Written by David Foster, Jay Graydon & Allee Willis

To round off 2021, here’s a review of Airplay’s “It Will Be Alright.”

Airplay was the pop/rock group that David Foster and pal Jay Graydon formed at the end of the seventies with singer Tommy Funderburk. As most Foster fans already know, Airplay’s seminal 1980 self-titled album is considered one of the milestones of the West Coast music scene of those years.

“It Will Be Alright” is a beautiful love song co-written by Foster and Graydon with supreme lyricist Allee Willis (1947-2019). Foster and Willis first crossed paths in 1978 working on Earth, Wind & Fire’s masterpiece, I Am. Willis is remembered for co-writing “September” and “Boogie Wonderful,” huge hits for EWF plus other chart toppers including The Rembrandts’ “I’ll Be There For You,” “Lead Me On” by Maxine Nightingale, “Neutron Dance” by The Pointer Sisters and Pet Shop Boys’ “What Have I Done To Deserve This.” “It Will Be Alright” belonged to a string of gorgeous ballads that Foster and Graydon crafted during those glory days. Some became all-time classics including EWF’s “After The Love Has Gone” or Manhattan Transfer’s “Smile Again.” Others, like “It Will Be Alright,” never got the recognition their quality deserved.

Airplay’s “It Will Be Alright” was released as a single. It didn’t chart although a version of the song by the R&B act Odyssey became a 1981 minor UK chart hit by reaching #43. The original Airplay version is pure ear candy with a gorgeous melody, smart chord progression and the catchy refrain. Funderburk’s lead vocal and harmonies were top-notch. The song featured Foster and Graydon at the top of their game as they delivered a fantastic arrangement. The Hitman’s keyboards and synths were all over the track while Graydon’s guitars and his glorious solo were spot-on.

Look in the archives if you want to read about Odyssey’s aforementioned cover plus another little-known rendition by the late Dan Seals (1948-2009).

Listen

• Lead & Backing Vocals: Tommy Funderburk
• Guitars & Backing Vocals: Jay Graydon
• Keyboards & Backing Vocals: David Foster
• Drums: Mike Baird
• Bass: David Hungate

• Produced & Arranged by Jay Graydon & David Foster

Lyrics

“I’m not in love with you…” you said to me
“…You’ll always be my friend
but that’s where my story ends…”
So I think that no one can love me
I swear to keep to myself and never need anyone else oh, no
and now you want to be loved by me again

I know love can come and go, one day it’s “yes” then one day “no”
I know second chances don’t fall from the sky
“But I love you, stay with me tonight, and it will be alright”

Indecision sure can drive you wild
my heart’s staring me in the face pain can never be erased
it scares me into running like a child
now I can hear your eyes – they say you have lied
now I want to be loved by you again

I know love can come and go, one day it’s “yes” then one day “no”
I know second chances don’t fall from the sky
“But I love you, stay with me tonight, and it will be alright”

“Stay with me tonight… stay with me and it will be alright…”

come and go, come and go
first it’s “yes” and then it’s “no”

Do you want me?
if you don’t want me let me know

I know love can come and go, one day it’s “yes” then one day “no”
I know second chances don’t fall from the sky
“But I love you, stay with me tonight, and it will be alright”

Released in the summer of 1983, “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)” was Sheena Easton’s first single from her fourth album release, Best Kept Secret. This danceable pop ditty was co-written by Greg Mathieson and Trevor Veitch with a little twist (telefone instead of telephone). Mathieson also produced “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)” which reached #9 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and #15 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Easton was red-hot from the success of “We’ve Got Tonight,” her #1 duet with the formidable Kenny Rogers (1938-2020) that David Foster had produced earlier that year. It seems like the young songbird hoped to work again with the Hitman on Best Kept Secret, but Foster’s busy schedule didn’t allow it.

Eventually, Ms. Easton got two of Foster’s best friends and highly-respected peers, Mathieson and Jay Graydon, to handle the production on the album. Mathieson provided the aforementioned hit plus other catchy numbers that resembled his dance-pop, chart-topping work with the incomparable Laura Branigan (1952-2004) and the amazing Toni Basil of “Mickey,” also written by Mathieson. Mathieson delivered the gorgeous second Top 40 hit and previous Song of the Week, “Almost Over You.” The tune of “Almost Over You” featured some fantastic piano playing by Foster who also delivered his magic on another lesser-known ballad, “Wish You Were Here Tonight.” Meanwhile, Graydon crafted a beautiful cover of the Randy Newman classic “Just One Smile.”

 Co-written by James E. “Jim” Sullins and co-written/produced by Graydon, “Wish You Were Here Tonight” wasn’t originally included on Best Kept Secret, but it was cleverly rescued as the b-side of “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair).” This beautiful composition featured an emotional performance by Ms. Easton accompanied by Foster’s majestic acoustic piano playing. “Wish You Were Here Tonight” was included as a bonus track in the 2007 cd reissue of Best Kept Secret, thus giving music fans the welcome opportunity to listen to this little-known, yet truly superb, composition. Finally, let’s not forget Graydon’s top-notch guitar playing on this track and his meticulous work on behind the glass. He was truly a master at his game.

Listen

• Lead Vocals: Sheena Easton
• Guitars: Jay Graydon
• Acoustic Piano: David Foster
• Bass: Lee Sklar
• Drums: Mike Baird & Carlos Vega

• Produced by Jay Graydon

Lyrics

Reading old magazines,
I’m on the road no one to save me girl,
I wish you were here tonight,
There’s a knock on my door,
Yes, it’s time to give another show,
I wish you were here tonight.

My love is all imagination,
Just a dream without you to make it real,
And, baby, I got a dream,
Burning inside,
No one else around,
Just you and I,
Loving in the fire,
It made us so right,
And I wish you were here tonight.
The T.V is a friend,
‘Cause I can choose the show with a happy end,
That never ends,
Forever and ever more,
If I make believe your on the show,
Youre the lover that says she has to go,
And I end up wishing you were here tonight.

Between the second half of the seventies and the first half of the eighties, David Foster and Jay Graydon created some of the most sophisticated pop music ever recorded. Their stunning melodies delivered with jazz-infused harmonies and unusual chord changes pleased the ears of music lovers on treasured albums by the late Al Jarreau, Bill Champlin, Boz Scaggs, Manhattan Transfer, Chicago, Hall & Oates, Marc Jordan and many more.

One of their first collaborations was Foster’s 1976 production for singer/actress Jaye P. Morgan’s self-titled record. Although that album went nowhere commercially and was virtually unknown, it was chocked-full of great music. One of the many gems included was a cover of Skip Scarborough’s classic “Can’t Hide Love,” a soulful jam that was popularized by Earth, Wind & Fire on their 1975 milestone album, Gratitude. The version that was crafted for Ms. Morgan rivals Earth, Wind & Fire’s timeless song with a rarefied, smooth arrangement that’s pure ear-candy delivered by the most talented musicians of the LA scene.

In 1981, Graydon was producing the legendary Dionne Warwick. He and Foster decided to resurrect that gorgeous but unknown version of “Can’t Hide Love” for Ms. Warwick’s album which was eventually titled Friends In Love. Startingfrom Foster’s immaculate Fender Rhodes intro, the song develops into one of the sultriest soul jams ever. Instrumentally, it was sheer perfection with top-notch performances by session giants like Steve Gadd, Abe Laboriel, Steve Lukather, Graydon and Foster. Even Jerry Hey crafted a spectacular horn arrangement. In those five minutes, there’s a brilliant mix of jazz, soul and pop with Ms. Warwick’s trademark voice on top. Her warm, elegant vocal performance was supported by the soothing backing vocals of Bill Champlin, Richard Page and Venette Gloud. “Can’t Hide Love” was pure bliss from start to finish. Just listen to the song’s outro with Foster, Graydon and company teaching a lesson on finesse and class.

Listen

• Lead & Backing Vocals: Dionne Warwick
• Acoustic Piano & Fender Rhodes: David Foster
• Guitar: Jay Graydon & Steve Lukather
• Drums: Steve Gadd
• Bass: Abraham Laboriel
• Horn Section: 
• Backing Vocals: Bill Champlin, Richard Page & Venette Gloud
• Horns Arranged by Jerry Hey
• Strings Arranged by David Foster & Jeremy Lubbock
• Produced & Arranged by Jay Graydon

Lyrics

You want my love and
You can’t deny
You know it’s true, but you try to hide
You turn down love like it’s really bad
You can’t give what you never had
Well bless your soul, you can fool a few
But, I know the truth and so do you

You can’t hide love, you can’t now
You can’t hide love, it’s got ya
Betcha you want my love, I betcha
You can’t hide feeling inside

You can’t pretend there’s nothing there
Girl, I look in your eyes, I see you care
So why not stop trying to run and hide
You won’t find out, if you never try

You can’t hide love, you can’t now
You can’t hide love, it’s got ya
Betcha want my love, I betcha
You can’t hide feeling inside

Love has found the time to kiss you
Can you find the time to listen
Life found the time to bug you
Can you find the time for blessing

The original soundtrack of the 1985 “brat pack” hit movie, St. Elmo’s Fire, was touted as one of the most successful music scores of David Foster’s career. Foster composed the music for the now-classic movie. Foster also co-wrote and produced the entire soundtrack. St. Elmo’s Fire peaked at #21 on Billboard’s Top 200 albums chart and was eventually certified platinum in the US.

A gem included was Foster’s own top 15 instrumental hit “Love Theme From St. Elmo’s Fire.” John Parr’s worldwide #1 rock anthem, “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man In Motion),” also stole the attention of radio programmers and music lovers everywhere. Yet, there was a lot more to discover on St. Elmo’s Fire. Some goodies include “This Time It Was Really Right” sung by Jon Anderson, the frontman of the legendary rock band Yes, and Vikki Moss’ “If I Turn You Away” have already graced the weekly page and, along with the aforementioned hits, can be rediscovered in the archives. This time around, the spotlight shines on Airplay’s “Stressed Out (Close To The Edge).”

After their 1980 milestone album, Foster and Jay Graydon put Airplay on hiatus to focus on their blossoming careers as top producers. When Foster was working on material for St. Elmo’s Fire, he and Graydon decided to resurrect that legendary moniker for a brand new song. They co-helmed the heavily-programmed, up-tempo “Stressed Out (Close To The Edge).” Steve Kipner, who co-wrote some of the best things included on Airplay, and Peter Beckett, the leader of pop/rock band Player of “Baby Come Back” fame, composed the song with Foster and Graydon. Beckett handled the lead vocals on the song. “Stressed Out (Close To The Edge)” was a far cry from the quality pop of Airplay and resulted in a fascinating hybrid of funk, AOR and new-wave. The track was founded on a powerful programmed beat supported by a successful blend of rhythm guitars and various synthesizers with Beckett’s suggestive vocal performance on top. The mood of this tune wasn’t far from the sounds of a popular modern rock act like INXS. Unfortunately, “Stressed Out (Close To The Edge)” was also Airplay’s swansong. Foster and Graydon, however, kept collaborating through the decade on various productions often with great results.

Listen

• Lead Vocals: Peter Beckett
• Keyboards & Synthesizer: David Foster
• Synthesizer Programming: Steve Porcaro
• Guitar: Jay Graydon & Michael Landau
• Background Vocals: Richard Page
• Produced & Arranged by David Foster & Jay Graydon

Lyrics

All for one and one for all
All in it together
That’s the way it used to be
Nothing lasts forever

Stranger than fiction
Life is a mystery 
Nothing is tuning (Turning out)
The way that we planned it to be

I’m close to the edge
And I have a fear of falling
I carry the curse
(And) Things keep going from bad to worse

Making trouble, raising hell
Were the things we did so well?
Things ain’t what they used to be
Gotta wake up to reality, it’s

Stranger than fiction
Life is a mystery 
Nothing is tuning (Turning out)
The way that we planned it to be

I’m close to the edge
And I have a fear of failing
The time in between
Has buried the past
So close to the edge
The mirror reflects a stranger
It’s all in reverse
And things keep goin’ from bad to worse

Stranger than fiction
Life is a mystery 
Nothing is tuning (Turning out)
The way that we planned it to be

I’m close to the edge
And I have a fear of falling
I carry the curse
(And) Things keep going from bad to worse

Close to the edge
Close to the edge
Close to the edge
Close to the edge

Alan Sorrenti’s “Figli Delle Stelle” was one of the most iconic Italian pop songs of the Seventies. Every Italian citizen would recognize its classic electric guitar intro, played by Jay Graydon, and sing along with the song’s catchy refrain. In 2017, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Figli Delle Stelle,”

Sorrenti released a special edition of its parent album that included remastered versions of all the songs on the original album plus  new renditions of “Figli Delle Stelle” along with the original instrumental tracks. Graydon and David Foster were key figures on Figli Delle Stelle and their now-classic deluxe L.A. pop sound clearly influenced the album’s recording. Graydon’s inventive arrangements brought life to Sorrenti’s material with the essential support of Foster’s refined keyboard ideas that gave Figli Delle Stelle a timeless atmosphere. This achievement can be appreciated on the instrumental tracks as well. For this week’s review, the instrumental version of a beautiful ballad titled “E Tu Mi Porti Via” was picked.

Originally the b-side of “Figli Delle Stelle,” “E Tu Mi Porti Via” delivered a breezy, nocturne mood that featured Foster’s magnificent acoustic piano playing. The meticulous craft of the track was on the same level that Foster and Graydon did when working with musical giants including the late Al Jarreau (1941-2017), Boz Scaggs or their own seminal Airplay project. The song’s beautiful refrain immediately carries listeners to a beach in Santa Monica or Malibu in the late Seventies.

The a-side single, “Figli Delle Stelle,” became an incredible hit and chart topper. A previous review of this classic ballad can be found in the archives.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/2-08-E-tu-mi-porti-via-Instrumental.mp3|titles=E Tu Mi Porti Via|artists= Instrumental]

Guitars: Jay Graydon
Piano & Keyboards: David Foster
Drums: Ed Greene & Walter Martino
Bass: David Hungate & Dino Cappa
Percussion: Steve Forman

Arranged by Jay Graydon
Produced by Corrado Bacchelli
Co-Produced by Alan Sorrenti & Rick Heenan

Lyrics

No Lyrics