Written by David Foster, Bill LaBounty, Linda Thompson & Beckie Foster

Sung by Peter Cetera, “No Explanation” was included on the smash soundtrack of the Richard Gere/Julia Roberts iconic 1990 movie, Pretty Woman. It was co-written by David Foster with the great singer/songwriter, Bill LaBounty. The lyrics were crafted by Foster’s third wife, Linda Thompson, with LaBounty’s wife, Beckie Foster. The Pretty Woman soundtrack went to #4 on Billboard’s Top 200 and was certified triple platinum in the US, selling seven million copies worldwide.

“No Explanation” was one of the songs picked for the 2009 David Foster tribute cd  titled Fly Away: The Songs Of David Foster. That cd was the brainchild of Gabriel Raya of the critical-acclaimed Spanish independent label Contante & Sonante and Finnish, ultra-talented music-maker Tomi Malm. They selected “No Explanation” for the cd and had the smart idea to cast its co-writer, Bill LaBounty, to sing their rendition. Malm came up with an intimate, acoustic arrangement that was totally in LaBounty’s musical territory. The veteran singer gave a heartfelt performance singing the bittersweet lyrics with warmth and reminding music lovers of his superior talent. Among the musicians on the track were Malm on piano and keyboards, harmonica virtuoso Tollak Ollestad, Michito Sanchez on percussion and the great Rick Chudacoff on bass. A special mention goes to the phenomenal Dan Warner (1970-2019) who played all the guitars on this track. Warner left way too soon from a heart attack on September 4, 2019. Please listen to his beautiful work on “No Explanation” as a testament of his extraordinary talent.

• Lead Vocals: Bill LaBounty
• Piano & Keyboards: Tomi Malm
• Harmonica: Tollak Ollestad
• Percussion: Michito Sanchez
• Bass: Rick Chudacoff
• Nylon, Acoustic & Electric Guitar: Dan Warner
• Backing Vocals: Tomi Malm

• Produced & Arranged by Tomi Malm

Lyrics

You really took me by surprise
You’re someone I’ve needed for a lifetime
Your heart was cleverly disguised
And it didn’t look that way in my mind

Tell me, how could it be I was the last to know
Darling, I couldn’t read what was in your mind
To turn around and love me

With no explanation
I gave you everything I had
I didn’t know that you would take it
With sweet consideration
And after all that we’ve been through
I can’t believe it’s true
Until I hear you say
My mouth is still wet from our last kiss

Was loving me your one intention
What were the signs of the times I missed
I need you more than I could mention
I won’t, ever accept you leaving for someone else
When something is wrong, darling I need to know
Don’t ever leave me

“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

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Leslie_Smith_-_After_All_EP_Bonus_Track.mp3|titles=After All|artists=Leslie Smith]

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

This week, the spotlight is again put on Fly Away – The Songs Of David Foster. This fantastic tribute cd was released in 2009 by Spanish independent label Contante & Sonante. It featured a series of famous Foster co-writes revisited by Tomi Malm, the ultra-talented Finnish music-maker. Malm had the help of a long list of world-class singers and musicians from many corners of the globe. Malm breathed new life into some trademark Foster pieces including “Whatever We Imagine,” “In The Stone,” “Through The Fire,” “Jojo” and “The Colour Of My Love.” He showcased his creative genius in the refined craft of the arrangements and the deluxe level of the production.

One of the pinnacles of Fly Away – The Songs Of David Foster was the magnificent rendition of the Airplay classic, “Nothing You Can Do About It.” Co-written by Foster with Jay Graydon and Steve Kipner, this mid-tempo pop masterpiece was also recorded by The Manhattan Transfer in 1979 for their seminal Extensions album. For his version, Malm kept the horn-driven power of the original and added a strong jazzy flavor to the atmosphere. The Swedish singing sensation Frank Adahl delivered some amazing vocals with his lead and harmonies going right into the stratosphere. The tune was enriched by the terrific Danish All Star Horns directed by trumpeter Jan Glaesel whose inventive arrangement rivals Jerry Hey on Airplay’s version. The icing on the cake was Graydon’s elegant guitar solo. Graydon reminded us of his unique feel and superior technique. His solo was an updated dead-ringer of the one he did on the original version. “Nothing You Can Do About It” also featured Malm and Lenni-Kalle Taipale on keyboards, Aidan Zammit on synths, Soren Reiff on guitar, J.R. Robinson on drums and Neil Stubenhaus on bass. Their fantastic jam was an absolute treasure for the lovers of quality pop and a total knock-out thanks to Malm’s incredible work.

Tomi Malm has written a few words about this incredible experience:

“Ten years ago, I was approached by Contante & Sonante to produce a tribute project of David Foster’s songs. At first I had some reservations because the original versions were already perfect . However, after some consideration, I finally accepted the challenge.

“Nothing You Can Do About It” is one of my favorites of Foster’s vast catalogue and I first did a quick, simple demo of it with pianist Taipale. Afterwards, the song went through many twists and turns as I wanted it to be perfect. I actually thought about arranging the song in big band swing style. That would have been cool. Eventually, it took many musicians & two years to make. At some point we even had five or six guitarists trying different guitar parts until we got it right. For rhythm section we got LA’s finest and JR & Stu played as only they can. For vocals we had one of the best singers I’ve ever worked, Swedish Frank Ådahl. That guy is a monster and deserves all the praise he gets. And the Danish Allstar Horns directed by Jan Glaesel showed us how “class A” brass section can sound when it’s done right. Of course, Jay played a solo with his unmistakable style, even quoting the original solo.

When I look back, I feel grateful and humbled by this opportunity. This version couldn’t have happened without all these giant talents who gave it their best. No compromises were made at any stage.”

Malm is currently working on his first solo cd with the invaluable help of Gabriel Raya’s Contante & Sonante. His cd should be out sometime in 2016. It will show more evidence of the Finnish music-maker’s amazing talent and will be a must-have for quality pop lovers everywhere.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/nothin_you_can_do_about_It.mp3|titles=Nothing You Can Do About it|artists=Frank Adahl]

Lead Vocals: Frank Adahl
Piano & Rhodes: Lenni-Kalle Taipale
Piano, Rhodes & Keyboards: Tomi Malm
Synthesizers: Aidan Zammit
Drums: John “JR” Robinson
Bass: Neil Stubenhaus
Electric Guitar: Soren Reiff
Guitar Solo: Jay Graydon
Horns: “Danish All Star Horns:”
Trumpet & Flugelhorn: Jan Glaesel & Michael Millfield
Alto Sax: Mads Haaber
Tenor Sax & Flute: Pelle Fridell
Trombone: Steen Hansen
Background Vocals: Frank Adahl & Tomi Malm

Arranged by Tomi Malm
Co-Arranged by Lenni-Kalle Taipale
Horns Arranged by Jan Glaesel
Produced by Tomi Malm

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!
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.

written by David Foster, Jay Graydon, Bill Champlin & Alan Paul

“Fly Away: The Songs Of David Foster,” released in 2009, was an outstanding tribute to Foster’s unique artistry and fantastic songbook. Released by Spanish Label Contante & Sonante, it was also a showcase for the amazing talent of Finnish arranger/producer, Tomi Malm who was the mastermind behind the whole work.

During the sessions for “Fly Away: The Songs Of David Foster,” Malm recorded an instrumental take of the Manhattan Transfer’s classic, “Smile Again.” This breathtaking ballad was originally co-written by Foster with his old partners in crime, Jay Graydon and Bill Champlin plus lyrics written by Man Tran’s singer, Alan Paul.
Malm reworked the track as an homage to Foster’s instrumental tunes of the late eighties and nineties with prominent piano playing and programmed background.
The tune was released as a bonus track on the I-Tunes Japanese Edition of “Fly Away: The Songs Of David Foster.” Recently, Malm has recorded a new version of the track with added vocals on the chorus by gifted Korean singer, SunHo Lim and kindly offered it to fans through our page.
“Smile Again” is one of Foster’s best melodies ever and this instrumental take is absolutely delicious and a joy to listen to.
We’d also like to take this opportunity for a shout-out to Contante & Sonante’s latest project, “Tom Snow – Original Demos,” a wonderful collection of songs all co-written by the legendary songwriter and sung by the late, unforgettable, Warren Wiebe. Check it out!

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/smile_again.mp3|titles=Smile Again|artists=SunHo Lim]

Vocals: SunHo Lim
Keyboards: Tomi Malm
Guitars: Michael Landau & Porty
Harmonica: Tollak
Backing Vocals: Tomi Malm.
Produced & Arranged by Tomi Malm

Lyrics

No Lyrics

written by David Foster, Steve Lukather & Fee Waybill

The beginning of 2011 saw the release of Contante & Sonante’s new project, “Highlights & Rarities.” Through the years, this Spanish independent label has built a strong following among quality music lovers.  This new endeavor is a smart way to bring things full circle.

“Highlights & Rarities” includes many pivotal moments of the label’s musical history, yet it gives us so much more with many unreleased gems from their vaults. The passion of Contante & Sonante’s executive Gabriel Raya surprises us once again. Raya isn’t your typical record executive. He builds strong connections with his talented partners in crime like Steve Dorff, Urs Wiesendanger and Tomi Malm so he can present us with magical moments like Warren Wiebe’s original “My Angel’s Voice” written and produced by Dorff. Wiesendanger offers the listeners a pop/soul goodie “Luckiest Man” while Malm masterfully reworks another couple of tasteful Foster covers, “Forever” and “She’s A Beauty.” The Finnish music maker is equally at home with the delicate sounds of the Loggins’ ballad as well as the guitar driven atmosphere of the classic rock song originally performed by The Tubes. “Highlight & Rarities” is packed with talents
like Bill Champlin, Bill Cantos, Ole Borud and Arnold McCuller, but we suggest you to check out Bearne Langhoff’s vocal performance on “She’s A Beauty.” He’s an incredible talent and we must give Contante & Sonante credit for his appearance on the album. Finally, a mention to Malm’s new bossa-tinged arrangement of “Look What You’ve Done To Me.” It sports a new vocal performance by Cecily Gardner and a different piano performance by the incomparable David Foster.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/she_s_a_beauty.mp3|titles=She’s a beauty|artists=Bjarne Langhoff]

Lead & Backing Vocals: Bjarne Langhoff
Piano & Keyboards: Tomi Malm
Drums & Percussion: Lars Daugaard
Bass: Antonio De Haro
Electric Guitar: Porty & Tomi Malm
Acoustic Guitar: Gabriel Raya & Tomi Malm
Guitar Solo: Porty

Produced & Arranged by Tomi Malm

Lyrics

Step right up and don’t be shy,
because you will not believe your eyes.
She’s right here behind the glass
and you’re gonna like her,
’cause she’s got class.
You can look inside another world.
You get to talk to a pretty girl.
She’s everything you dream about…
but don’t fall in love…
She’s a beauty —
one in a million girls,
she’s a beauty.
Why would I lie?
Why would I lie?
You can say anything you like,
but you can’t touch the merchandise.
She’ll give you every pennies worth,
but it will cost you a dollar first.
You can step outside your little world.
You can talk to a pretty girl.
She’s everything you dream about…
but don’t fall in love…
She’s a beauty —
one in a million girls,
she’s a beauty.
Why would I lie?
Why would I lie?