Menu Close

Tag: 2016

BOOGIE WONDERLAND

From BOOGIE WONDERLAND (single)

Written by Allee Willis & Jon Lind

“Boogie Wonderland” was the first single released from Earth, Wind & Fire’s 1979 album, I AM. Co-written by up ’n’ coming songwriters Allee Willis, who already co-wrote EWF’s smash “September,” and Jon Lind, who was responsible for American jazz pianist and composer Ramsey Lewis’ “Sun Goddess,” “Boogie Wonderland” was Earth, Wind & Fire’s first stride into the disco field. The result was commercially and artistically astounding. The song became an out-of-the-box hit by reaching the top ten on both sides of the pond which paved the way to the double platinum triumph of I AM. On this spirited anthem, the band kept their trademark lush orchestrations and smart chord progression that were above the average disco stuff heard on radios in those days. The fantastic vocals by Maurice White and Philip Bailey with a noteworthy support from female R&B group The Emotions were a total knock-out as were Willis’ personal lyrics. The backing track of the tune was smoking hot with guest David Foster who co-wrote the bulk of I AM with White and Willis plus being right on target with his rhythmic acoustic piano playing.

A CASE OF YOU

From WALLFLOWER (The Complete Sessions)

Written by Joni Mitchell

We have already celebrated the release of Diana Krall’s cd, Wallflower, a year ago with the review of its gorgeous Paul McCartney’s ballad, “If I Take You Home Tonight.” Last September, Verve Records delighted Krall’s fans with Wallflower (The Complete Sessions), a special release that included all the sixteen songs of the original deluxe edition plus four other songs recorded on those sessions. Those new tracks aren’t filler instead they deliver more magic by the Canadian songbird under the masterful guidance of David Foster thus giving us the welcome opportunity to showcase again this work of art.

NOBODY’S PERFECT

From READ MY LIPS

Written by David Foster, Fee Waybill, Michael Landau, John Robinson & Humberto Gatica

David Foster’s reputation as a world-class music maker is partially due to his seminal work on chart topping ballads like Earth, Wind & Fire’s “After The Love Has Gone,” Chicago’s “Hard To Say I’m Sorry,” the late Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” or Cèline Dion’s “Because You Loved Me.” The Canadian super-producer also brought that same, irresistible melodic appeal and his formidable knack for inventive arrangements to more left-field projects for big names including Alice Cooper and The Tubes.

INTO THE NIGHT

From INTO THE NIGHT (single)

Written by Alan Gorrie, Hamish Stuart & Roger Ball

This week, the song in the spotlight is “Into The Night,” a monster, funky jam by Average White Band. The legendary, Scottish funksters wrote this irresistible jam for their 1980 album Shine. Produced by David Foster, Shine is a goldmine for the lovers of the most sophisticated music with its impeccable mix of soul, funk and pop. Under Foster’s guidance, AWB evolves in the same league as Earth, Wind & Fire and The Doobie Brothers with a sound made of superior songwriting, spectacular musicianship and top-notch vocal harmonies.

WHEN I’M GONE

From BRENNA WHITAKER

Written by David Foster, Jochem van der Saag, Maureen McDonald & Brenna Whitaker

The 2016 Grammy nominations were announced on December 7th.One of the welcomed surprises was the nod for Jochem van der Saag, David Foster’s right-hand man, for his engineering work together with Jorge Vivo on Diana Krall’s Wallflower. Van der Saag has been a key element in Foster’s camp for the past fifteen years, first as a programmer and, eventually, as an engineer and co-producer. Recently, Foster productions like We Love Disney and Wallflower greatly benefit from the fine tuning, fresh sounds, superior drum and synth programming and great mixes created by the Netherlands-born talent. Another great example of van der Saag’s artistry can be heard on Brenna Whitaker’s debut cd.