was. She never really accepted the fact that she really had it”. Alpert also got choked up thinking of her, because even though nearly 30 years had passed since Karen’s death, he still found her loss incomprehensible. I think that pretty much sums up how all her fans feel.

“What I’ve got they used to call the blues
Nothin’ is really wrong
Feelin’ like I don’t belong“.

Karen and Richard Carpenter circa 1971. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Carpenters: “Rainy Days & Mondays” (1971, written by Roger Nichols and Paul Williams).

I do not own the rights to anything. I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

27Jul2020

Let’s Take A Moment Day 133

Posted in Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day. And if this helps anyone else, even better.

In 1962 trumpeter, songwriter, vocalist and bandleader Herb Alpert founded A&M Records with his business partner, Jerry Moss. The name of the label came from the first letter of both men’s last names. It took six years for the record company to have its first number one record when today’s song by Alpert hit the top spot in June 1968 for four straight weeks. It was also his first number one song and the first for the songwriters, Burt Bacharach and Hal David. After that the record company and all three men were off for a fabulous ride. By 1972 the label was one of the most successful in the world.

It was sold in 1999, but during its 37 year run it was home to diverse artists such as Billy Preston, The Carpenters, Peter Frampton, Procol Harum, Cat Stevens (n/k/a Yusuf), Quincy Jones, Carole King, Barry White and a host of others. But Alpert remains one of my top favorites thanks to his 1965 album, “Whipped Cream & Other Delights”, and today’s song thanks to his soft easy vocal and the absolutely lovely lyrics by Hal David.

“My hands are shakin’ don’t let my heart keep breaking ’cause
I need your love, I want your love
Say you’re in love, in love with this guy
If not I’ll just die“.

Herb Alpert circa 1965 (R) and that year’s album cover for “Whipped Cream & Other Delights. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

Herb Alpert: “This Guy’s In Love With You” (1968, written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David).

I do not own the rights to anything. I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

6Dec2018

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2018: Day 6

Posted in Christmas, Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hi, Everybody!!! Welcome back to the countdown.

Can we take a minute to adore this DIY upcycle I found on Pinterest? Is this not the cutest???!!! I have several old spice tins (I may even have the cinnamon one featured below) but I never even thought of doing something this seasonal and creative with them and old bottle brush trees. I am completely in love with this idea!!!

Found on Pinterest (original source unknown).

Now for today’s song. It is another Christmas standard initially made famous by Bing Crosby in the 1940’s. The woman who recorded the version featured today released hers in 2013 and it has a really nice Herb Alpert-esque trumpet arrangement going on throughout it. Add the singer’s interpretation of this classic with her soulful powerful voice and you have a new reason to love this song all over again.

Kelly Clarkson: “I’ll Be Home For Christmas“.

I do not own the rights to anything. I am just sharing some things that I love with you 🙂

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

16Dec2017

25 Days Of Christmas Music: Day 16

Posted in Christmas, Music by Michele at Lilacs & Rust

Hello, Vixens!!! Welcome back to the countdown.

(Original source unknown.)

Tall, dark, handsome & sexy are a few ways to describe this artist. Unbelievably talented is another. He paints, sculpts, writes, arranges, produces & performs great music for himself & other artists. He also plays one mean trumpet. He co-wrote “Wonderful World” which was initially made famous by Sam Cooke, sang one of my all time favorite Burt Bacharach songs ever (“This Guy’s In Love With You“) which hit #1 in 1968 and was the A of A&M Records which signed the The Carpenters in 1969.

This man had several hits in the 1960’s with his band, the Tijuana Brass (“A Taste Of Honey“, “Whipped Cream” and “Spanish Flea“, which is also known as “The Bachelor’s Theme” from The Dating Game). On his own he hit #1 again in 1979 with “Rise” (also known to “General Hospital” fans as the song that was playing in Luke’s disco when he raped Laura) and #5 in 1987 with “Diamonds“, with one of his A&M singers, Janet Jackson, on vocals.

He has won all the awards, done all the shows and continues to make great music. This year he treated us to two releases: “Music Volume 1” came out in July with some really great new music as well as a lovely cover of the Beatles’ “Michelle” and an absolutely beautiful version of John Lennon’s “Imagine”

“A Christmas Wish” came out in the fall, and all of the songs are wonderful. But I really like this one since it was originally recorded in 1970 by his old friends, The Carpenters. I think it shows this man’s heart, loyalty and love of a good song.

Richard & Karen Carpenter with Herb Alpert circa 1971 (original source unknown)

Herb Alpert: “Merry Christmas, Darling”

The Carpenters: “Merry Christmas, Darling” (original 1970)

I do not own the rights to anything. I am just sharing some things that I love with you 🙂

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, fellow Vixens, happy listening!!!

	Michele at Lilacs… on Music Monday: May 6, 2024
	justdrivewillyou on Music Monday: May 6, 2024
	Music Monday: April… on Let’s Take A Moment Day…
	Michele at Lilacs… on Music Monday: February 26,…
	rawgod on Music Monday: February 26,…

Lilacs & Rust

Music & makeovers! I swoon for chippy paint, a gorgeous patina and a fabulous song!!! I love great music (read: Bruce Springsteen & Otis Redding), white lilacs, walking in freshly fallen snow, the Golden Girls, road trips and the fall!!!

Tag Archives: Herb Alpert

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 3

Music Monday: August 28, 2023

Music Monday: February 13, 2023

Music Monday: May 23, 2022

Let’s Take A Moment Day 382

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 361

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

James Taylor’s 1970 album. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 351

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Let’s Take A Moment Day 133

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Herb Alpert circa 1965 (R) and that year’s album cover for “Whipped Cream & Other Delights. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2018: Day 6

Found on Pinterest (original source unknown).

25 Days Of Christmas Music: Day 16

(Original source unknown.)

Richard & Karen Carpenter with Herb Alpert circa 1971 (original source unknown)