from FLY AWAY: THE SONGS OF DAVID FOSTER
Written by David Foster, Jay Graydon & Al Jarreau
“After All” was one of those timeless ballads that David Foster and Jay Graydon composed between the late seventies and the early eighties. Both former Airplay wizards were in their prime, so their work on “After All” was pure gold. That song showcased Foster’s and Graydon’s unique gift to fuel a powerful melody with irresistible, jazz-influenced harmonies and rhythm changes.
The late Al Jarreau (1940 to 2017) wrote the song’s tender lyrics and performed “After All” on his classic 1984 High Crime album. “After All” was a multi-format hit for Mr. Jarreau. It reached #69 on Billboard’s Hot 100, #6 on the Adult Contemporary chart and #26 on the R&B chart and became a staple of the legendary jazz vocalist’s repertoire as well as one of Foster’s most successful co-writes. If you would like to read the past cover of Mr. Jarreau’s original version of “After All,” just click here.
When Finnish music-maker Tomi Malm was working on his celebrated Fly Away: The Songs Of David Foster tribute cd, “After All” was one of the songs he absolutely wanted to cover. In fact, he crafted a magnificent instrumental arrangement and enlisted the great Leslie Smith to fill Mr. Jarreau’s substantial shoes. Smith’s take on “After All” was only released on the 3-track EP that anticipated the cd’s release. The veteran singer’s inspired performance was backed up by Malm’s amazing work on piano and Rhodes in the best Foster tradition. The song sported an inventive arrangement that smartly developed from a very intimate first part to a rousing, big-band-like ending. The tune also sported a top-notch performance from the rhythm section with John Robinson on drums and Abe Laboriel on bass, a fantastic horn arrangement courtesy of Jan Glaesel and the usual pyrotechnic work on backing vocals by Frank Adahl.
This is a good chance to rediscover Fly Away: The Songs Of David Foster. Experience all the superior artistry of the great names involved on this tribute and the extraordinary work made by Tomi Malm fully supported by the Contante And Sonante record label.
Listen
[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Leslie_Smith_-_After_All_EP_Bonus_Track.mp3|titles=After All|artists=Leslie Smith]Lead Vocals: Leslie Smith
Piano, Rhodes & Keyboards: Tomi Malm
Drums: John Robinson
Bass: Abraham Laboriel
Electric Guitars: Dan Warner & Mikko Raita
Background Vocals: Leslie Smith, Frank Adahl, Rafa Hernandez & Eli Hernandez
Horns Arranged by Jan Glaesel & Performed by The Danish All-Star Horns
Produced & Arranged by Tomi Malm
Lyrics
There, there was a time I knew
That no matter, what may come,
love would prevail.
And then inside the dreams I knew
Came the question lovers fear
Can true love fail
Then I would miss the childhood wish
And haven’t I sung to you
Of the knight in armor bright
Faithful and true to you
CHORUS:
Darling, after all
I will be the one to hold you in my arms
After all
I will be the one to hold you
I will be the one to hold you in my arms
In my arms
I know in my heart and mind
That no matter, come what may, love will survive
And love, the author of space and time
Keeps the galaxies and each sparrow alive
And the love that heals the wound
After the war is through
Is the knight in armor bright
Faithful and true to you
CHORUS:
Darling, after all
I will be the one to hold you in my arms
After all
I will be the one to hold you
I will be the one to hold you in my arms
In my arms