written by Kenny Loggins & David Foster

In 1998, soft-rock king, Kenny Loggins, released a Christmas album entitled “December.” This collection included both classics and newly written songs performed by Loggins with his typical acoustic and jazzy approach.

The Holiday evergreens here are “The Christmas Song,” “White Christmas,” “Christmas Time Is Here” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” all performed with minimal instrumental accompaniment with the focus on the singer’s tender vocals and some beautifully performed solos by guests like Everette Harp and Norton Buffalo respectively on saxophone and harmonica. Among the new tracks is the wonderful, “On Christmas Morning” co-written with David Foster that’s a modern day classic with its gorgeous melody and stunning refrain. “December” presents several special appearances by big names like David Crosby, Graham Nash, Mervyn Warren, Valerie Carter and fantastic musicianship courtesy of veteran producer Peter Asher and people like Russ Kunkel, Dean Parks and Larry Klein. Kenny Loggins’ “December” is the perfect music for a quiet Christmas’ Eve spent at home with your loved ones.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/on_christmas_morning.mp3|titles=On Christmas Morning|artists=Kenny Loggins]

Lead Vocals: Kenny loggins
Keyboards & Synthesizer: Jai Winding
Guitar: Dean Parks
Bass: Larry Klein
Drums: Russell. Kunkel
Flute, Recorder: Jon Clarke
French Horn: Joseph Meyer
Percussion: Peter Asher

Strings Arranged by David Rubenstein

Produced by Peter Asher & Kenny Loggins

Lyric

Ol’ December’s here at last
Time for celebration
Christmas present
Christmas past
Tumble down together like the snow
What a show
Now the snowman Karen made
Is melting by the roadside
On the wind a serenade
Of children’s voices singing I believe
I believe in love
I believ

On Christmas morning
You awaken with a smile
You hold me in your arms
We watch the snowflakes fly
And then you love me and I realize how sweet a life can be
All the memories
Coming back again this year

Sentimental melodies
surround me like an old friend
Spent a winter here with me
Silently we watched the seasons change
And they change so fast
Fade away

On Christmas morning
You awaken with a smile
You hold me in your arms
We watch the snowflakes fly
And then you love me
And I realize how sweet a life can be
All the memories will always take me back, hold me back in time

On Christmas morning
You awaken with a smile
You hold me in your arms
We watch the snowflakes fly
And then you love me
And I realize how sweet a life can be
Ooh the memories will always take me back in time
To Christmas morning
On Christmas morning

Traditional

After the triumphs of Josh Groban’s 2007 “Noel” and Andrea Bocelli’s 2009 “My Christmas,” David Foster just completed his hat trick of multi-platinum seasonal smashes with Michael Buble’s Fall 2011 release, “Christmas.” Buble’s holiday-themed compilation is already #1 on the charts worldwide and selling like hotcakes. Like its predecessors, “Christmas” will be a winner for this holiday season.

On “Christmas,” Foster shares the producer’s chair with Bob Rock and his old partner Humberto Gatica as he did on Buble’s last couple of records, “Call Me Irresponsible” and “Crazy Love.” This collection presents several classics like “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “Silent Night” and “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas” that showcase the singer’s velvet voice. There is a great rendition of “White Christmas” with special guest Shania Twain and a spectacular “Jingle Bells” with the very talented Puppini Sisters. There’s also a good version of Mariah Carey’s modern classic “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” For something on the newer side, there is a beautiful song by Buble, Rock and Alan Chang entitled “Cold December Night” that just begs for a fireplace and some egg nog.

The arrangements and productions are obviously top notch and among the musicians there are legendary names like Peter Erskine, Alan Pasqua, Jim Keltner, Dean Parks and Vinnie Colaiuta. The only little fault we found is in Buble’s rendition of “Ave Maria.” The vocal performance is the usual work of art, but his pronunciation of the ancient Latin language leaves a lot to be desired. It’s really a minimal slip on an otherwise amazing record that’s bound to become a perennial Christmas favourite for years to come. For Buble’s collectors it remains to be said that the Target edition of the album has three additional songs including “Winter Wonderland,” “Frosty the Snowman” also with the Puppini Sisters and “Silver Bells” featuring Naturally 7.
Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/jingle_bells.mp3|titles=Jingle Bells|artists=Michael Buble]

Lead Vocals: Michael Buble feat. The Puppini Sisters
Piano: Alan Pasqua
Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta
Bass: Chuck Berghofer
Guitars: Graham Detcher

Orchestrated by Chris Walden
Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Lyrics

Dashing through the snow
In a one horse open sleigh
O’er the fields we go
Laughing all the way
Bells on bob tails ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to laugh and sing
A sleighing song tonight

Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh

A day or two ago
I thought I’d take a ride
And soon Miss Fanny Bright
Was seated by my side
The horse was lean and lank
Misfortune seemed his lot
We got into a drifted bank
And then we got upsot

Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh yeah

Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh

written by Albert Hammond, Juan Carlos Calderon & Anahi

In 1985 music stars worldwide were in the front line to contribute to the African crises. That was the year of the “Live Aid” event and saw the release of famous all-stars charity anthems like “We Are The World,” “Do They Know It’s Christmas,” David Foster’s “Tears Are Not Enough” and the Latin-American song, “Cantare, Cantaras (I Will Sing, You Will Sing).”

This last tune was recorded in Los Angeles in April 1985 and assembled a who’s who of big names in latin music and movies. “Cantare, Cantaras (I Will Sing, You Will Sing)” was co-written by Albert Hammond, Juan Carlos Calderon and Anahi and it was produced by Hammond, Jose Quintana and Humberto Gatica. Gatica, a veteran of the “We Are The World” sessions, obviously asked his pal David Foster to contribute to the project. Foster arranged the track with Calderon and played on it along with session aces Nathan East, Greg Phillinganes, John Robinson and Carlos Rios. This ballad has the typical positive vibe needed with hopeful lyrics and a powerful arrangement. Great names like Julio Iglesias, Placido Domingo, Roberto Carlos, Gal Costa, Jose Feliciano, Irene Cara and Menudo trade vocal lines on the verses that lead to an effective refrain sung by all participants. A video documentary of the recordings, narrated by actor Ricardo Montalban, was also broadcasted on several Latin-American TV networks.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/cantaras.mp3|titles=Cantare, Cantaras|artists=Various Artists]

Vocals: Amanda Miguel, Antonio De Jesus, Apollonia, Basilio, Braulio, Celia Cruz, Charytin, Cheech Marin, Chiquetete, Claudia De Colombia, Danny Rivera, Diego Verdaguer, Emmanuel, Fernando Allende, Gal Costa, Guillermo Davila, Irene Cara, Jose Jose, José Feliciano, José Luis Rodríguez, Julio Iglesias, Lalo Schifrin, Lissette, Lucho Gatica, Lucia Mendez, Lupita D’Alessio, Manoella Torres, María Conchita Alonso, Menudo, Miami Sound Machine, Miguel Gallardo, Nydia Caro, Palito Ortega, Pedro Vargas, Pimpinela, Placido Domingo, Ramón Arcusa, Ricardo Montalban, Roberto Carlos, Rocio Jurado, Sergio Facheli, Simone, Sérgio Mendes, Tony Renis, Valeria Lynch, Veronica Castro, Vicente Fernandez, Vikki Carr, Yuridia, Valenzuela Canseco
Keyboards & Synthesizers: David Foster & Greg Phillinganes
Bass: Nathan East
Drums: John Robinson
Guitar: Carlos Rios
Spanish Guitar Solo: Jose Feliciano

Vocals Arranged by Albert Hammond
Synthesizer Arranged by David Foster
Rhythm Arrangement by David Foster & Juan Carlos Calderon

Produced by Albert Hammond, Jose Quintana & Humberto Gatica.

Lyrics

Quiero ser, un puerto en el mar
ser ese compás, que te devuelva el rumbo
Quiero ser, un lugar de paz
y no dejar jamás, que se te acabe el mundo
Amigo, amigo
no hay nada que temer estoy contigo
Y después de la oscuridad
esperando está un nuevo día
Cantaré, cantarás
y esa luz al final del sendero
brillará como un sol, que ilumina al mundo entero
Cada vez somos más
y si al fin nos damos la mano
Siempre habrá un lugar para todo ser humano
Junto a ti quiero caminar
compartir el pan, la pena y la esperanza
Descubrir que en el corazón
siempre hay un rincón que no olvida la infancia
Amigo, amigo
hay tanto por hacer, cuenta conmigo
Cantaré, cantarás
y esa luz al final del sendero
brillará como un sol, que ilumina al mundo entero
Cada vez somos más
y si al fin nos damos la mano
Siempre habrá un lugar para todo ser humano
Yo quisiera tener el poder
de ayudar y cambiar tu destino
Te daré cuanto puedo dar
sólo sé cantar y para ti es mi canto
Y mi voz junto a las demás
en la inmensidad se está escuchando
Cantaré, cantarás
y esa luz al final del sendero
brillará como un sol, que ilumina al mundo entero
Cada vez somos más
y si al fin nos damos la mano
Siempre habrá un lugar para todo ser humano
I will sing, you will sing
And a song will bring us together
And our hopes and our prayes
We will make them last forever
Cantaré, cantarás
y esa luz al final del sendero
brillará como un sol, que ilumina al mundo entero
Cada vez somos más
y si al fin nos damos la mano
Siempre habrá un lugar para todo ser humano

written by David Foster & Linda Thompson

In the fall of 2010 to celebrate David Foster’s successful Asian tour, Warner Music Group released a comprehensive compilation in those territories entitled “The Magic Of David Foster & Friends.” It’s a two-cd set that includes a large portion of Foster’s most important hits starting from the late seventies up to his most recent chart toppers.

“The Magic Of David Foster & Friends” presents a who’s who of modern pop music superstars like Madonna, Celine Dion, Michael Jackson, Andrea Bocelli, Seal, Josh Groban, Whitney Houston, Michael Bublè and many, many more. Listening to these unforgettable songs, we can fully appreciate Foster’s unique ability to create evergreens that stand the test of time.

Jordan Hill’s “Remember Me This Way” is a track on the album that Foster co-wrote with his ex-wife Linda Thompson for the soundtrack of the 1995 movie “Casper.” Although it wasn’t a giant hit as most of the others included on this compilation, it is a perfect example of Foster’s talent writing a pop ballad. The production is top notch and Hill’s voice is powerful and impressive. We still think Jordan could have been as big as Christina Aguilera, but unfortunately it hasn’t happen. We suggest you to look for her Foster-produced debut album simply titled “Jordan Hill.” It includes some more Foster gems and great performances by the young singer. Obviously, we feel every serious music lover should own “The Magic Of David Foster & Friends” to appreciate the fantastic career of this music giant.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/remember_me_this_way.mp3|titles=Remember me this way|artists=Jordan Hill]

Lead Vocals: Jordan Hill
Keyboards: David Foster
Guitars: Michael Thompson
Acoustic Guitar: Jim Corr
Synthesizer Programming: Simon Franglen

Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Lyrics

Every now and then
We find a special friend
Who never lets us down
Who understands it all
Reaches out each time you fall
You’re the best friend that I’ve found
I know you can’t stay
A part of you will never ever go away
Your heart will stay
I’ll make a wish for you
And hope it will come true
That life would just be kind
To such a gentle mind
If you lose your way
Think back on yesterday
Remember me this way
Remember me this way
I don’t need eyes to see
The love you bring to me
No matter where I go
And I know that you’ll be there
Forever more a part of me, you’re everywhere
I’ll always care
I’ll make a wish for you
And hope it will come true
That life would just be kind
To such a gentle mind
If you lose your way
Think back on yesterday
Remember me this way
Remember me this way
And I’ll be right behind your shoulder watching you
I’ll be standing by your side and all you do
And I won’t ever leave
As long as you believe
You just believe
I’ll make a wish for you
And hope it will come true
That life would just be kind
To such a gentle mind
If you lose your way
Think back on yesterday
Remember me this way
Remember me this way

written by Durrell Bottoms, Nicole Renee Harris, Guy Shultz

Nicole Renee Harris’ debut album simply entitled, “Nicole Renee,” was released in 1998 by Atlantic Records. Renee is a gifted funk/R&B singer/songwriter clearly influenced by the likes of Prince, Sly & The Family Stone and The Isley Brothers

She has a very personal voice with a great range that echoes from time to time legendary names like Deniece Williams and Ron Isley. Her self-titled album included an impressive line-up of session guys like Will Lee, Vinnie Colaiuta, Hiram Bullock and Leon Pendarvis plus a couple of veteran top R&B rhythm guitarists like Wah Wah Watson and Al McKay. Harris produced the bulk of the album that presents impressive funk/rock numbers like “Cocaine Line,” soul/pop jams like “Rockin’ Chair” and a string of intense ballads. Two of those ballads were produced by The late Arif Mardin and David Foster. Mardin worked on the ballad, “Ain’t Nothin’ Changed” that sports some socially conscious lyrics, while Foster was in the control booth for a very good slow jam entitled “How Many Times.” “How Many Times” was also released as a single and got a positive review on Billboard. The reviewer’s final line said: “This is real-life R&B; heartfelt, modestly dramatic, and fully deserving of the full treatment from radio. Just glorious.” Another single off the album was a pop/soul ditty entitled “Strawberry.” It was a minor chart entry though its catchy beat and Renee’s vocals should have deserved more luck. Nicole Renee Harris is at least as talented as many R&B superstars but never got the attention that her voice and skills clearly deserve

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/how_many_times.mp3|titles=How many times|artists=Nicole Renee]

Lead Vocals: Nicole Renee
Guitar: Al McKay
Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta
Keyboards: David Foster

Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Lyrics

I didn’t mean to make you cry, love
But I didn’t know I was hurting you so
Oh, ohhh, oh
You’re all my life, you’re the only man I love
And I could never say of letting you go

‘Cause not a second, not a minute ever go by
When I don’t have you here in my mind
So stop all this talking and listen to me
You’re everything I want
You’re everything I need

[Chorus:]
How many times do I have to say it
Over and over and over and over again?
I love you (I love you)
I need you
(x2)

Have faith in my love
Have faith in you and me

‘Cause when it comes to my heart
You’re the lock and the key

‘Cause not a second, not a minute ever go by
When I don’t have you here in my mind
So stop all this talking and listen to me
You’re everything I want (everything I want)
You’re everything I need

[Chorus]

Maybe I don’t come home as early as I should
I know I forgot to call all those times
I said I would remember
But keep in mind, I’m only human (I’m only human)
And I will have our ups and downs
When it comes to the way I feel for you
I don’t care about anyone else, I don’t even give a damn

[Repeat Chorus til’ fade]