from FRIENDS IN LOVE
Written by Skip Scarborough
Between the second half of the seventies and the first half of the eighties, David Foster and Jay Graydon created some of the most sophisticated pop music ever recorded. Their stunning melodies delivered with jazz-infused harmonies and unusual chord changes pleased the ears of music lovers on treasured albums by the late Al Jarreau, Bill Champlin, Boz Scaggs, Manhattan Transfer, Chicago, Hall & Oates, Marc Jordan and many more.
One of their first collaborations was Foster’s 1976 production for singer/actress Jaye P. Morgan’s self-titled record. Although that album went nowhere commercially and was virtually unknown, it was chocked-full of great music. One of the many gems included was a cover of Skip Scarborough’s classic “Can’t Hide Love,” a soulful jam that was popularized by Earth, Wind & Fire on their 1975 milestone album, Gratitude. The version that was crafted for Ms. Morgan rivals Earth, Wind & Fire’s timeless song with a rarefied, smooth arrangement that’s pure ear-candy delivered by the most talented musicians of the LA scene.
In 1981, Graydon was producing the legendary Dionne Warwick. He and Foster decided to resurrect that gorgeous but unknown version of “Can’t Hide Love” for Ms. Warwick’s album which was eventually titled Friends In Love. Startingfrom Foster’s immaculate Fender Rhodes intro, the song develops into one of the sultriest soul jams ever. Instrumentally, it was sheer perfection with top-notch performances by session giants like Steve Gadd, Abe Laboriel, Steve Lukather, Graydon and Foster. Even Jerry Hey crafted a spectacular horn arrangement. In those five minutes, there’s a brilliant mix of jazz, soul and pop with Ms. Warwick’s trademark voice on top. Her warm, elegant vocal performance was supported by the soothing backing vocals of Bill Champlin, Richard Page and Venette Gloud. “Can’t Hide Love” was pure bliss from start to finish. Just listen to the song’s outro with Foster, Graydon and company teaching a lesson on finesse and class.
Listen
- Lead & Backing Vocals: Dionne Warwick
- Acoustic Piano & Fender Rhodes: David Foster
- Guitar: Jay Graydon & Steve Lukather
- Drums: Steve Gadd
- Bass: Abraham Laboriel
- Horn Section:
- Backing Vocals: Bill Champlin, Richard Page & Venette Gloud
- Horns Arranged by Jerry Hey
- Strings Arranged by David Foster & Jeremy Lubbock
- Produced & Arranged by Jay Graydon
Lyrics
You want my love and
You can’t deny
You know it’s true, but you try to hide
You turn down love like it’s really bad
You can’t give what you never had
Well bless your soul, you can fool a few
But, I know the truth and so do you
You can’t hide love, you can’t now
You can’t hide love, it’s got ya
Betcha you want my love, I betcha
You can’t hide feeling inside
You can’t pretend there’s nothing there
Girl, I look in your eyes, I see you care
So why not stop trying to run and hide
You won’t find out, if you never try
You can’t hide love, you can’t now
You can’t hide love, it’s got ya
Betcha want my love, I betcha
You can’t hide feeling inside
Love has found the time to kiss you
Can you find the time to listen
Life found the time to bug you
Can you find the time for blessing