from GOOD NEWS
Written by Danny Kortchmar
Good News was the second and final album released in 1977 by pop/rock group Attitudes for George Harrison’s Dark Horse label. The group consisted of session aces with Jim Keltner on drums, Danny Kortchmar on guitar, Paul Stallworth on bass and a young Canadian prodigy named David Foster on keyboards. Both of Attitudes’ releases remained well-kept secrets to this day. The songs were extremely interesting with their unique mix of pop, rock and funk delivered by first-class musicianship. Recently, both albums were finally released on cd and a comprehensive Best Of was also put on the market giving fans the opportunity to listen to their catchy music. Good News was produced by noted engineer and guitarist, Jay Lewis, together with Attitudes. The album presents quite a few highlights that included “Promise Me The Moon,” a Kortchmar original that was the pick for this week.
“Promise Me The Moon” was a latin/rock number with jazzy overtones not far from the refined sounds of Little Feat or The Doobie Brothers. Kortchmar handled the lead vocals with the right energy and also played some great guitar with Lewis and guest Jay Graydon. Foster’s piano licks added some jazz/fusion flavor to the atmosphere. The groovin’ rhythm section of Stallworth and Keltner were reinforced here by Pat Murphy on congas to enhance the latin feel of the track.
Sax legend David Sanborn was evidently a fan of Attitudes. Sanborn covered both “Promise Me The Moon” and “In A Stranger’s Arms” on his next album which was also released in 1977 and titled Promise Me The Moon. Sanborn’s version was very close to Attitudes’ original and was delivered by top players including the great Hiram Bullock (1955-2008) on lead vocals and guitar.
- Lead Vocal & Guitar: Danny Kortchmar
- Keyboards: David Foster
- Bass: Paul Stallworth
- Drums: Jim Keltner
- Background Vocals: Attitudes
- Produced by Jay Lewis & Attitudes
Lyrics
Can’t recall the color of her eyes
Though they have the power to paralyze
And I can’t recall the color of her hair
But I feel so all alone when she’s not there
What she said, it still echoes in my head
Won’t you promise me the moon?
Promise me that sunny day, though it’s way too soon
Make that promise anyway, promise me the moon
Promise me the stars above, though it’s way too soon
Promise all your love
So if in the night our ships collide
We cannot avoid it if we tried
But it seems like I can’t get no sleep
If I make a promise I can’t keep
What she said, it still echoes in my head
Won’t you promise me the moon?
Promise me that sunny day, though it’s way too soon
Make that promise anyway, promise me the moon
Promise me the stars above, though it’s way too soon
Promise all your love
What she said, it still echoes in my head