written by Paula Cole & Jeremy Lubbock

David Foster usually only plays keyboards on his own productions and it’s rare to find him as a guest on other performer’s records. Recently, one of those special appearances was on Paula Cole’s 2007 album “Courage.”
Cole is a classically trained mezzo soprano and a talented songwriter whose refined folk/jazz style echoes Joni Mitchell’s most sophisticated work. Cole’s record was produced by Bobby Colomby, former drummer of the legendary Blood, Sweat & Tears who also produces star trumpet player Chris Botti. Botti is a fixture on Foster’s hit productions for Michael Bublè, Andrea Bocelli, Renee Olstead and Eric Benet, just to name a few, which probably explains why Foster agreed to appeared on “Courage.”

Colomby enlisted an impressive line-up for the album with musicians like jazz great Herbie Hancock, Steve Kahn, Dean Parks, Tony Levin, Jeff Lorber, Jeremy Lubbock, Billy Childs and Paul Buchanan of Blue Nile. Cole co-wrote all the songs on the album with some of the musicians involved on the sessions and the result is both very appealing and musically challenging. From the up-tempo opener “Comin’ Down,” co-written with Dean Parks, to the Brazilian influenced “Hard To Be Soft,” co-written with Mark Goldenberg and featuring Brazilian legend Ivan Lins, “Courage” is an absolute joy for the ears. Foster plays piano on the delicate “In Our Dreams,” composed by the singer with Lubbock. Another Cole/Lubbock goodie, “Lonelytown,” presents Hancock’s jazz piano in the spotlight. “14,” an interesting collaboration with songwriter/producer Patrick Leonard, was the first single off the album. Cole’s voice is versatile and warm, well matched by her fine songwriting, first class accompaniment and production.

Lead Vocals: Paula Cole
Piano: David Foster
Guitar: Dean Parks
Drums: Billy Kilson
Bass: Ian Walker
Percussion: Jay Bellerose

Arranged & Conducted by Jeremy Lubbock
Produced by

Lyrics

(Holding on, holding on, holding on…)
Here in this vacancy,
Where we existed,
I carry on in life like some puppet acting her part.

The very core of me,
An empty garden.
The tree of life once flowered her arms to open sky.

An angel guided you home, now I’m alone, now I’m alone,
The living on’s the hardest part,
And the days are endless hours.

This house is silent now.
The bed’s much bigger.
The television’s constant to keep me company.

The Maker guided you home,
Now I’m alone, now I’m alone,
The living on’s the hardest part,
And the days are endless hours,

But then at night when my soul is in flight,
And together we meet in the galaxy,
Love know no lease,
We’re here in the meadow of grace and peace,
We meet again in our dreams.

So if you hear me now,
‘Cause I know you’re out there.
Wait for my homecoming when I cross the other side.

A little bird flew you home,
Now I’m alone, now I’m alone,
The living on’s the hardest part,
And the days are endless hours.

But then at night when my soul is in flight,
And together we meet in the galaxy,
Love knows no lease,
We’re here in the meadow; our secret place.
We meet again in our dreams.
In our dreams.
In our dreams.
Some days we meet again in our dreams.

Written by David Foster, Maurice White & Philip Bailey

For the 2005 Holiday season David Foster co-wrote a new song entitled “Gather Round” with Maurice White and Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire. It marked Foster’s first collaboration with the legendary R&B group in about 20 years.
The positively themed, up-tempo song was used on a Christmas campaign for Target stores. It was also included on a compilation album entitled “Sounds Of The Season: The NBC Holiday Collection.” That record showcased superstars like Michael Bublè, Rod Stewart, Rob Thomas and Goo Goo Dolls performing classic and new holiday-themed material. Earth, Wind & Fire’s tune musically belongs to their trademark R&B territory with a groovin’ arrangement, tight horns and superb vocals while lyrically it gives a positive message that’s perfect for the Christmas season. “Gather Round” also sports a catchy refrain that reminds the listener of EWF’s big hit “Sing A Song.” Philip Bailey handled the lead vocals showcasing his incredible vocal range from confident tenor to soaring falsetto. Another plus is Foster’s fantastic work on the Wurlitzer piano that gives the song a strong vintage feeling. “Gather Round” brings back reminiscences of Foster/White gems like “In The Stone” and “And Love Goes On.” It is clear evidence that the magic of those fantastic collaborations is still intact.

Performed by Earth, Wind & Fire

Lead Vocals: Philip Bailey

Keyboards: David Foster

Produced & Arranged by David Foster

No Lyrics

Written by Mel Tormè & Robert Wells

Andrea Bocelli’s “My Christmas” is going to be the most successful holiday-themed album of 2009 and one of the year’s best sellers. Again, the partnership with David Foster has brought the Italian tenor massive worldwide aclaim.
In 2007, Foster was already in the spotlight with his production of Josh Groban’s “Noel” that was certified quintuple platinum in the U.S. and has become one of the most successful Christmas releases ever. “My Christmas” is clearly following its footsteps with the perfect mix of Bocelli’s unique voice enhanced by Foster’s state of the art production and superior arrangements. The album presents a varied collection of holiday songs that let the Italian superstar shine from tender, intimate moments to full operatic pieces. There are Christmas pop classics like “White Christmas,” “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” and “What Child Is This,” a duet with R&B megastar Mary J. Blige. Part of the album is made of more religious songs like the gorgeous “Lord’s Prayer” with the majestic Mormon Tabernacle Choir, “Ave Maria” and “Adeste Fideles.” There’s really something for everyone on “My Christmas.” Other duet special guests on “My Christmas” are the fantastic Natalie Cole with an elegant rendition of “The Christmas Song,” newcomer Katherine Jenkins on the meaningful ballad, “I Believe” and Country superstar Reba McEntire on “Blue Christmas.” One true showstopper is the hilarious duet with the Muppets on “Jingle Bells.”

David Foster has often declared that Andrea Bocelli is the best singer in world and “My Christmas” proves again that statement is quite true.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Lead Vocals: Andrea Bocelli & Natalie Cole
Keyboards: David Foster
Guitar: Dean Parks
Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta

Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,
Jack Frost nipping on your nose,
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir,
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe,
Help to make the season bright.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow,
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.

They know that Santa’s on his way;
He’s loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh.
And every mother’s child is going to spy,
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.

And so I’m offering this simple phrase,
To kids from one to ninety-two,
Although its been said many times, many ways,
A very Merry Christmas to you

Written by David Foster, Tom Keane & Alan Thicke

The late Lou Rawls was one of the most important Soul/Blues singers of the Sixties and the Seventies. His legendary baritone caressed generations of fans on a string of hits that included “Love Is A Hurtin’ Thing,” “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine,” “Lady Love” and “Your Good Thing (Is About To End).”
In the Eighties, Rawls, like many of his contemporaries, saw his popularity slip a little in favor of other gifted singers like Al Jarreau and George Benson. In 1986 he tried a comeback album produced by Jay Graydon, the mastermind behind Jarreau’s triumph. The record, “Love All Your Blues Away,” was half contemporary R&B and half traditional Pop/Jazz. Although the material presented is all very good, it sounds a bit dated today. At the time, Graydon tried to contemporize his style with heavy use of programmed drums and synthesizers and lost a bit of the magic that his Jarreau material showcased. The quality of the original songs is so high that it still makes for a pleasant listen and the evergreens that fill the second half of the album are all beautifully presented and performed.

Graydon enlisted his usual team of musicians, co-writers, arrangers and co-producers, the cream of the quality Pop mafia like his pals, David Foster, Richard Page, Tom Keane, Bill Champlin, Robbie Nevil, Jeremy Lubbock and many others. Foster, Graydon and Page co-wrote the fantastic ballad, “Learn To Love Again,” sung by Rawls with Tata Vega. It would be one of the last songs that the legendary singer brought to the R&B single chart. Foster also co-wrote with Keane and actor/songwriter Alan Thicke a wonderful up-tempo number entitled “Stop Me From Starting This Feeling.” Arranged by Foster and produced by Graydon, it is one of those feeling good gems that Foster so often crafted in the Eighties. The track is beautifully handled by Rawls with his familiar style and confident performance while the backing track is 100% Foster with his bass synth, drum programming and piano playing. “Stop Me From Starting This Feeling” was also released as a single, but didn’t make the charts. It is very popular among the fans of the most sophisticated Pop/R&B.

Lead Vocals: Lou Rawls

Drums, Synthsizers & Piano: David Foster

Additional Syntesizers: Jay Graydon & Steve George

Background Vocals: Richard Page & Steve George

Cymbals: John Keane

Arranged by David Foster

Produced by Jay Graydon

Associate Producers: David Foster & Humberto Gatica

No lyrics

Written by Paul Simon

“Hitman: David Foster & Friends” was an incredible live event that took place at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas during the Spring of 2008. On that special night, Foster offered a fantastic retrospective of his legendary career with an amazing list of special guests that included superstars like Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, Peter Cetera, Céliné Dion, Boz Scaggs, Brian McKnight and Andrea Bocelli plus new talents including Renee Olstead, Katherine McPhee, William Joseph and Charice. During the show, the audience was entertained with a musical journey through the 35 years of Foster’s triumphant career, from his first hit, Skylark’s “Wildflower,” to his most recent chart toppers with Groban and Bublé. What’s most impressive is not just the quantity and quality of Foster’s big hits over many decades at the top of the charts, but also the variety of musical styles he has successfully handled. Big ballads were obviously the core of the show, but there were Disco/dance numbers, sophisticated Pop, R&B, Jazz, Country, Rock and Classical. There is no music genre the Fozman has not touched, easily switching from one to another yet always leaving his mark with the craft of his productions, the originality of his arrangements and the high quality of his compositions.

After a lifetime spent behind the glass with his name on the back of countless album covers, “Hitman: David Foster & Friends” gave Foster a never before experienced visibility among audiences. Foster would continue this success with his “Hitman” US/Canada tour in the fall of 2009.

Released in November 2008 on CD/DVD, “Hitman: David Foster & Friends” had very good success reaching #46 on Billboard’s Top 200. It was also broadcast on TV by PBS throughout the 2008 Christmas season with great ratings. The CD/DVD is a true joy to view and listen to for fans, but it will also take the casual music aficionado on a tuneful trip through the soundtrack of their life. Among the list of extraordinary gems, there’s a special duet between Groban and McKnight of the Simon & Garfunkel classic “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Their voices blend wonderfully under Foster’s usual superior guidance and the result is pure beauty. Enjoy this magical ride among some of the best pop music ever made thanks to the Hitman!

Lead Vocals & Piano: Josh Groban
Lead Vocals: Brian McKnight
Keyboards: Randy Waldman & Greg Phillinganes
Drums: John Robinson
Guitars: Dean Parks & Michael Thompson
Bass: Nathan East

Percussion: Rafael Padilla & Timothy Jones
Orchestra Conductor: William Ross

Produced & Arranged by David Foster

When you’re weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all

I’m on your side
When times get rough
And friends just can’t be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you’re down and out
When you’re on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you

I’ll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

Sail on Silver Girl,
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way

See how they shine
If you need a friend
I’m sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind