Written by Peter Cincotti & John Bettis

Peter Cincotti’s third cd, East Of Angel Town, was released in 2007. It marked a departure from the singer’s previous jazz-influenced works to a more adventurous, unique style of music where jazz, pop and rock meet.

East Of Angel Town was produced by the incomparable David Foster with his partners in crime, Humberto Gatica and Jochem van der Saag. Cincotti’s impressive skills as a songwriter, vocalist and pianist combined with Foster’s rare musical ear, enormous studio experience and strong guidance resulted in a very sophisticated endeavour that blended various genres and influences with an excellent balance. This release put the young singer/songwriter in a slot of his own that sounded like a new millennium’s version of legendary Billy Joel albums like The Stranger or 52nd Street. The connection between Cincotti and Joel was the extraordinary Phil Ramone (1934-2013). Ramone produced both of Joel’s award-winning classics and the first two Cincotti records.

East Of Angel Town included only original songs co-written by the gifted pianist/singer. Many of the songs were written with supreme lyricist John Bettis of “Human Nature” and “Crazy For You” fame.

On this page, we have already reviewed some of the highlights on East Of Angel Town, including its lead single and solid international hit, “Goodbye Philadelphia.” This week the pick is a rock/jazzy number titled “Witch’s Brew.”

Another John Bettis co-write, “Witch’s Brew” was an elegant composition that presented several elements of interest including its challenging time changes, the rousing refrain and beautiful strings crafted by the remarkable Jeremy Lubbock (1931-2021) and Foster. A mention goes to the killer musicianship of Cincotti and session legends including Nathan East on bass and Dean Parks on guitar. Cincotti also delivers a great solo mid-song. He played an unusual instrument, like the harpsichord, that gives the track some classical flavor. Needless to say, the production was top notch and, with Gatica and van der Saag behind the glass, it was audibly fantastic.

East Of Angel Town easily stands as one of Foster’s best productions of the new millennium. Everyone should rediscover it to appreciate its great music and Cincotti’s multi-faceted talent.

As usual here are a few words from The Hitman about Cincotti:

“East Of Angel Town is one of the most musical and exciting projects I’ve ever been a part of. Peter has got it all, killer piano player, great songwriter and amazing performer. He covers all genres and I’m super confident that as his popularity grows, he will find his rightful place in the history of music.”

• Lead Vocals, Piano & Harpsichord: Peter Cincotti
• Bass: Nathan East
• Drums: Obed Calvaire
• Electric Guitar: Dean Parks
• Synths: Jochem van der Saag

• Arranged by Peter Cincotti
• Strings Arranged by Jeremy Lubbock
• Additional Strings Arranged by David Foster
• Produced by David Foster, Humberto Gatica & Jochem van der Saag

Lyrics

There’s no more to drink
But it doesn’t really matter
‘Cause one thing’s for certain
Nobody’s leaving now

I like the room
I like you even better
Black lacy curtains
Can’t wait to pull them down

She’s winding in my arms
She’s whispering my name
With the fire in her sigh
And her open gypsy lips
Say kiss the world goodbye
It’s a witches brew tonight

And if I run away
You’re gonna come and haunt me
So go on and leave me
Where the children should never go

You lock me up in chains
You got me if you want me
Like I’m drunk on the devil
And the devil’s got the taste of you
It’s a witches brew tonight

You touch me like a thief
Crawling trough a window
But stealing is easy
The hard part’s the getaway

Unplug the phone
And disconnect the cable
I wanna make a movie
Like nobody’s ever made

She tells me I’m insane
She reaches up her hands
And she closes both my eyes
She tells me I’m the rain
And she’s gonna drink it dry
It’s a witches brew tonight

And if I run away
You’re gonna come and haunt me
So go on and leave me
Where the children should never go

You lock me up in chains
You got me if you want me
Like I’m drunk on the devil
And the devil’s got the taste of you
It’s a witches brew tonight

And if I run away
You’re gonna come and haunt me
So go on and show me
Where the root of desire grows

You lock me up in chains
You got me if you want me
Like I’m drunk on the devil
And the devil’s got the taste of you
Oh, it’s a witches brew tonight
It’s a witches brew tonight
Oh, it’s a witches brew tonight

Written by Andy Hill & Pete Sinfield

“Don’t Walk Away” was a catchy pop song co-written in the late Eighties by successful English songwriter/producer Andy Hill with his co-patriot and famous poet, lyricist and former member of King Crimson, Pete Sinfield. Their song was initially recorded in 1989 by British/American glam metal supergroup, Bad English, for their self-titled debut album. “Don’t Walk Away” was one of the lesser-known singles from the record that included the #1 smash, “When I See You Smile,” a rock ballad written by super hitmaker Diane Warren.

The elegant, radio-friendly melody of “Don’t Walk Away” probably caught the attention of David Foster who was working on his River Of Love project. Foster’s cd saw the light of day at the end of 1990. River Of Love was Foster’s attempt to create a Quincy Jones kind of project by enlisting an impressive number of guest musicians and singers to help him deliver his trademark pop musical treats. On that album, “Don’t Walk Away,” with its title slightly changed to “Walkaway,” was given a different, more sophisticated arrangement by Foster who played keyboards and synth bass on the track. “Walkaway” had the benefit of some tasteful synth and drum programming including the impressive guitar work of session legends, Michael Landau and Paul Jackson, Jr. The lead vocals on “Walkaway” were handled by the incomparable Warren Wiebe (1953-1998) who made his recording debut on River Of Love. Wiebe did an amazing job on this number and many other moments on the River Of Love album. Hamish Stuart, of Average White Band and Paul McCartney fame, sung the backing vocals together with Foster.

“Don’t Walk Away” was covered around 1993 by The Pointer Sisters. They added a danceable, R&B twist to the song with the help of special guest singer, Michael McDonald, and producer Peter Wolf. “Don’t Walk Away” was released as a single on The Pointer Sisters’ cd, Only Sisters Can Do That, but their version didn’t chart.

• Lead Vocals: Warren Wiebe
• Keyboards & Bass Synth: David Foster
• Electric Guitar, Lead Guitar & Soloist: Michael Landau
• Percussion: Rafael Padilla & Steve Gadd
• Rhythm Guitar: Paul Jackson, Jr.
• Drums & Percussion: Dave Reitzas
• Synthesizer Programming: Dave Reitzas, Tom Keane & Tony Smith
• Backing Vocals: Hamish Stuart, Warren Wiebe & David Foster

• Arranged by Andy Hill & David Foster
• Produced by Humberto Gatica

Lyrics

Wise man
Make love by numbers
Shaken not stirred
But I hang
I hang on your every word

These days
I roll with the punches
Always your clown

Do you remember when
We used to paint the town
Red, gold, green and blue
If you still believe that dreams come true

Don’t walk away
I know we’ll find an answer
If you will stay, don’t walk away
There’s nothing in tomorrow
That wasn’t there in yesterday

All the heartache
Too many nights at the Heartbreak Motel
Don’t you give up
Love is a carousel

Put on your dancing shoes
And we can paint this world
Red, gold, green and blue
If you still believe in me and you

Don’t walk away
I know we’ll find an answer
If you will stay, don’t walk away
There’s nothing in tomorrow
That wasn’t there in yesterday

I’m so sad, so sad
This can’t be the end, it’s not my fault
There’s rain on the wind
Reach out and touch
Before it’s too late to save our love
Baby, don’t you walk away
Don’t turn your back on me

Don’t walk away
I know we’ll find an answer
If you will stay, don’t walk away
Just stay with me baby
Don’t walk away
Don’t walk away
That wasn’t there in yesterday
Don’t walk away
Don’t walk away
Don’t walk away
Baby please don’t leave me
Don’t walk away
Baby please, don’t walk away

David Foster’s 1985 instrumental hit, “Love Theme From St. Elmo’s Fire,” gave the Canadian super-producer the chance to record a whole album of evocative instrumental themes for Atlantic Records. Aptly titled David Foster, it was the introduction of Foster’s multiple talents to mainstream audiences after more than a decade of hard work in the studio as session player, writer, producer and arranger. David Foster featured Foster’s keyboard wizardry using all the advanced technology of those days including synths and sequencers such as the Fairlight CMI, Linn drum machine, Kurzweil, Roland Jupiter-8, Wendell Junior, Emulator 3, as well as many others. Although the sound result may be a tad cold for today’s ears, it was a standard of excellence back in the day. Foster’s superior art of composing and arranging came through beautifully. The rock/fusion landscapes of “Playing With Fire” from David Foster is the pick for this week’s review.

Co-written by The Hitman with frequent collaborator and studio guitar legend Mike Landau, “Playing With Fire” offers a different, bolder sound with Landau’s rock guitar licks and prominent horns tastefully joined with Foster’s crafted keyboard playing and programming. “Playing With Fire” featured the fusion great Lee Ritenour who’s SynthAxe guitar playing was considered state-of-the-art and lead the track to beef-up its sound. Foster, among his various synths and keys, played also an unusual slap-funk synth bass. The aforementioned horns were performed by James Pankow, Lee Loughnane and Walt Parazaider of the famed band Chicago . Their winning touch to the song embellished the atmosphere with a few lead moments that showcased Chicago ‘s unmistakable brass sound. “Playing With Fire” even sounded like an instrumental track that Chicago could have recorded under Foster’s production. With the producer’s now-classic arranging ideas and top-notch performances, David Foster brought its maker the Juno Award as “Instrumental Artist of the Year” and the Grammy nod as “Best Pop Instrumental Performance.” Other great moments on David Foster were “Tapdance,” “Flight Of The Snowbirds,” a #6 Adult Contemporary hit, “The Best Of Me” sung by Foster with Olivia Newton-John and the other vocal track, “Who’s Gonna Love You Tonight.” All those songs can be rediscovered in the archives.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Playing-With-Fire-David-Foster.mp3|titles=Playing With Fire|artists=David Foster]

Keyboards: David Foster
Synthaxe Guitar: Lee Ritenour
Guitars: Michael Landau
Drums Overdubs: Tris Imboden
Trumpet: Lee Loughnane
Trombone: James Pankow
Saxophone: Walter Parazaider

Arranged by David Foster
Produced by Humberto Gatica & David Foster

Lyrics

No Lyrics

written by Luc Plamondon, Riccardo Cocciante & Will Jennings

Celine Dion’s “Live (For The One I Love)” was one of the seven new songs included on her 1999 English-language greatest hits collection, All The Way – A Decade Of Song. “Live (For The One I Love)” was the English version with words added by noted lyricist Will Jennings of “Vivre” (live in English). The beautiful song was co-written by Luc Plamondon and Riccardo Cocciante for the very successful musical, Notre Dame de Paris.

“Live (For The One I Love)” sports a soaring melody that offers Ms. Dion the perfect scenario to deliver her killer vocals fueled with all the sweet nuances and powerful crescendos of her unique style. Produced by David Foster, his arrangement perfectly served the Quebecoise superstar with an elegant backing track made of keyboards, acoustic and electric guitars. Foster set the trademark adult contemporary vibe that enhanced the captivating orchestral work. “Live (For The One I Love)” was also released as the second single off the cd in some Francophone countries, entering the charts with good success.

All The Way – A Decade Of Song eventually sold over eight million copies in the US alone, certified seven-times platinum and, in the first two years after its release, sold about seventeen millions worldwide. The bestselling cd included several other Foster productions, previous #1 hits such as “The Power Of Love” and “Because You Loved Me” plus other new recordings including “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Then You Looked At Me” and a posthumous duet with the late Frank Sinatra (December 12, 1915 to May 14, 1998) on his classic, “All The Way.”

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Celine-Dion-Live-For-The-One-I-Love-Lyrics.mp3|titles=Live|artists=Celine Dion]

Lead Vocals: Celine Dion
Acoustic Guitar: Dean Parks
Drums: John Robinson
Electric Guitar: Michael Thompson
Keyboards: David Foster
Synth Programming: Felipe Elgueta

Arranged by David Foster
Produced by David Foster & Humberto Gatica

Lyrics

A million stars light
This beautiful night
This is not a night to die
Let me sing and dance

Beneath the sky
I have such love to give, to give
I want a chance to live

Live, for the one I love
Love, as no one has loved
Give, asking nothing in return

Free, free to find my way
Free to have my say
Free to see the day

Live, like I used to be
Like a wild but free
Full of life in me

Live, for the one I love
Love, as no one has loved
Give, asking nothing in return

Though this world tears us apart
We’re still together in my heart
I want the world to hear my cry
And even if I have to die
Love will not die, love will change the world

Live, for the one I love
Love, as no one has loved
Give, asking nothing in return

And love until love wears me away
I’ll die and I know my love will stay
And I’ll know, I know my love will stay

In the eighties, Sheena Easton’s gorgeous voice graced the international music charts with hits including “Morning Train,” “The Lover In Me,” “For Your Eyes Only,” “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair),” “Strut” and “We’ve Got Tonight,” her classic duet with Kenny Rogers that David Foster produced in 1981.

Listen to these classics and appreciate the Scottish songbird’s ability to handle different music styles with impressive versatility. Ms. Easton was characteristically at home singing big ballads like “Almost Over You,” produced in 1983 by Jay Graydon, or the aforementioned “We’ve Got Tonight,” but she was also great on dance numbers tailor-made for her by uber-producers like the late Prince’s (June 7, 1958 to April 21, 2016) “Strut” and “Sugar Walls” or Nile Rodgers’ “Do It For Love.”

The singer’s momentum didn’t slow down in the nineties. Ms. Easton had more recordings, but no significant chart action. She still managed to work in 1992 with Foster on the soundtrack of the animated movie Ferngully: The Last Rainforest. They crafted a beautiful ballad entitled “A Dream Worth Keeping” that was co-written by the great Jimmy Webb. In 1995, Ms. Easton released a cd titled My Cherie that didn’t give her a hoped-for comeback, but did prove, once again, that her astonishing talent was second-to-none in the pop arena. Foster was called together with a who’s who of top producers including Glen Ballard, Christopher Neil, Narada Michael Walden and Denny Diante. Stylistically, My Cherie was another good collection that offered both power ballads and catchy dance numbers. Foster produced two tracks; the tender, lush, “Crazy Love” that can already be found in the archives. This week, the spotlight is on his second contribution, the dramatic ballad “You’ve Learned To Live Without Me.”

Written by legendary tunesmith Diane Warren, “You’ve Learned To Live Without Me” definitely belongs on the A-list of power ballads thanks to the effective instrumental scenario painted by Foster with the amazing Jeremy Lubbock. Ms. Easton’s performance is flawless, absolutely on target for this kind of teary composition with very emotional lyrics. Her vocals ooze intensity delivered with utter professionalism. The instrumental track was played by Foster on piano with top session cats including Michael Thompson on guitar, Neil Stubenhaus on bass and Mike Baird on drums. Foster’s production with the sonic assistance of his partner Humberto Gatica is the usual top-notch affair that’s absolutely worth a listen today.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Sheena-Easton-Youve-Learned-to-Live-Without-Me.mp3|titles=You’Ve Learned To Live Without Me|artists=Sheena Easton]

Lead & Background Vocals: Sheena Easton
Acoustic Piano: David Foster
Synthesizers: Claude Gaudette
Drums: Mike Baird
Bass: Neil Stubenhaus
Guitars: Michael Thompson
Arranged by Jeremy Lubbock & David Foster
String Arranged by Jeremy Lubbock

Produced by David Foster
Additional Production by Humberto Gatica

Lyrics

YOU’VE LEARNED TO LIVE WITHOUT ME
I’M JUST A MEMORY
A TORN PAGE IN YOUR HISTORY
A SHADOW IN THE NIGHT
WHEN YOU TURN OUT THE LIGHT
YOU’VE LEARNED NOT TO DREAM ABOUT ME
YOU’VE LEARNED TO LIVE WITHOUT ME

I’M JUST ANOTHER TIME
YESTERDAY THAT YOU LEFT BEHIND
A CANDLE IN THE RAIN
YESTERDAY FORGOTTEN FLAME
THAT RAINY DAY HAS FINALLY FOUND ME
YOU’VE LEARNED TO LIVE WITHOUT ME

I HEAR YOU’RE DOING FINE
FOUND OTHER THINGS TO TAKE UP YOUR TIME
YOU PROBABLY DON’T REMEMBER
EVER LOVING ME
WE DANCED THROUGH ALL THOSE DAYS TOGETHER
I THOUGHT THAT DANCE WOULD LAST FOREVER
FUNNY HOW FOREVER FADES AWAY
YOU’VE LEARNED TO LIVE WITHOUT

I HEAR YOU’RE DOING FINE
FOUND OTHER THINGS TO TAKE UP YOUR TIME
YOU PROBABLY DON’T REMEMBER
EVER LOVING ME
WE DANCED THROUGH ALL THOSE DAYS TOGETHER
I THOUGHT THAT DANCE WOULD LAST FOREVER
FUNNY HOW FOREVER FADES AWAY
YOU’VE LEARNED TO LIVE WITHOUT ME

YOU’VE LEARNED TO LIVE WITHOUT ME
I’M JUST A MEMORY
A TORN PAGE IN YOUR HISTORY
A SHADOW IN THE NIGHT
WHEN YOU TURN OUT THE LIGHT
YOU’VE LEARNED NOT TO DREAM ABOUT ME
YOU’VE LEARNED TO LIVE WITHOUT ME

BUT NO MATTER WHAT I DO
I CAN’T SEEM TO LEARN TO LIVE
I CAN’T SEEM TO LEARN TO LIVE
WITHOUT YOU