The Burt Bacharach Discussion Forum

Hey, Dennis, where have you been? I miss your posts.

I never saw a nicer clip from Burt's Specials. Incidentally, I remember I stayed up late to watch the one BB special shown in Bz. I was a kid (born in 1964)! Burt talked to "Beethoven," and I think I still remember the jist of the conversation.

So yes, when will we get those on DVD?!

Part I:


Part II:


Part III:


Part IV:


Part V:

ciao
Bye
Rob

Burt and Hal's "forgotten" christmas song........composed for "Promises,Promises"
.....should be a "standard" !


"blue"

Never been a big fan of Cilla Black...and glad she never got her hands on "Walk On By" (as she did "Anyone Who Had A Heart") until this aired in the UK in 1969. Cliff Richard has a certain blandness about him that I find off-putting when he interprets Bacharach although he is a good singer and this was certainly rather bland; one thing Cilla was not was bland by any means...the girl could belt them out...although she was not a gifted singer, she had a vocal harshness about her that suited some songs well...and that harshness was not tempered. Although she never found much success or name recognition outside UK and Western Europe, she did "You're My World" justice, I will say...I thought Dionne should have left "You're My World" alone although she included a cover of it on her 1968 album "Dionne Warwick in Valley of the Dolls" and I think CIlla probably should have left "Walk on By" well enough alone! LOL. Interesting clip, nonetheless.

Best Wishes

Roberto

This is a terrific version of "The Look Of Love" by Dionne - I have searched for this on all my Dionne CDs and albums, but can't find it anywhere - any suggestions? It runs for over 4 minutes - and is not the normal Dionne recording of this song.
Thanks
Alistair

Alistair:

This is track #5 from Dionne's "pricey" Japanese Import entitled "DIONNE SINGS DIONNE II". This 11 song disc is reportedly comprised of tracks that were recorded and not included on her 1998 CD "Dionne Sings Dionne" (River North Records). This version of the "Look Of Love" was produced by Michael Lloyd for Mike Curb Productions. The remaining 10 tracks on this CD were produced by Steve Tyrell, George Duke, Dionne's son Damon Elliot and others. There are some great recordings here including a unique version of "In Between The Heartaches" (produced by George Duke) and "What A Fool Believes"

"DIONNE SINGS DIONNE II" was released on the Victor label (some International division of RCA Victor) and I believe it can still be found on some internet sites. I paid more than $30.00 for my copy 10 years ago! I'm certain one of our fellow posters may have more info re: the availability of the CD and the story behind its release in Japan and not in the US.

Ron

Dionne was reportedly quite dissatisfied with the release of DIONNE SINGS DIONNE II and had something to do with it being blocked for further release, including in the US; however as Ron points out, there are a number of interesting tracks and it's at least as worthwhile as its predecessor. I too did hear that it's solely comprised of outtakes from the original sessions, which would point to her disappointment and anger at its release. (Columbia Records earned Bob Dylan's ire in the early 1970s with their release of DYLAN, mainly comprised of outtakes from Dylan's SELF PORTRAIT; this remains his only studio release he has barred from appearing on an official CD reissue.) Still, for those interested, I do believe the disc can be located to complete any Warwick collector's library! I found my copy at a late, lamented Tower Records location some years ago. Ah, the good old days...

nymusicalsguy:

I know the recording industry is a tough business and I know that Dionne has had strong feelings about her work throughout her career. You accurately pointed out that " DSD II" is at least as worthwhile as its predecessor "DSD". ......... Assuming that Dionne was dissatisfied with the release of "DSDII" - how could she ever have been pleased with Concord Records release of "My Friends And Me" other than the fact that it was produced by her son Damon? ....... She promoted that project for more than 2 years prior to its release and thankfully only the first of what was to be three CDs was ever completed (could there be some "good" out takes in the Concord vaults?)

I've been looking forward to Dionne's recording of Sammy Cahn songs which she said was completed in October and would be available within weeks. ....... Anyone have any updates?

Thank you, guys, for all the info about "The Look Of Love" recording: I did think that it might have been on that rare "Dionne Sings Dionne II" - it's one of the few that I don't have in my collection. Will have to look out for it now! It is a breath-taking performance of this B & D song.
Alistair

This rapper shows that he has some class! He samples Burt's great music to "The Last One To Be Loved". (It's more than a "sample", isn't it?)

As we all know and as I've said a million times: Burt's music will live forever!!

The rare "vocal" version !
"Have no fear Bond is here"



"blue"

Hey Everyone,

Not sure if this has been posted yet but I stumbled upon this the other day and thought you might like it as well. Here's a group of younger guys, like myself, paying tribute to the man. If I can appreciate these guys for playing Burt's music and I'm 24, then I'm sure you guys who grew up with Burt's music will really appreciate it. Take care.




BB4LIFE

BB4LIFE,

I love it! You guys did a great job! Thanks for posting it. Have you thought of trying "Casino Royale"?

-Dennis Webb