Top Ten albums that influenced me
Like all of us, I’m a product of the decade(s) that I grew up in. It would be great to say that the first record I bought was something really cool like Led Zeppelin or Howlin’ Wolf, but, no, it was Donny and Marie (hey, they were great and the hottest thing around at the time, and now, it turns out, I get to work with Michael Lloyd who made all of these huge pop records in the 70’s – the Osmonds, Shawn Cassidy, Leif Garrett). More than anything, I love a great melody and a great singer (or singers) that can convey the story and move me. I’ve always found myself especially drawn to vocal driven music. There’s SO much great music out there and these are some that really captured my imagination and helped shape what I think about pop music and what records sound like to me – Even Now.
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Barry Manilow – Live
It’s no mystery that I’ve been a huge fan of Barry Manilow since I was a kid and getting to work with him is as great as I would have imagined. His early records are fantastic, but this record, for me, is where it all came together: the great songs, the great arrangements and the energy of a live performance. Wow!
The Manhattan Transfer – Vocalese
I hadn’t really known about the Vocalese style before this record. It opened up a whole new look at vocal music for me and introduced me to the genius that is Jon Hendricks. By favorite bit of trivia about this record – Jon Hendricks wrote lyrics to the original recording of all of the songs except Sing Joy Spring – the Clifford Brown classic. For Sing Joy Spring he wrote the lyrics to the Lambert, Hendricks and Ross version that included their scat solos. Brilliant!
Matt Bianco – Whose Side Are You On
My first job was working at Musicland (a record store). My boss, the store manager knew I enjoyed the Manhattan Transfer and introduced me to this record. I was hooked from the first song. This unusual mix of pop vocal music, Latin and jazz is interesting and infectious. And once again, Charlie Morgan played on this record as well. Really, who knew?
Billy Joel – Stranger
Although he’d had a big pile of hits while I was growing up, Billy Joel never really captured my attention until my first year of college when some friends took me to one of his shows. I was mesmerized! The songs were sensational and I had never heard anything like ‘Scenes From An Italian Restaurant’ or ‘We’ll All Go Down Together.’ The sheer force of the songs and the originality knocked me over not to mention I had never heard anyone play the piano like he did on ‘Angry Young Man.’ The next day I started my Billy Joel collection and never looked back.
Sting – Dream of the Blue Turtles
This record spun me around. I was a big fan of the Police, as we all were, so, of course I ran right out to buy Sting’s first solo record. Who would have had any idea this is what he would do: pop, jazz, classical – a tour de-force!
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Elton John – Live in Australia
Among Elton’s records, this is one of my absolute favorites: all of his classics performed with James Newton Howard (one of my favorite composers) and the Melbourne Symphony with James and Paul Buckmaster’s groundbreaking orchestral pop arrangements. The band is unbelievable and it just turns out that one of my best friends, Charlie Morgan, was Elton’s drummer at the time. And again, the energy of a live performance really elevates these songs! Seriously, check out the groove of Take Me To The Pilot!
Bee Gees – Spirits Having Flown
IMHO – I don’t think there’s anyone in pop music that is more thoroughly talented as Barry Gibb. As a singer, writer, producer (and I’m sure un-credited arranger) no one is his rival. The vocals are impeccable, the arrangements are some of the best pop arrangements ever and songs are sensational!
Luis Miguel – 20 Años
This record was one of my first introductions to Latin pop music. Luis, as a singer, is great, but Juan Carlos Calderon as a composer and arranger is beyond. After loving this record, I did some homework and learned just how legendary Juan Carlos is. He is truly one of the geniuses of modern pop music. Also, this record was performed by most all of my favorite session players, Robbie Buchanan (who I was lucky enough to work with for 7 years!), Abe Laboriel, Neil Stubenhaus, J.R. Robinson, Paul Jackson, Jr, Mike Landau, Jerry Hey, really, it just doesn’t get any better!
Sibelius 2nd Symphony
During my many years playing in symphony orchestras, this symphony, of all pieces really captured my imagination. The sweeping lyrical melodies and the intricate rhythms all based on a three-note theme. For me, it’s an emotional roller coaster that I love to ride!
Jimmy Buffett – Boats, Beaches, Bars & Ballads
I didn’t really discover Jimmy Buffett until I worked at MCA records. This guy has never won a Grammy and is barely recognized by the recording industry as a whole, but there is no other artist I can think of that is as smart and savy as he is. His songs are personal and moving and the spirit of his music is infectious. As an author, he’s extremely entertaining and as a businessman, there is no one that can match what he’s accomplished with his brand. A true original!