“After All” was one of those timeless ballads that David Foster and Jay Graydon composed between the late seventies and the early eighties. Both former Airplay wizards were in their prime, so their work on “After All” was pure gold. That song showcased Foster’s and Graydon’s unique gift to fuel a powerful melody with irresistible, jazz-influenced harmonies and rhythm changes.

The late Al Jarreau (1940 to 2017) wrote the song’s tender lyrics and performed “After All” on his classic 1984 High Crime album. “After All” was a multi-format hit for Mr. Jarreau. It reached #69 on Billboard’s Hot 100, #6 on the Adult Contemporary chart and #26 on the R&B chart and became a staple of the legendary jazz vocalist’s repertoire as well as one of Foster’s most successful co-writes. If you would like to read the past cover of Mr. Jarreau’s original version of “After All,” just click here.

When Finnish music-maker Tomi Malm was working on his celebrated Fly Away: The Songs Of David Foster tribute cd, “After All” was one of the songs he absolutely wanted to cover. In fact, he crafted a magnificent instrumental arrangement and enlisted the great Leslie Smith to fill Mr. Jarreau’s substantial shoes. Smith’s take on “After All” was only released on the 3-track EP that anticipated the cd’s release. The veteran singer’s inspired performance was backed up by Malm’s amazing work on piano and Rhodes in the best Foster tradition. The song sported an inventive arrangement that smartly developed from a very intimate first part to a rousing, big-band-like ending. The tune also sported a top-notch performance from the rhythm section with John Robinson on drums and Abe Laboriel on bass, a fantastic horn arrangement courtesy of Jan Glaesel and the usual pyrotechnic work on backing vocals by Frank Adahl.

This is a good chance to rediscover Fly Away: The Songs Of David Foster. Experience all the superior artistry of the great names involved on this tribute and the extraordinary work made by Tomi Malm fully supported by the Contante And Sonante record label.

Listen

Lead Vocals: Leslie Smith
Piano, Rhodes & Keyboards: Tomi Malm
Drums: John Robinson
Bass: Abraham Laboriel
Electric Guitars: Dan Warner & Mikko Raita
Background Vocals: Leslie Smith, Frank Adahl, Rafa Hernandez & Eli Hernandez

Horns Arranged by Jan Glaesel & Performed by The Danish All-Star Horns
Produced & Arranged by Tomi Malm

Lyrics

There, there was a time I knew
That no matter, what may come,
love would prevail.

And then inside the dreams I knew

Came the question lovers fear
Can true love fail

Then I would miss the childhood wish
And haven’t I sung to you
Of the knight in armor bright
Faithful and true to you

CHORUS:
Darling, after all
I will be the one to hold you in my arms
After all
I will be the one to hold you
I will be the one to hold you in my arms
In my arms

I know in my heart and mind
That no matter, come what may, love will survive
And love, the author of space and time
Keeps the galaxies and each sparrow alive
And the love that heals the wound
After the war is through
Is the knight in armor bright
Faithful and true to you

CHORUS:

Darling, after all
I will be the one to hold you in my arms
After all
I will be the one to hold you
I will be the one to hold you in my arms
In my arms

written by David Foster, Jay Graydon & Steve Kipner

“Nothing You Can Do About It” was one of the pinnacles of David Foster’s songwriting career. The Hitman co-wrote the music of this milestone pop song around the end of the seventies with his pal Jay Graydon. Steve Kipner provided the positive lyrical content. Graydon produced a fantastic version of this tune for Manhattan Transfer’s 1979 Extensions album, although the definitive take of “Nothing You Can Do About It” belongs to the legendary, quality pop sounds of Foster’s and Graydon’s Airplay. It wasn’t easy to challenge such a glorious recording in terms of arrangement and execution, yet in 1982, singer/songwriter Leslie Smith re-worked “Nothing You Can Do About it” with great results for his solo album, Heartache.

Smith was originally a member of the pop/soul group Crackin’ that released four very good albums between 1975 and 1978. Crackin’s rhythm section included Rick Chudacoff on bass and Peter Bunetta on drums that eventually became a successful team of producers and were behind the glass for Heartache. Their version of “Nothing You Can Do About It” was absolutely top-notch with a respectful ear to the Airplay original arrangement, yet they added a few smart ideas to give the song’s irresistible melody a little different feel. Smith’s creamy vocals were a joy to listen to here and on the whole record. The guy is a true pro and his performances were sublime. The backing track presented noteworthy guitar work by Brian Ray and Dennis Herring with some mean horns arranged by Tower Of Power alumni Lee Thornburg that rival the unique work of Jerry Hey on the Airplay original. Heartache was a masterpiece for the lovers of west coast music with its various influences of pop, soul, jazz and doo-wop. Among other treats on the album was a cover of “It’s Something,” co-written by Foster and Brenda Russell, the smooth sounds of “Love’s A Heartache,” written by Ned Doheny and “Don’t Shut The Door (On My Love),” a jazzy/pop gem that Smith co-wrote with Lester Abrams, also of Crackin’.

In 1992, Smith released his sophomore cd entitled Les Is More. It was another example of his world class talent with many great renditions of pop evergreens including Earth, Wind & Fire’s “After The Love Has Gone.”

Listen

Lead & Backing Vocals: Leslie Smith
Piano & Keyboards: Bill Elliot
Guitars: Brian Ray
Guitars & Solo: Dennis Herring
Bass: Rick Chudacoff
Drums: Peter Bunetta
Saxophone: Jerry Peterson
Trumpet & Flugelhorn: Lee Thornburg
Horns Arranged by Lee Thornburg
Produced by Peter Bunetta & Rick Chudacoff

Lyrics

It has begun
Nothin’ in the world can stop it now.
It’s in control,
We might as well just try to stop the wind.
Give up!
Give in!
You lose!
Love will always win.
Start surrendering:
Stop resisting!

Nothin’ you can do about it
It’s too strong to be denied
Nothin’ you can do about it,
Relax enjoy the ride.

Destiny!
We are what fate intended us to be.
Can’t you see?
We’re all a part of some eternal plan
So give up!
Give in!
Find more lyrics at ※ Mojim.com
You lose!
Love will always win.
Start surrendering, oh!
Stop resisting!

Nothin’ you can do about it
It’s too strong to be denied
Nothin’ you can do about it,
Relax enjoy the ride.

Don’t you try to understand it.
Leave it as a mystery.
It’s bigger than the both of us,
We’re each other’s history!

Nothin’ you can do about it
It’s too strong to be denied
Nothin’ you can do about it,
Relax enjoy the ride.