Fairly often, we feel the need to rediscover the amazing vocal prowess of the late Warren Wiebe. Wiebe was an outstanding talent who, in the early nineties, became David Foster’s “voice” in the studio and for countless live events. This magnificent singer was also a troubled soul who sadly left us in 1998 at the young age of 45.

This week, the spotlight is on Wiebe’s original performance of the Foster classic “The Colour Of My Love.” Popularized by Celine Dion as the title-track of her 1993 multi-platinum album, “The Colour Of My Love” was originally co-written by Foster with noted psychologist Dr. Arthur Janov. Back in the day, the two worked on the musical Scream whose plot was based on Janov’s primal therapy. Foster wrote a number of great instrumentals to accompany Janov’s beautiful lyrics. Foster would demo many of the songs for Scream with Wiebe on vocals and “The Colour Of My Love” was one of those gems that never saw the light of day.

“The Colour Of My Love” is a tender ballad set in a gorgeous orchestral scenario with a melody that’s a true showstopper. Foster takes no prisoners here. He wrote one of his timeless instrumentals with the bonus of Janov’s romantic poem. Wiebe’s performance is absolutely flawless. The late singer caresses the lyrics with his silky tone that results in a true work of art. No wonder when Dion heard it, the Canadian superstar fell in love with the song. She loved “The Colour Of My Love” so much that it became her wedding song with Foster and Wiebe performing it at the ceremony. Given the special meaning of this song, our favorite super-producer wrote a little note about it. Here is what he kindly sent:

“We wrote ‘The Colour Of My Love’ for the musical Scream. I just loved Art’s lyrics, really brilliant in my opinion. I was also working with Celine at the time. She and Rene Angelil LOVED the song and really pushed hard cause they wanted it for Celine’s next record. I kept refusing cause I didn’t want to take any songs away from the musical, but they kept insisting and then finally Rene told me that if we gave the song to Celine they were going to make it the title-track of the album. He’s a man of his word, so the album came out and eventually sold, I believe, twelve million copies. I think this is the only song I have ever written where the song modulates DOWN instead of UP, but it still feels like a ‘lift.’ Very strange, but it worked perfectly. Art’s lyrics really inspired me and, of course, Celine sang it beautifully. Warren ’s original performance really inspired her and to this day, if you ask her, she will tell you that Warren is one of her favorite singers of all time!!”

So enjoy Warren ’s intense take on “The Colour Of My Love.” If you wish, you can also read our past review of Celine’s version here.

Listen

Lead Vocal: Warren Wiebe
Keyboards: David Foster

Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Lyrics

I’ll paint my mood in shades of blue
Paint my soul to be with you
Ill sketch your lips in shaded tones
Draw your mouth to my own

I’ll draw your arms around my waist
Then all doubt I shall erase
Ill paint the rain that softly lands on your wind-blown hair

I’ll trace a hand to wipe out your tears
A look to calm your fears
A silhouette of dark and light
While we hold each other oh so tight

I’ll paint a sun to warm your heart
Swearing that well never part
That’s the colour of my love

I’ll paint the truth
Show how I feel
Try to make you completely real
Ill use a brush so light and fine
To draw you close and make you mine

I’ll paint a sun to warm your heart
Swearing that well never part
That’s the colour of my love

I’ll draw the years all passing by
So much to learn so much to try

And with this ring our lives will start
Swearing that we’ll never part
I offer what you cannot buy
Devoted love until we die

written by David Foster & Linda Thompson

May 1991 saw the release of the movie “One Good Cop” starring Michael Keaton and Rene Russo. The music for that motion picture was written by David Foster with William Ross. It was one of Foster’s first collaborations with the gifted composer/arranger/orchestrator and Ross immediately became a fixture on several Foster’s productions. Ross could be found on projects for Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Josh Groban and many others.

The main attraction for Foster fans on “One Good Cop” was the gorgeous ballad “If Not For Love.” which plays on the end credits. It’s a breathtaking jazzy number co-written by Foster and then-wife Linda Thompson. The composition was sung by the extraordinary Warren Wiebe. We consider “If Not For Love” one of Foster’s best compositions of the Nineties with its perfect melody, nocturne mood, top notch arrangement and amazing production. It is, without a doubt, one of Wiebe’s best performances ever with his smooth voice gently singing Thompson’s tender lyrics. Another key element is the warm saxophone played by Rev. Dave Boruff, the same talented guy who helped Foster make “Love Theme From St. Elmo’s Fire” a success. Recently, we asked our favourite super-producer to write a few words about “If Not For Love” and he kindly sent this note:

We all thought, including the movie producers, that we had a real hit on our hands with this song. It seemed to fit Warren perfectly and he really sang his heart out on it. We were quite disappointed when it didn’t get any traction on the radio, but I was happy with it because to me, it really had the feel, sound and texture of the movie.”

Unfortunately, the soundtrack record for “One Good Cop” never saw the light of day. If you want to listen to its beautiful music, check out Ross’ official website at www.williamrossmusic.com.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/if_not_for_love.mp3|titles=If Not For Love|artists=Warren Wiebe]

Lead Vocals: Warren Wiebe
Keyboards: David Foster
Guitar: Michael Thompson
Saxophone: Rev. Dave Boruff

Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Lyrics

You never know what you’ve got
’til it slips away
So the people say

Love and the heart that beats on
In this world are a lie
That only love survives

So shelter me
In all your loving ways
Help me forget about
All those painful nights and days

It would be a cold thankless world
If not for love
Take what you need
And live on and on with m
e
If I found you just didn’t care
It would be a sad sad affair

There’d be only heartache
And heartbreak
If not for love
There’d be only heartache
And heartbreak
If not for love

Oh life is uncertainty
But there’s always been you
And there’ll always be me
There’s always been you
There’ll always be me
Help me forget about
These tears that I cried
There’s always been you
There’ll always be me…

If not for love

Written by David Foster, Linda Thompson & Jorge Calandrelli

In 1990, David Foster published an interesting solo album entitled “River Of Love.” It was a collection of songs mostly co-written by Foster with the help of various other top songwriters and the support of a stellar line-up of singers and musicians.
The catchy title track is a pop/rock goodie that sees the blending of guest singers Bryan Adams, Warren Wiebe and former Average White Band member, Hamish Stuart. “River Of Love” was also released as a single backed-up by two other new compositions, “Living For The Moment” and “Is There A Chance.”

“Living For The Moment,” composed by Foster with his then-wife, Linda Thompson and the great Jorge Calandrelli, is an absolute masterpiece with a refined latin vibe and magnificent vocal and instrumental execution. Again, Warren Wiebe is in the spotlight delivering a show-stopping performance while Foster shines with his piano and synths on the delicate instrumental intro that develops into an elegant jam supported by the all-star backing band. The other song included on the single, “Is There A Chance,” is a collaboration with the legendary Brian Wilson and it shows an obvious Beach Boys’ influence especially on the rich vocal harmonies sung by Wiebe with the help of Timothy B. Schmit of The Eagles. These three beautiful songs and their parent album, “River Of Love,” are bright gems of Foster’s immense catalogue that we suggest to rediscover to appreciate his unique pop sensibility and amazing talent.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/living_for_the_moment.mp3|titles=Living For The Moment|artists=Warren Wiebe]

Lead Vocals: Warren Wiebe
Keyboards: David Foster
Fender Rhodes: Greg Phillinganes
Bass: Nathan East
Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta
Acoustic Guitar: Dean Parks
Guitars: Paul Jackson, Jr.
Synth Programming: Dave Reitzas, Humberto Gatica, Michael Boddicker & Keith Thomas
Percussion: Paulinho da Costa, Rafael Padilla & Dave Reitzas
Background Vocals: Warren Wiebe, Portia Griffin, Vesta Williams & Alex Brown

Arranged by David Foster & Jorge Calandrelli
Produced by Humberto Gatica

Lyrics

On the edge of the light
We are blinded by our own short sight
Nothing is beyond us,
We can make a difference to the quality of life

And with each passing day,
Time become smore real in every way.
Future generations,left here with their nations,
Though they never had a say.

Just push replay…
Edit our mistakes of yesterday
I don’t think we’ll ever get that far.

Chorus:
Livin’ for the moment,
Makes you feel like dancin’
Wouldn’t you like to have some moonlight
To add to the romancin’?
How can you keep lyin’?
Atmosphere is dyin’,
I can no longer hear the music,
I think the party is over.

And if we could only learn,
We can’ cross our bridges once they’ve been burned
Please help me make a difference.
Find a cause that you can stand behind
And give your heart

Look forward to a better world because of me and you
Striving for our children’s children too.

(Chorus 2x)

“I have just listened to the tribute album. You guys did a fantastic, incredible job. Really, it was such a treat to hear all 14 tracks in a row–some songs I had forgotten about like the Robert Lamm collaboration (When Will The World). The production was as if i was doing it myself, the singing is stellar, the time, care and love is in every moment of every piece. I don’t know how you guys did it, but you should all be very proud of your accomplishment.

Your love of music is glaring and your passion shows in every note. Please pass this and copy this email along to everyone involved, the arrangers, singers, musicians, engineers, mixers, producers. Just a great tribute and something that not too many people on the planet have happen to them or for them. Way to go! Best, your fan David.”
 
David Foster wrote this heartfelt note right after he received the mastered copy of “Fly Away – The Songs Of David Foster.” This tribute is a labor of love dedicated to Foster’s timeless artistry. Conceived and realized by the brilliant Spanish independent label, Contante & Sonante, “Fly Away – The Songs Of David Foster” brings new life to some of the brighter gems in one of the most successful repertoires in the history of pop music. This record is chock full of amazing covers of many of Foster’s most loved hits and also some lesser known wonders. “Fly Away – The Songs Of David Foster” presents quality pop music at its finest. Many of the world’s best singers and musicians lent their talents to the project under the direction of producer/arranger extraordinaire, Tomi Malm from Finland. Foster himself kindly appeared on the album and also found in his vaults an unreleased ballad performed by the unforgettable Warren Wiebe. This special song is entitled “Live Each Day” and was recorded at Chartmaker in the nineties. Malm’s built a wonderful new arrangement around Wiebe’s original vocal and the result is pure bliss. We strongly suggest you to order this album and enjoy the magic of Foster’s music remade with such bravura, love and respect. 

http://www.contanteysonante.com

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/archives/clips/live_each_day.mp3|titles=Live each day|artists=Warren Wiebe
]

Lead Vocal: Warren Wiebe
Piano, Keyboards & Bass: Tomi Malm
Mandolin, Acoustic & Electric Guitars: Dan Warner

Produced & Arranged by Tomi Malm
Warren Wiebe’s Vocals courtesy of David Foster

Lyrics

No Lyrics

“Listen To Me” is a beautiful song recorded in 1989 by Céliné Dion right before recording her first English album “Unison.” This duet with the amazing Warren Wiebe was the theme of the movie with the same title starring Kirk Cameron and Jami Gertz. David Foster wrote the music score for the movie. Unfortunately, a soundtrack album was never released and “Listen To Me” is only available on one promo cassette by Dion entitled “Celebration” which was released in 1992. The beautiful ballad was co-written by Foster with Linda Thompson and hit songwriter Will Jennings of “Tears In Heaven” and “My Heart Will Go On” fame. Foster brilliantly arranged and produced the track, marking his first collaboration with the future superstar. The superlative arrangement supports the singers’ intense performances and the final result could have easily been a big hit on the charts instead of becoming a well-kept secret. Dion and Wiebe are always mentioned by the Canadian super-producer as two of the best singers he ever had the pleasure to work with and “Listen To Me” is the rare chance to witness how perfectly their amazing voices meld together under Foster’s exceptional guidance. The tragedy of losing Warren so young will always be felt.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/archives/clips/listen_to_me.mp3|titles=Listen to me|artists=Celine Dion & Warren Wiebe]

Lead Vocals: Celine Dion & Warren Wiebe
Keyboards: David Foster
Bass: Neil Stubenhaus
Guitars: Michael Landau
Drums: John Robinson
Saxophone: Dave Boruff
Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Lyrics

Father, listen to me I’m a lot like you
I miss live my life and lived it through
Like you said you have to do
Mother, listen to me there’s so much to tell
It’s some words — to listen well
When the pain is coming through
Lover
Life is closing in from everywhere
There’s so little time to show we care
Say the words that show our hearts
Won’t you listen to me
Knowing how we fall
Listen to me
Knowing love is all
I am in you
And you are in me
Through each other’s eyes
We see
Listen to me
Hold me
I will hold you
Listen to me while I speak my heart
You can talk to me
We’re all looking for a place to start
Where we tell the truth again
Tell the truth again
Love me
Listen to me, life is not that long
And we don’t have the time to get it wrong
Let’s believe and let’s begin
Let’s begin
Won’t you listen to me
For we know how we fall
Listen to me
Knowing love is all
I am in you
And you are in me
Through each other’s eyes
We see
Listen to me
Listen to me
For we know how we fall
Listen to me
Knowing love is all
I am in you
And you are in me
Through each other’s eyes
We see…
Just how good our lives
Could be..
Through each other’s eyes
We see
Listen to me
Listen to me
Listen to me…