Written by Joseph Beal & James Boothe

 

David Foster wears the undisputed “King of Christmas Music” crown. In the new millennium, Foster was the producer on successful seasonal albums for the likes of Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, Sir Rod Stewart, Andrea Bocelli, Mary J. Blige and many more.

Back in 1993, Foster released his own critically-acclaimed Christmas album, aptly titled The Christmas Album. That record featured guests that included Celiné Dion, Natalie Cole (1950-2015), Johnny Mathis, Tom Jones, Vanessa Williams, Wynonna and more. The Hitman was responsible for co-writing “Grown-up Christmas List,” sung by the unforgettable Natalie Cole and included on The Christmas  Album. “Grown-up Christmas List” is among the most beloved and covered modern yuletide classics.

For the 2022 Christmas season, Foster, along with his talented singer/actress wife, Katharine McPhee, recorded a handful of holiday evergreens and released them on a cd titled Christmas Songs. On Christmas Songs, Foster and McPhee fans and seasonal music lovers enjoy beautiful renditions of classics which included “The Christmas Song,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “Blue Christmas,” ”Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” and a gorgeous reworking of “Grown-up Christmas List.” McPhee shined throughout the record. She delivered one killer performance after another. Her crystal-clear voice was at home with this kind of material. Foster’s arrangements built the perfect music scenario for McPhee’s terrific vocals. The production by Foster and his partner, Jochem van der Saag, was top-notch. Award-winning arranger, Chris Walden, crafted the lush orchestrations.

“Jingle Bell Rock” is the pick for Song of the Week from Christmas Songs. This song sports a fantastic, big-band arrangement and a feel-good, joyous vibe that’s total ear-candy.

The Canadian super-producer kindly sent a note about this special project:

     “’Jingle Bell Rock’ is probably my favorite
     song on this record ‘cause I love the big-
     band approach. Chris Walden did the horn
     arrangement and I think he did an
     incredible job. Second favorite is ‘I’ll Be
     Home For Christmas’ loosely borrowed
     from my 1993 version with Peabo Bryson
     and Roberta Flack. If I have to choose, I
     think Kath’s best vocal on the cd is
     ‘Grown-up Christmas List.’”

On a final note, a merry and bright Christmas wish to the Foster/McPhee family and all readers of fozfan.com.

• Lead & Backing Vocals: Katharine McPhee
• Programming & Synths: David Foster & Chris Walden
• Sound Design: Jochem van der Saag
• Arranged by David Foster & Chris Walden
• Produced by David Foster

Lyrics

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring
Snowin’ and blowin’ up bushels of fun
Now the jingle hop has begun

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
Dancin’ and prancin’ in Jingle Bell Square
In the frosty air

What a bright time, it’s the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell time is a swell time
To go glidin’ in a one-horse sleigh

Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock
Mix and a-mingle in the jinglin’ feet
That’s the jingle bell rock

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
Dancin’ and prancin’ in Jingle Bell Square
In the frosty air

What a bright time, it’s the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell time is a swell time
To go glidin’ in a one-horse sleigh

Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock
Mix and a-mingle in the jinglin’ feet
That’s the jingle bell
That’s the jingle bell
That’s the jingle bell rock

Written by George Michael

During his tenure as president of Verve Music Group between the end of 2011 to 2016, David Foster produced successful records for superstars including Rod Stewart, Diana Krall, Mary J. Blige and Andrea Bocelli. Foster also showcased new talents with releases by The Voice Season 9 winner, Jordan Smith, R&B vocalist and American Idol Season 2 winner, Ruben Studdard and Malaysian singer, Yuna. Another great new talent that Foster signed on Verve was American  jazz and R&B songbird Brenna Whitaker. Her self-titled debut cd saw the light of day in 2015. The Hitman produced the record with his right-hand man and engineer supreme, Jochem van der Saag.

Brenna Whitaker showcased clever reworkings of classic and contemporary hits plus a couple of interesting originals, a well-dosed blend of traditional pop and R&B with strong blues and jazz overtones. Ms. Whitaker’s voice was  perfect for that kind of material and atmospheres. Her powerful and expressive articulation, under Foster’s expert guidance, totally stole the show as she delivered one great performance after another. There were many catchy moments on Brenna Whitaker which contained tasteful instrumental tracks delivered by the Hitman and his usual A-list of musicians and arrangers.

This week’s pick is “One More Try,” a song that is initially left off of Brenna Whitaker’s original release. The release of “One More Try” eventually surfaces as an iTunes bonus track.

“One More Try” was a cover of the incomparable George Michael’s (1963-2016) #1 hit from his 1987 multi-platinum smash, Faith. Whitaker’s classy performance echoes legends like Etta James (1938-2021) and Peggy Lee (1920-2002) who were among the young singer’s main influences. Foster’s arrangement gave the song a strong bluesy feel enhanced by Michael Thompson’s guitar work. The prominent horns were arranged by Chris Walden and gave the song a Blood Sweat & Tears flavor, especially on the intro.

Brenna Whitaker makes for a pleasant listen for the lovers of traditional pop, jazz and blues with a modern twist. The listener will also hear more than a bit of the fabulous Amy Winehouse (1983-2011).

Listen

• Lead Vocal: Brenna Whitaker
• Keyboards: David Foster
• Bass: Carlitos del Puerto
• Drums: Lyndon Rochelle
• Guitar: Michael Thompson
• Horns: Alex Iles, Bill Reichenbach, Brandon Fields, Chris Bradio, Chris Gray, Chuck Findley, Dan Higgins, Greg Huckins, Jeff Driskill, Jon Papenbrook & Paul Young

• Horns Arranged by Chris Walden
• Produced & Arranged by David Foster
• Co-Produced by Jochem van der Saag

Lyrics

I’ve had enough of danger
And these people on the streets
I’m looking out for angels
Just trying to find some peace
Now I think it’s time
That you let me know
So if you love me
Say you love me
But if you don’t
Just let me go…

When you were just a stranger
And I was at your feet
I didn’t feel the danger
Now I feel the heat
Now I feel the heat

That look in your eyes
Telling me “No”
So you think that you love me
Know that you need me
I know you’re wrong, I wrote the song
Just let me go…

And teacher
There are things that I don’t want to learn
Oh the last one I had
Made me cry
So I don’t want to learn to
Hold you, touch you
And think that you’re mine
Because it ain’t no joy
For an uptown boy
Whose teacher has told him goodbye, goodbye, goodbye

So when you say that you need me
That you’ll never leave me
I know you’re wrong, you’re not that strong
Let me go

And teacher
There are things that I still have to learn
But the one thing I have is my pride
Oh, so I don’t want to learn to
Hold you, touch you
And think that you’re mine
Because there ain’t no joy
For an uptown boy
Who just isn’t willing to try
So cold inside
But maybe just one more try

In the new millennium, David Foster has quickly become the go-to producer when it comes to big-budget Christmas projects. The Hitman helmed a string of chart-topping, platinum or multi-platinum holiday albums for superstars Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublè, Mary J. Blige, Josh Groban and Rod Stewart. Foster recently ended his hiatus from the recording studio by producing Bublè’s new #1 cd, Love cd and a track on Barbra Streisand’s recent, critically acclaimed Walls cd.

Another special project to welcome Foster’s fall 2018 comeback is Jessie J’s This Christmas Day, another festive, successful cd to add to his unprecedented track-record. Jessie J is a British pop superstar with a powerful, expressive voice. Since 2011, Jessie J has collected UK and European Top Ten hits like “Domino,” “LaserLight,” “Wild” and “It’s My Party” while building a solid following in North America with hits including “Price Tag,” “Burnin’ Up” and “Bang Bang” with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj. This Christmas Day is a perfectly crafted collection of classics delivered with the support of Foster on two cuts plus other studio legends including Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Babyface and Rodney Jerkins.

The Hitman crafted an intense, sweet rendition of “Silent Night” and the Song of the Week, “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town.” This track features a swinging arrangement with full orchestra arranged and conducted by the amazing Chris Walden. The musicians appearing on the song are, as usual on Foster’s projects, seasoned studio stars including Peter Erskine on drums, Brian Bromberg on bass, Alan Pasqua on piano and Andrew Sinowiec on guitar. Jessie J’s performance, under Foster’s keen direction, is spectacular and makes this song the perfect start to a very entertaining Christmas album. “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” is also the first single off the cd and a great choice with its catchy beat and jazzy atmosphere.

This Christmas Day reached #1 on Billboard’s Top Holiday Albums chart, but only got to #48 on Billboard’s Top 200. Probably the adult feel of the overall recording distanced the singer’s teen audiences. However, the cd stands as one of the Best Holiday Recordings of 2018.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/01.-Santa-Claus-Is-Comin-to-Town.mp3|titles=Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town|artists=Jessie J]

Lead & Background Vocals: Jessie J
Piano: Alan Pasqua
Bass: Brian Bromberg
Guitar: Andrew Sinowiec
Drums: Peter Erskine
Synthesizer & Programming: Jochem van der Saag

Orchestral Arrangement by Chris Walden
Produced by David Foster

Lyrics

You better watch out, you better not cry
You better not pout, I’m telling you why
Santa Claus is coming, mmm
Santa Claus is coming to town

You better watch out, you better not cry
You better not pout, I’m telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town, mmm
He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice
He’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice
Santa Claus is coming to town, yeah

He sees you when you’re sleeping
He knows when you’re awake
He knows if you’ve been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake

You better watch out, you better not cry
You better not pout, I’m telling you why
‘Cause Santa Claus is coming to town, yeah

He sees you when you’re sleeping
He knows when you’re awake
He knows if you’ve been bad or good
So be good for goodness

Said you better watch out, you better not cry
You better not pout, I’m telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town, yeah
Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming, yes, whoo, to town

Here comes old Santa Claus
Here comes Santa
He’s coming and it won’t be long
It won’t be long
Here comes old Santa Claus
In his red suit
He’s coming and it won’t be long
He’s coming for you
Here comes old Santa Claus
Yeah yeah
He’s coming and it won’t be long
He’s coming for you
Here comes old Santa Claus
Oh yeah

Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming, yes, to town, to town
Merry Christmas

David Foster and Burt Bacharach have been friends for many, many years. Foster has always considered the legendary songwriter a point of reference and master of his craft. The Hitman’s most sophisticated pop music which would have sounded different without the maestro’s influence.

There’s a lot of respect and mutual esteem between these two music legends. They co-wrote a few songs together including “Girls Know How” for the late Al Jarreau (1940-2017) that’s been reviewed in the archives. Foster played on Bacharach’s big hits of the eighties including “On My Own” by Patti Labelle and Michael McDonald, Neil Diamond’s “Heartlight” and “That’s What Friends Are For” with Dionne Warwick featuring Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder. Years ago, the Kansas City-born Bacharach even declared that “After The Love Is Gone” was one of the songs he wished he had written and that’s not little praise coming from such a music genius. In the fall of 2015, Foster produced the debut cd of newcomer Brenna Whitaker. Among the material on Brenna Whitaker were two classics co-written by Bacharach and the late Hal David (1921-2012); “Anyone Who Had A Heart” and “A House Is Not A Home” with the latter being the Song of the Week.

Like many Bacharach/David gems, “A House Is Not A Home” was first popularized in 1964 by Dionne Warwick. Among the innumerable covers of this song, the definitive one was sung in 1981 by the late, great Luther Vandross (1951-2005). Alternately, Foster’s arrangement for Ms. Whitaker had a charming, jazzy flavor that keeps an understated sense to the song. The young pop/jazz singer delivered a great, warm performance with a delicious retro feel.

If you’ve never heard Brenna Whitaker, give this cd a chance. Needless to say, the production is immaculate and the instrumental performances are right on target. The real treat here is Ms. Whitaker’s voice. She ranks in the best tradition of singers including the late Dusty Springfield (1939-1999), the late Patsy Cline (1932-1963) or the aforementioned Ms. Warwick. The music world really needs these kinds of singers today.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/A-House-Is-Not-A-Home.mp3|titles=A House Is Not A Home|artists=Brenna Whitaker]

Lead Vocals: Brenna Whitaker
Keyboards: David Foster
Bass: Carlos Del Puerto
Drums: Lyndon Rochelle
Programming: Jochem van der Saag
Strings Arranged by David Foster & Chris Walden

Produced & Arranged by David Foster
Co-Produced by Jochem van der Saag

Lyrics

A chair is still a chair
Even when there’s no one sitting there
But a chair is not a house
And a house is not a home
When there’s no one there to hold you tight,
And no one there you can kiss good night.

A room is still a room
Even when there’s nothing there but gloom;
But a room is not a house,
And a house is not a home
When the two of us are far apart
And one of us has a broken heart.

Now and then I call your name
And suddenly your face appears
But it’s just a crazy game
When it ends it ends in tears.

Darling, have a heart,
Don’t let one mistake keep us apart.
Whatever I’m not meant to live alone.
Turn this house into a home.
When I climb the stair and turn the key,
Oh, please be there still in love with me

Whenever there was a chance to give Renee Olstead’s beautiful voice a listen, it was apparent that her impressive chops and talent should have made her a big star in the jazz and pop fields. Ms. Olstead’s two records, both produced by David Foster, were pristine examples of good music with superior vocal and instrumental performances. Her 2009 album titled Skylark presented the usual batch of inventive covers carefully crafted by Foster in the traditional pop vein. One of Skylark’s pluses was the welcome addition of a few original tunes composed by the Canadian music-maker with lyrics written by the young singer/actress. One such tune has already been reviewed, the modern torch song “Hold Me Now.” This week, the focus is on another beautiful ballad titled “Nothing But The Blame.”

On this bittersweet song, Foster provided the singer with one of his timeless melodies and an irresistible, bluesy feel with a lush atmosphere not far from the classic soul gems delivered by a legend like Etta James between the sixties and seventies. Ms. Olstead’s performance of “Nothing But The Blame” was a joy to listen to with her beautiful voice ranging from utterly powerful to deliciously vulnerable. The pure bliss backing track was cooked by Foster. Dean Parks’ amazing guitar work was in the spotlight while the usual work was done by world-class pros including Vinnie Colaiuta, Nathan East and Chris Walden. The production by Foster and his parter in crime, Humberto Gatica, was phenomenal. The final result was a must-listen for Foster fans, but also for those who appreciate great voices and extraordinary music.

These days, Ms. Olstead keeps going with her career showing solid results in both movies and music. October 2017 had the release of her interesting cover of Kris Kristofferson’s “Help Me Make It Through The Night,” a country-flavored ballad originally popularized by the late Sammi Smith (1943-2005) that again highlights her noteworthy vocal skills.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Renee-Olstead-Nothing-But-The-Blame.mp3|titles=Nothing But The Blame|artists=Renee Olstead]

Lead Vocals: Renee Olstead
Keyboards: David Foster
Guitar: Dean Parks
Bass: Nathan East
Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta
Additional Keyboards, Programming & Sound Design: Jochem van der Saag
Percussion: Rafael Padilla

Arranged by David Foster
Strings Arrangement by Chris Walden
Produced by David Foster & Humberto Gatica

Lyrics

Something ’bout that Sunday morning
And something ’bout doin’ what I’ve done
I didn’t know I was ended
But how it yet begun
Oh oh

And when I look back
I’ve should have known
The facts were there and they were played
Now I don’t deserve anything
No nothing but the blame
Yeah

And ’bout the time oh I knew I loved you
Was ’bout the last time you felt that way
And ’bout the time I saw stars above you
Was round the last time you felt the same

And now you’ll never know how much I love you
Yet I hurt you just the same
And I, I don’t deserve anything
No, nothing but the blame
Yeah

And ’bout the time oh I knew I loved you
Was ’bout the last time you felt that way
And ’bout the time I saw stars above you
Was round the last time you felt the same
Oh oh oh oh

Seems you’ll never know how much I love you
And yet I hurt you just the same
Oh I don’t deserve anything
No nothing but the blame

I don’t deserve anything
No nothing but the blame