Credit: The talented Annie/DA Fans Germany
There I sat in the “hot seat,” aka the recliner next to the fire, laptop on the lap desk, reading my email. My teenage son was reclining on the recliner across the room reserved for the “cool folk” (of which I am evidently not one). I didn’t mind, I like it hot and I was keeping the volume down low as I began to play my new David Archuleta Christmas carols. I was minding my own business.
“That’s nice mom, I love Christmas carols,” offered my boy (…it’s in the blood. 🙂 )
“Is that David?”
I smiled. He nodded knowingly.
“Turn it up, I’d like to hear it.”
And so we sat by the light of the fire (and the lap top and the itouch, but who cared?) and shared the peace and love of a few Christmas carols in October. It was my first listen to the highly anticipated (by me of course, not my son) songs on CFTH. And a lovely listen it was. And that was that.
And that was that. Hmm. That’s it? That’s it. I liked them. What’s not to like about David singing Christmas carols? I liked them. But I had hoped that in addition to revealing the magic of Christmas, the songs would have revealed more of the magic of David’s art. Perhaps unfairly, I had afforded myself the selfish desire to be blown away by his artistry and not just his voice on this CD. The carols didn’t do that for me.
I used to do that on AI too. I’d wait all week, hoping that he’d reproduce the magical moments of Imagine. Some weeks he did, and others he didn’t. Oh well, that’s how it goes with art. Sometimes you write The Kite Runner and sometimes you write A Thousand Splendid Suns.
Of course, I am convinced that someday David will blow me away just about every time he sings. His artistic instincts will be highlighted and yes … Arranged. I am fully aware that the arranger seems to become the point of contention whenever David sings. In my opinion, this is because, up to this point, David has apparently not settled on his sound. When he does, I am equally convinced he will hear it in his head and insist upon it. Until then, he will work with a variety of arrangers, many of whom will deem their talent equal to his. But their talent will not be equal to his and their arrangements, in my opinion, will not do him justice. When he finds the arranger whose talent actually IS equal to his — well, then I will be hypnotized and mesmerized on a regular basis.
... so what's really in the tea cup, Frank? (Sinatra, recording with Quincy Jones)
This is not a criticism of CFTH. In my opinion, it is a lovely Christmas CD. It is just an observation about my own reaction to my expectations for it, and the importance of the arranger in these expectations cannot be overstated. And it’s not about “liking it.” It’s about creating an artistic identity. Reference the early Michael Jackson albums that Quincy Jones produced/arranged.
Quincy took Michael’s melodies and harmonies and distributed them throughout the orchestra to create the sound that made Michael Jackson famous. His vision and musical design of notes, rhythms, instruments, and mixing of the music was as important to Michael as Nelson Riddle was to Frank Sinatra. Riddle and Sinatra created “Sinatra.” To this day when we listen to someone sing Sinatra we are listening to the same orchestrations of the backgrounds behind Sinatra as were created by Riddle.
That’s the sound that makes us identify with him as an artist. Brian Wilson’s arrangements on the album Pet Sounds and Phil Spector’s “Wall Of Sound” for his artists are also monumental examples of what an arranger does. When Aretha Franklin signed with Columbia in 1960 her recordings reflected a jazz influence as she moved away from her gospel roots. Then, according to Aretha, it was when she signed with Atlantic and worked with Jerry Wexler that “they made me sit down on the piano and the hits came.”
Wexler of course, coined the term “rhythm and blues” and is responsible for producing not only Aretha but Ray Charles, the Allman Brothers, Led Zeppelin, Wilson Pickett, Dusty Springfield and Bob Dylan to name a few.
And all of this brings me to the most recent and insightful question from my son, “What are you doing, Mom?”
“I’m writing a reflection about David’s Christmas album.”
“Why does anyone care what you think of his Christmas album? Do they care what I think too? … They’re Christmas carols and they sound good.” He shrugs and walks away.
Out of the mouths of babes.
— happy
SnowAngelz: Canadian fans of David Archuleta 
From just marly (brought this over from the end of last thread):
You know what?
When I read all of your experiences with getting VIP’s and going to concerts…I get a little sad:(:(
Why oh why do I not have a passport? or a hubby who even remotely supports my obsession?
When I read through everyone’s feelings upon listening to CFTH and I experience them for myself…maybe it is a good thing that I am
grounded. Who knows if I could take the awesomage of hearing and seeing David in the flesh. Maybe it’s better that he is somewhere out there to me and not real!
LOVE all your reactions to CFTH!!! I have now listened, uninterrupted, up to Ave Maria…and I am in AWE!!! Tomorrow child number 3 has a dental appointment so can’t wait to lock myself in my vehicle and crank up the music!!! Would love to meet you fellow Snowangelz…but driving whilst listening to CFTH is hazardous and I hope I survive the holiday season!! Heck…who am I kidding…I will be listening to these tunes around the calendar.
You know one of the big reasons why I love you Happy is because you always talk from your heart and soul.
I wasn’t disappointed when I heard CFTH the first time. I think I listened for the voice and left off the rest. Its taken me a while to hear the elements that others are commenting on. I tend to be big picture first and then zero in to details. But I understand what you are saying…”the best is yet to come.” 🙂
I am glad you shared your expertise. I always learn so much from you.
And the Lone Arranger will ride again. And when he does, it will be “Hi Ho Silver, Away!” Kemo Sabe FTW!
{{{Happy}}}
Love the way you write!
Although I actually enjoyed the arrangements on the CD more than I thought I would, I know what you mean.
As excellent as his producers/arrangers have been, to date, David has not yet found his Nelson Riddle or Quincy Jones. Many have suggested David Foster in that role, but I don’t think that’s quite the right fit.
That said, many of the songs on CFTH did blow me away with surprising elements to songs I thought I knew inside out. Although my emotional reaction and connection to the meaning of the songs, thanks to David’s masterful interpretation was no surprise.
(and just marly, it will be great to meet you at a concert someday! 🙂 )
Happy, I luvs you. You know that, right? Of course you do! 😀
I already knew you weren’t OTT about CFTH and that’s OK. I think the expectations for David are high simply because he has the ability to meet those expectations.
However, with this album, David has said over & over that it was a gift to us and he wanted us to feel his reverence & love for his God. I feel it when I listen to this album. I’m thinking David didn’t make this album to make new fans and isn’t concerned if it doesn’t hit gold. He just wants US, who have been with him from the beginning to have it. It was a gift to US.
The best is yet to come. He is 18 YO. He will find his Quincy, Wexler, Riddle. I have absolute faith about that. We know David has it in him to be as big or bigger than any artist before him. He can be bigger and do bigger & better things than MJ, Sinatra, Elvis, Aretha. He has it in him. But he is only 18…I don’t know why I added Elvis..he never had a great arranger or did great music IMO. He was just Elvis and has tons of gold & platinum records. Don’t want David to be another Elvis in that regard. 😉
I love CFTH, the music, the arrangements, THE VOICE. I can listen to it non stop til Christmas and not get tired of it. I am being totally honest..not just trying to be a “good fan”. 😀
See you in AC!!! Kizzi, you too, I hope!!
Have a great day!!
And happy..I couldn’t be happier to read another very informative & great post from you. I have missed that so much!!
I wish I could “get” Sinatra…never did “get” him. Don’t know why? I just don’t think he has a great voice. Was never excited to see him on stage. He never gave me chills or thrills. I dunno why. Is there something wrong with me?? 😆
Bye, til later.
Thanks ladies… off to work I go….ttyl.
oh and SF- there is definitely something wrong with you…. but it is more complicated than not liking Sinatra. 🙂
SF – I don’t get Sinatra either. I’ve tried b/c Mr. K luvs Sinatra so I’ve listened and listened and I don’t have it “My Way” on that one.
Happy sent me a mp4 to a young Aretha Franklin singing “Try a Little Tenderness.” I put in a YouTube link below. It was pretty educational for me about arrangements – the music accompanying her voice is gorgeous. It was on her 3rd album in 1962–she was in her twenties. Beautiful song. I love Aretha.
Happy HI – In the past I have truly NOT followed any artist like I have David. Michael Jackson was not even on my radar (duck down low here) and I did listen to Aretha, though it was just a superficial listening. Same other artists. I never paid much attention to arrangements – just listened to it if I liked the words, melody and singer’s voice. Confession time over.
From what I have heard/read MJ and Aretha really only sang one genre? Am I showing my complete ignorance here?
I get what you are saying, but I have one question: Because David is so versatile, and can adapt himself to sing just about any style, would that mean he would need a different arranger for each style he chose to do?
Happy thanks for making me think.
I mentioned in the last thread that David (his interview with Idol Chatter) stated that there is “more of himself” in each of the songs that he has written in Nashville. This may be the start of “the best is yet to come”
(((just marly))) – let the sadness pass, it will happen for you when the time is right.
Calling all Manchester NH concert goers for Thursday, Oct 29.
There are now 8 of us that are meeting at the Radisson for hors d’oeurves & drinks after David’s set. The hotel is a short walk from the venue.
If you haven’t emailed me and want to join us, do so at kizzix2008@gmail.com
Also for those that can’t attend, we could do a private by invitation webcast on Justin TV at the after event and we can give you our reviews if you are interested. Just send me an email or leave a note here.
Wish I could come Kizzi – one of these concerts I will make my way East as I would dearly love to meet you all out thata way.
actual quote from David in the article “There’s more of my personality in these songs.”
(((just marly)) maybe it is a blessing to be grounded, cause it is very addicting and expensive, lol. Trust us though, he is real!We will meet someday….
Happy, thanks for this article. I know nothing about music, or the production or arranging of it. I have a hard time imagining what could be possible for him in the future, that it can get even better? I just listen and love everything! I so appreciate that this is such a learning curve for me. I am in the same boat as awestruck *waves* , never really “studied” an artist before, and would like to repeat her question. “Because David is so versatile, and can adapt himself to sing just about any style, would that mean he would need a different arranger for each style he chose to do?” To me the sound of David’s voice is sooo unique (I’d recognize it anywhere) and I don’t quite get the idea of the arrangements helping to create his “sound”, but looking forward to it, a future where David finds his “Quincy”
The only song that I did not like the arrangement of is OHN… just sayin.
I adore WCIS and SL, they tell the story perfectly for me. The voice just does something to me…
Partay on the 29th!!
SF and Kizzi, I’m with ya on Sinatra, meh.
awestuck, that next album, already has me excited!
happy, forgot to say your son is very wise… “They’re Christmas carols and they sound good.” haha
I have been giddy these last few days… as the anticipation builds for me; youtube vid’s of make up concerts, Christmas tour, new album in the New Year. I gotta settle down a bit!
One of those moments in time/Memorable memories: walking in an open outlet mall in Florida (my son played in a water polo tourney there) hearing Crush for the first time on the radio over loud speakers, grinning from ear to ear and what caught me was that UNIQUE voice – yes refnaf I, too, recongize it anywhere.
refnaf – next time we meet we will “row, row, row our boat, gently down the stream” together. The Kizzi effect LOL
SF & Kizzi & Refnaf, you don’t “get” Frank???? I’m gobsmacked.
I discovered him by accident when I was about 25 (and he was waaaay over the hill by then). I was embarrassed to tell my friends that I was listening to the music of such an old geezer (my, how the tables have turned, lol).
Not his later stuff, mind you, but the Capitol Years and the recordings with Nelson Riddle. It was his interpretations of the standards that brought them to life for me, and the arrangements might have had a lot to do with that. (I don’t “get” Elvis, so maybe we’re even, LOL.)
SF, “The best is yet to come. He is 18 YO. He will find his Quincy, Wexler, Riddle. I have absolute faith about that.” I agree with you 100%.
Maybe because I didn’t have high expectations for the production of this CD (the cheesy cover had me very, very worried) that I was thrilled to enjoy the arrangements as much as I do. The flamenco flourishes in WCIT, the way OCAYF captures the majesty of the music while allowing David’s own style to come shining through, and the simple loveliness of SN.
The arrangement of the duet seems at odds with the rest, though … more mainstream AC-radio friendly, but maybe that’s part of the master plan.
Awestruck, “This may be the start of ‘the best is yet to come’.” … yessiree!!!
FYI, Christmas Tour VIP on sale today!
-Salt Lake City, UT. 9 am MT.
-Montclair, NJ. 1 pm ET.
-San Francisco, CA. 10 am PT.
-Anaheim, CA. 10 am PT.
-Bakersfield, CA. 12 pm PT.
CD Review from Univ. of Buffalo paper (gives it an A+ 🙂 ):
http://www.ubspectrum.com/article/40616
Awestruck – A song a day keeps my analyst away – J/K (what’s that…..OK, I heard that snicker Happy 🙂 ) – Like right now, I’m on a plane on the GOGO inflight internet working – and peeking over here every now and then and the song:
“Love is but the song we sing,
And fear’s the way we die
You can make the mountains ring
Or make the angels cry
Know the dove is on the wing
And you need not know why
C’mon people now,
Smile on your brother
Ev’rybody get together
Try and love one another right now…”
…is running through my head (probably a terrible arrangement, right, Happy 😉 *snark, snark* )
Video of song on YouTube (a blast from the past & quintessential call for world peace in the 60’s):
TOfan – What can I say? There are many artists in many genres that are considered genius and so popular and they just didn’t float my boat. Frank was one of them. Sacrilegious, I know to those who love Frank.
But do I get extra credit for getting David, O’Exhaulted Tweeted One?
David being popular with the tween market is a GOOD THING…
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/magazine/20091021_The_power_tweens.html
“WASHINGTON – The grand ballroom at the Capital Hilton glowed neon purple, and Idol-er David Archuleta’s “Crush” pulsed from giant speakers”
“By all estimates, the current crop of tweens, 20 million of them, are the it generation. They can’t drive to the mall, but they are mighty consumers (even in the recession), believed to control or influence as much as $200 billion in purchasing power. And those numbers are expected only to grow. By 2015, the census estimates that tweens will number nearly 24 million.”
Not so bad that they will grow up with his music. Sounds like good career insurance – hahaha.
I agree – “Sounds like good career insurance” Kizzi you are makin’ me laugh today.
Awestruck,
“Because David is so versatile, and can adapt himself to sing just about any style, would that mean he would need a different arranger for each style he chose to do?”
Not necessarily, I don’t think … unless he switched drastically from pop to rap to classical … now THAT could be interesting! lol
Another factor is that singers like Sinatra and Franklin didn’t write their own tunes. As David becomes more accomplished as a songwriter, he’ll probably play a larger role in the arrangement and production of each song/CD.
Songwriting doesn’t guarantee control, of course. The most famous example that I can think of is The Beatles “Long & Winding Road.”
… Paul was apparently so incensed at the liberties taken by Phil Spector (adding orchestrations and choirs to The Beatles’ original recording without their permission) he launched a law suit over it.
… I still like it, though, hmmm.
So TOfan, the production group has the control to arrange the recording to make it sound the way they think it should? – perhaps taking into account the singers wishes??? I sure would like to think that David will assume more and more control in this regard, even though this would break the rules of the norm. And yes I agree that, because he will – for the most part – become his own song writer, he might want to have a greater role in the arrangment/production side of things.
I have commented before that I think the only way to have any chance of success at more/entire control would be to create his own label under which he could choose who he would feel would be willing (and able) to produce for him, under his guidence. David is certainly talented enough, but I wonder if he has enough experience yet to take it on 100% at this time.
Then again, maybe he wouldn’t – and finding his “Quincy Jones” is really the answer.
Which raises a kind of a random thought: Is it usual for a new artist to put out 3 CD’s so quickly? Well, maybe it is only considered as two, since one is a Christmas CD. His contract with Jive is for 3 CD’s right? Wonder what will happen after the 3rd is out.
Off topic part 1:
Off topic part 2:
Awestruck,
David having his own label sounds like a grand idea!!!
And to hear him talk so passionately in this interview about writing and sharing ideas through songs, I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the direction he eventually takes.
The Canadian band Metric has gone completely label-free and sells their CDs on their own through iTunes, because their fan base is so strong (hmm, sound familiar? lol).
Here’s an interesting N.Y. Times article on how the record industry is changing (largely because of the Internet and digital music files):
http://bit.ly/KpFV3
Hi Angelz!
Haven’t had time to read Happy’s post or everyone’s comments but will do so. But in David recent Vlog he said he is working with Jeymes Samuel. Best I can tell that is Seal’s brother. Sounds quite interesting….
New vlog!
Title:
Writing, Nashville
Category:
People, Blogs 😆
Great post Happy.
When Dean Kaelin told David his AI performance of Imagine wasn’t technically perfect, David replied that he didn’t mind because he just wanted people to feel the meaning in the song. I believe that is what he wanted for CFTH. While I’m sure the production values are high (not that I would know), David’s heart really shines through. Thanks for sharing how it made you feel. After all, Christmas is nothing if not a feeling.
KT,
Seal’s brother, wow, that is very cool. I’m wondering if the “exciting news” David mentions in his vlog is maybe a collaboration/duet with one of his pals (Natasha Bedingfield, I hope) for the next CD.
Sunshine,
I thought about that Imagine story when I was reading Masterclass Lady’s comments about David’s breathing glitches on CFTH.
That’s something I usually notice (from my singing days, when I used to have to mark with a pencil on the sheet music where to breath until it became second nature), but I get so swept away with the emotion of these songs, and the story he’s telling, I hadn’t even noticed them.
Happy, thanks for your post and I very much appreciate your approach towards sharing your thoughts.
Personally, the lowest level of comment that I have ever offered something that David has done is that I LOVE IT. The comments go up from there. That certainly holds true with CFTH.
I am very intrigued by listening to David’s ABC News Radio interview. He shares his perspective on his progress, what is important to him about his music and the importance of his fan’s feedback…he makes a lot of sense to me.
Happy, Thank you so much for your post, and honesty!
I actually love the Christmas CD, and I’m not even much of a ‘Christmas song fan’. I have always been more a fan of his ballads, I think because of the emotion he exudes whilst performing them, so CFTH takes me there. My hopes are that we get to see and hear more of that with his next CD.
Sunshine, I remember when David said that about Dean’s comment, and I remember thinking and feeling, boy does this kid ever ‘get it’, he just never ceases to amaze me! He has absolutely no ego!! sooooo refreshing!!!!
TOfan, sorry I don’t share your affection for Frank, lol, I never ‘got’ him either. Apparently neither does Michael Buble. When asked who he idolized, when it was suggested perhaps ‘Frank’, by the interviewer, he replied ‘actually I am starstruck by Harry Connick Jr. hmmmm, I tend to agree, now Harry I ‘get’.
Kizzi,
Look forward to meeting you in Manchester,I hope my name is on the list for Manchester, but if it isn’t please add it, I think TOfan and refnaf gave you my name. Thanks!
justmarly
Who has your back? Abrra has.
Abrra
Have a great day Snow Angelz!!
Who the heck are Tom & NICOLE??
Inquiring & OK, nosey minds want to know?
Love & Peace!
SF – “Inquiring & OK, nosey minds want to know?”
me too lol
{{{conditioner}}}
LOL, I love Frank and Harry … I first discovered Mr. Connick Jr. on the When Harry Met Sally album (vinyl, no less) and I think I’ve played that one almost as much as David’s CD!
Abrra! Still holding strong??
SF, many, many, many inquiring minds! lol
My Bizarro World fantasy is that when David attended the Keith Urban concert in Nashville, he and Nicole Kidman became BFFs and now they’re hangin’ out in the Big Apple… bahahahahaha, just the idea of that cracks me up!
Well David sure has his issues with elevators as per one of his latest tweets: “Have a meeting with the label that I need to head to right now, but the elevator is broken and i’m on the top floor lol.”
Only one elevator? Top floor? Must be in the penthouse suite!
hey… great to hear an interview with some decent quetions… it’s about the music that I want to know! Next album talk… cool
Conditioner!!*waves*
Abrra, you are one tough cookie **bows**
My opinion i
My opinion I need to add on David taking breaths at the wrong places in songs… for some reason it doesn’t bug me, it adds. It just seems honest some how, and there must be a reason he does it that way.That is strange I know, but JMHO.
yikes, David missed his radio interview this morning. Management???
Maybe the radio station got the day wrong … all they had to do was check his tweets to know where he was…
… broken elevators? schlepping his own luggage? Where’s he staying, Motel 6?
So much for the glamour of showbiz! 😆
TOfan, I LOVE it that he keeps it real…. no entourage for him!
He needs a Girl Friday … or in this case, a Girl Thursday!
aahhh, I suppose you know the perfect candidate? Perhaps a job share???/
refanf – I have always thought of his di-vine breath in OHN as his ‘signature’ effect. I feel that if his breaths are more audible that he is feeling the connection of the song more and concentratiing on his technique a little less.
I don’t notice his breathing until I read a comment or MCL’ reviews, then I do – for a short time. After that I am back to just hearing the emotion in his voice.
I read a comment somewhere; the person said that hearing the breaths means the singer is breathing from their diaphram and not their chest.
TOfan – Isn’t it usually standard to tip the bell boy and our man is money conscious SO I would gladly volunteer to be his luggage schlepperer lol
As for missing the interview – isn’t that the Jive rep’s job to keep track of?
not sure who’s job it is… but someone messed up, unless the radio station did not have it confirmed and it was they who had their wires crossed… another possibility.
David’s breaths FTW!
CFTH debuted at #30 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart (and is #17 on the Digital Albums chart and #2 on the Holiday Albums chart)! Woot!
That’s impressive considering Mr. Bob Dylan’s Christmas CD debuted at #23 and Mr. Neil Diamond’s new “A Cherry Cherry Christmas” (!?!) debuted at #126.
For a Christmas CD in October #30 yeah!
I cringed while listening to a couple of the songs on Bob Dylan’s CD, poor man has virtually no voice left – but good on him doing it for charity.
happy,
Enjoyed reading this so much. Thank you for sharing that time spent with your son and David’s CD.
And all of this brings me to the most recent and insightful question from my son, “What are you doing, Mom?”
“I’m writing a reflection about David’s Christmas album.”
“Why does anyone care what you think of his Christmas album? Do they care what I think too? … They’re Christmas carols and they sound good.” He shrugs and walks away.
Out of the mouths of babes.
Out of the mouths of babes indeed! But he don’t know us vewy well, do he? We care about what you think and what everybody thinks about anything and everything even remotely related to David. 🙂
About the identity of the lone Arranger…God knows. I think he/she truly does exist and will be revealed when the time is right and David is ready.
Angelica, “About the identity of the lone Arranger…God knows. I think he/she truly does exist and will be revealed when the time is right and David is ready.”
Yesss!! Well put … I only hope there aren’t too many bruises incurred when the fight begins over who gets to work with him!
Happy~ I always love hearing what you have to say and as much as I “get” David, I “get” you too.
I have to agree with not being blown away by EVERY song David sings on his CD’s. The live versions of these songs are another story and quite frankly I am a bit nervous when it comes to hearing some of these Christmas songs LIVE!! I am just starting to get a grip when it comes to hearing You Can and Barriers live (OK, I know that is debatable *sigh*), and now THIS!!
Not sure how much more my ArchuTugged heart can handle. There seems to be no end to the number of ways he touches our heart and soul. And thank goodness for that!!!!!….It all makes me both weak and stronger at the same time..Go figure…Loving it all~
As far as David’s”breathing” when he sings..all I have to say is…at least SOMEONE is breathing when he sings, as I know I AM NOT!! There is just enough time between songs on this Christmas album for me to come up for a gasp of air before being taken away again…..and that makes me happy~
“Out of the mouth of babes”…..
Upon hearing the CD playing, my youngest says, “Mom, you do know its October, riiight??
me… *confused look*
“Of course I do, we need to get a pumpkin.”
“You bought the CD already?”
me… *another confused look*
“Well you are gonna wear it out before Christmas”
“It’s ok, I have another” ummm…4 more…..bwahaha
son… *gives me the love smirk*
“Of course you do Mom”
LOVE HIM!!!!! HE GETS IT !!
Now, as far as “luggage schlepperer” , where is the sign up?? I shall schlep for a hum or two …or ten!!!
djxox – “As far as David’s”breathing” when he sings..all I have to say is…at least SOMEONE is breathing when he sings, as I know I AM NOT!!” LOL
Official Luggage schlepperer’s List: awestruck, djxox, refnaf… sign up here!
Random – A ‘David’ moment
As I turn into the parking lot where my dog’s vet clinic is, I see a youngish man (30-35 yrs old) looking into a garbage container near a bus stop… I park and decide to listen to one more song because I am early for Brandy’s appointment. As David sings “Why lies he in such mean estate” the man pushes his shopping cart in front of my car along the walkway – it is full of empty bottles and cans. Here I sit prepared and able to pay to have someone to clip my dog’s nails… the emotions clash… I realize how very fortunate I am in this life to have everything I need and more.
Conditioner – Yes, I do have you on the list for the par-teh next Thurday – just one week! Hooray! Can’t wait to meet you too! 🙂
ref – the reason he takes a breath is because he has:
♪ ♫ “…no air, air
no air, air
no air, air
no air, air…” ♫ ♪
Thank you Jordin Sparks for the song of the day.
And, are we now all stampeding to look up the requirements to be “the lone arranger?” ahahahaha…I can hear it all now……
” Da-da-dump, da-da-dump, da-da-dump-dump-dump!” Watch out William Tell!
That vlog, tooooo cute. I loved the running with the laptop to see the studio. LOL.
I’ve had 8 hours of sleep in last 48 so I’m for a nap. Ciao Bella Snowangelz. ♥
Awestruck – just had to say that I’ve had some of the same moments while driving with the CD playing. Yesterday I drove through a part of Appalachia with music cranked up in my rented SUV, the autumn leaves turned such brilliant colors I was completely stunned over and over again as I took the turns of the highway…and then the tiny homes, some in disrepair, the modest roadside businesses and I thought of the blessings I have had in my life.
And despite those humble conditions I saw people smiling, children playing with shrieks of laughter, people on their porches chatting and on walks talking and holding hands…and I thought life is good no matter where because it isn’t what we have in possessions but what we have in the people we are connected to in our lives.
Life is GOOD!
LOL – so I say I’m going to take a nap (my eyes are red and blurred and I’m yawning up a storm)…
but, I had to say this is one cool fan art page
———> http://bit.ly/1izwHS
I am still holding to my commitment. As is Dawn. One week from today and we will be on our way to NH while we listen to his lovely CD.
Abrra
Abrra, I am in awe of your self-control!!! … are you on the ArchuPatch? 😉
djxox, “As far as David’s ‘breathing’ when he sings..all I have to say is…at least SOMEONE is breathing when he sings, as I know I AM NOT!!” ROTFLMAO … in French!
kizzi, that is a very cool ALMA poster, but they left out the dazzling footwear he wore that night! zzzzzz
Kizzi “and I thought life is good no matter where because it isn’t what we have in possessions but what we have in the people we are connected to in our lives.” is definitely the ‘and more’
((((awestruck)))) ditto
hi ladies,
i’m still alive and well and not ignoring the conversation, just haven’t found even a moment to comment…working and gutting my bathroom. flush, flush, woot woot. 🙂
Awestruck- about the arranger…remember Bob Mackie the designer that “made Cher?” He designed her dresses and created an “identifiable look” for her but all the dresses didn’t look the same nor were they all the same style. She didn’t get a different designer for every theme or feeling she they wanted to evoke with her costuming. I believe he also designed all the costumes for the famous “Carol Burnett Show” and for Diana Ross. He is a “wardrobe arranger”.
Frank Lloyd Wright “arranged buildings” inside and out, with an identifiable style. But he designed small private residences, skyscrapers and even the famed Guggenheim Museum.
arrangers arrange. 🙂
hey… btw… I am not one who believes that David can develop a viable career without developing an identifiable sound…. history has shown that people don’t really repeatedly respond to art that doesn’t possess identifiable characteristics…. even mindless entertainment has identifiable and recognizable features. Rarely does anyone read John Grisham looking to read a poignant lovestory (in fact I did start that book he wrote about a boy or something…very forgettable…lol.) nor do we really “want” the Picasso that is realistic. Not saying it can’t be done…but when artists stray from their “bread and butter” it is usually AFTER they have solidly established their artistic credibility and the audience is willing to “grant” them a bit of room to experiment….. of course Dylan’s fans famously boo’ed him off the stage when he first whipped out his electric guitar… 🙂
djxox~ “glad someone is breathing….” bwhahahaha
that makes sense Happy, and what a journey it will be watching/listening as David defines himself.
happy, from brownies to DIY, what a Renaissance woman! lol
Good analogy with Cher and Bob Mackie. Because just as she remained her unique Cher-ness from outfit to outfit, I think David’s “voice” (as opposed to The Voice) transforms every song he sings into his own.
Whether he’s covering Bono or Mraz, he manages to take control of his material so completely that it’s hard to remember sometimes what the original sounded like.
But he’s so good that, even on this CD, which I love, there’s still the sense that he’s “too good for the room” — that the arrangements may be excellent but not as excellent as he.
And for me, that’s okay for now, because it’s still bloody marvelous, and I trust that he will collaborate eventually with a producer and an arranger who are his musical soul mates.
And when that does happen, I only hope my heart can stand it.
I suspect that David linking up with a producer that matches his talent will be somewhat linked to his growth in confidence. David left the “jeez I’m allowed to be here” phase and is working his way through the “they actually paid to see me?” phase. It wasn’t long ago that he believed that people liked his music because they are tone deaf (lol!) or because he is little (lol, lol).
I really like that he is attending business meetings and writing sessions on his own. These experiences all serve to build his confidence…to give him his voice…to allow him to say here are the types of people I want to work with and here is the music I want to make.
The concept of Joy really encouraging him to speak his mind lyrically is an important step.
Just wanted to say Buen Trabajo on the site ref! It looks great. Definitely part of my daily DA perusing. Happy, you can tell your son that I whole-heartedly agree with him. Those songs do sound GOOD!
djxox: I loved your son’s comments. He is such a delightful and handsome young man.
Funny how we hold our breath, in general, when we encounter something rare in our lives. I didn’t realize til you made your comment above that I do hold my breath at times when I hear David sing. And, when I hear some of these songs live……can’t wait.
jesseq – Hel-lo-ooooo! {{{{waves}}}}
Happy – I wish I could dialogue intelligently about this topic. But as I posted “Up Close and Personal,” I am in a zone of being touched spiritually by some of the songs…I felt the message and the emotion and I had a rare life experience…that’s what moments in David’s music and occasionally whole songs do for me.
And, I was thinking that I have a little different ear and perspective as I thought “Love Me Tender” was his best AI performance while “Imagine” and DLTSGDOM have been heralded by many as the stand out performances.
I also really loved CELD but LMT is still the most outstanding. Perhaps the lone piano and arrangement of LMT was what made that the most significant performance for me.
KT – I couldn’t agree more with your comments about what David is tweeting and talking about in interviews regarding his career and growth. Part of the enjoyment for me as his fan is to see his growth and how he fearlessly shares his ups and downs with his fans.
As much as I would love for him to be #1 in everything, my true wish is that he is satisfied with what is going on and feels he is achieving his goals professionally and personally, whatever they may be. I see a lot of emotional maturity in his perspective on his career with the admittedly few snippets of information I glean directly from his interviews, tweeting, etc. I was tickled to hear him say how excited he was about the songs for his 3rd album.
I frequently remind myself as I speculate and discuss his career that if he achieves his desires and goals, that is what it is all about for me too. Its really easy to get caught up in my own desires.
And he continues his #2 trend as his album was the 2nd most selling Christmas album last week.
Which brings me to an interesting phenomena. I pre-ordered the CD (Walmarts, Hastings & Amazon) in August. The physical CD was not shipped til Monday of this week by all three retailers. I called Walmarts and they said it wouldn’t be reported as a sale til the day it shipped. I wonder if the delay was due to number of CDs actually manufactured versus some other glitch. Strange huh?
jesseq, thanks for coming by!! TOfan is the one to thank, she is a work horse around here.
Kizzi, ***muah***That does seem strange…
Work is calling….meh.
KT – “I suspect that David linking up with a producer that matches his talent will be somewhat linked to his growth in confidence.” I definitely think David’s growth in confidence is the important factor, along with experience.
Hi Jesseq!
(((Kizzi)))
JesseQ! Welcome!!! *waves*
KT,
“David left the ‘jeez I’m allowed to be here’ phase and is working his way through the ‘they actually paid to see me?’ phase.” Love that! I guess up next will be the “They like me, they really like me. Cool.” phase.
I’m intrigued by this new era of songwriting-on-demand where they hammer away in the studio and end up with a song by the end of the day. Probably not that different from the “song factories” where Carole King et al got their start. I guess I’m clinging to romantic notions of David sitting on a mountain top somewhere (maybe on his next trip to Canada 🙂 ) reflecting on life when inspiration strikes.
Kizzi,
“I am in a zone of being touched spiritually by some of the songs” … ditto! I have to be very careful where I listen to them …and make sure to wear waterproof mascara!
FYI: On sale to general public today:
Kansas City.
St. Paul.
Waukegan.
Salt Lake City:
An exclusive pre-sale for David Archuleta tickets will be offered at 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. TODAY, Thursday. Go to http://bit.ly/37GII9 to buy tickets. Password is “heart.”
I tried copying and pasting the URL for Jim Cantiello’s MTV video of DA’s visit… Snarky’s has it up http://www.snarkyarchies.com/
Wouldn’t it be cool if they recorded and sold the entire hour, with the profits going to charity?
What a wonderful treat for this AM
Link to David & Jim’s Christmas Extravaganza —–> http://tinyurl.com/yk4vga6
So, what’s up with MTV – they allow me to ‘sign up’ but won’t let me leave a comment
Hopefully this link will work – direct to MTV site http://www.mtv.com/videos/news/448762/david-archuleta-sings-christmas-carols-at-mtvs-offices.jhtml
Jim Cantiello also blogged about an early “Archmas” here ———> http://tinyurl.com/yfh73hs
Posting article below:
David Archuleta Celebrates An Early ‘Archmas’ With Carols At MTV News
Posted 39 minutes ago by Jim Cantiello in Behind The Scenes, Music
They don’t come sweeter than David Archuleta. I know Paula Abdul got a lot of flack for saying she wanted to decapitate the boy and dangle his head from her rearview mirror (as a compliment), but after spending time with him this week I know exactly where Paula is coming from. By the end of our hour together, I was looking all over MTV for a hacksaw.
David just released a (fantastic) new Christmas album, so I thought it would be fun to don a set of Holiday sweaters, load up a satchel with recycled promo CDs and go caroling around MTV with the “Idol” runner-up.
Who cares that it’s only October?!
The mere fact that David and his team agreed to our silly idea shows what a cool guy he is. I can’t think of many celebrities who would be willing to throw on an ugly, itchy sweater, walk into strangers’ offices and belt out Christmas carols for fun. (Although I will admit that the wardrobe took a fair amount of cajoling on my part. I might have to leak the video of his reaction when I said the words “Christmas sweaters.” Priceless.)
I took David around to Archie fans here at MTV. And, as I expected, they all turned to goo as soon as he appeared in their doorway, ready to serenade them with his angelic pipes. But his appeal spread over to innocent bystanders as well. Look at the faces of everyone he came in contact with at MTV: That’s what pure, unadulterated joy looks like. (The only “Humbug!” was from James Montgomery, but he’s always a grouch when it comes to anyone other than Stephen Malkmus.)
I could go on and on about how much fun I had with David, whether it was watching his face light up when we talked about our mutual love of Allison Iraheta (who he calls “spunky”) or how endearing his non-sequitors were (I tried my best to leave them fully in tact in the edit). And I almost passed out when he texted my dinner recommendation to none other than “Idol” contestant Carly Smithson!
Selfishly, it was a dream come true to get to harmonize with the “Idol” superstar. His voice, rich and nuanced, sounded just as brilliant in person as it did on TV. Normally, I would make fun of my old pal Jeffrey for being such a drama queen, but damned if I didn’t also choke up when Archuleta fully immersed himself in a brilliant “O Holy Night,” despite being surrounded by DigiBeta tapes in a drab office. (And a jerky MTV News correspondent in a sweater and Santa cap.)
In other words, I defy you to watch this video and not have a smile on your face. Like kittens, a fresh pair of socks and snagging a cab within five seconds of being outside, David Archuleta is an instant jolt of immense joy.
Excuse me now, but I have to adopt JambaJim (Jim Cantiello’s twitter name) as my number one son. Sorry real sons, you just moved to the number two & three slots – LOL – OK, J/K but I would like to have JambaJim as a member of my family!
Jim says at the end of his blog:
In other words, I defy you to watch this video and not have a smile on your face. Like kittens, a fresh pair of socks and snagging a cab within five seconds of being outside, David Archuleta is an instant jolt of immense joy.
Jolt of immense joy – oh my goodness, yes, yes, yes!!!
And he is going to post more next week according to his tweet:
I blogged about @DavidArchie’s visit! http://tinyurl.com/yfh73hs And we’ll be posting some of my sit-down interview with him next week
Kizzi, not only do you have a marvelous way with words – you have the tenacity of a newshound. More next week! yeah
I’m with “the jolt of immense joy” description SO true.
If you don’t watch and just listen to the video you will hear David’s OHN during their discussion of hispanic partying tradition – and David’s ‘divine’ at the end, sublime
Thanks awestruck! Didn’t realize we were posting at the same time the same things – We need to Pinky Swear!!
And after I watched the MTV video, this is the song that popped into my head:
♫ ♪ “Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it’s all right (i.e., immense jolt of joy) 🙂
Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it’s been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it’s all right
Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it’s been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it’s all right” ♫ ♫
The Beatles – one of my favorites. It was rumored that Carl Sagan wanted this on the 2 Voyager launches but it wasn’t. Cool heh?
I am having THE worst day but dropping in and reading JambaJim’s blog gave me a “jolt of immense joy” … thanks, awestruck & kizzi!
… it makes having to wait till tonight to watch the vid more bearable! lol
Whenever someone truly “gets” David like this, it makes my heart sing to know that authenticity and goodness still mean something in this crazy world.
Hellooooo! Off topic but I just wanted to share..
TGIF!! I’m off today..(you know, the 10 hr/4 day, additional duties, downsizing schedule).
Anyway..I was able to sleep-in..Glorious! I had the strangest dream. Remember last year sometime, Paul Anka said he wanted David to “play him” in the movie of his life when he first started as a teen idol? Well that’s what my dream was about..David as Paul Anka in this movie that became a huge blockbuster of a movie! hahaha!!
What a wierd dream..So I just had to find a photo of Paul when he was a young studly teen star…
I think Paul would be dang lucky if David would agree to play him but…I’m so biased! 😀
And I know…I come up with nonsensical stuff!!
Now I think I’ll go listen to my CFTH….
HI JESSE!!!!
TOfan – {{{HUGS}}}
SF – I’m home today too!
Love that photo of Paul Anka. So romantic then wasn’t he?
SF lol – it’s amazing how David pops into my head at the oddest times throughout the day – havn’t yet dreamed about him. SHHHHH I am only sharing with you guys here as you won’t think I’m wierd!
The guy on the Jim/David video that David sang OHN to just put this comment in Rickey.Orgs blog:
It was wonderful to meet him – yes, folks, I’m the chubby guy David serenades with “Oh Holy Night”. Too bad Jim couldn’t post the whole song – let me tell you from the bottom of my soul, it was one of the most astonishing acapella performances I’ve ever heard and it will be added to my annual Christmas Mix. I almost wept.
He was just as down-to-earth, humbled and sweet as he appears in every interview you’ve ever seen him in. At one point, Jim throws cotton balls in the air, and David started to lean over to help pick them up! I said, “DAVID! STOP!” He was actually about to get on the floor to help clean my floor! It was so genuine, I just wanted to put him in my pocket, take him home and place on my fireplace. He’s a living doll – and it was an honour to meet him.
jeffreychrist on October 23, 2009 at 2:11 pm
http://www.rickey.org/?p=25299
Let me expand on my earlier comment: What some might think is wierd is how often I think of David though out the day. Even I think it is wierd at times.
Kizzi – I love reading those kind of comments – David goodness shines through. On the video you can see the change in David’s facial expression as he starts to sing OHN. He moves to his special place.
Thx Kizzi for posting that comment from Jeffrey Christ! Not sure if any of you recall his posts during AI regarding David. He was LESS THAN KIND. I actually took him to task many a time for his verbal abuse of David. So to see him brought to his knees by David warms my heart to say the least!
Ah….David brings another naysayer to his KNEES!
This Caroling vid is a treat to come home to,. David being himself and singing off the cuff, nothing better IMO. Jolt of intense joy!! oh yeah…
SF a dream of David acting PA… whoa. I am having a hard time imagining that. Paul did say that he’d like David top play him, right? LOLing at just the thought of David doing some Of Anka’s stuff.. haha.
Kizzzi thanks for “here comes the sun”…
awestruck , FYI, you are not wierd in this group. I think of David at random times every day as well, and always send good vibes his way.
Josie> 6 more sleeps!!!
Awestruck, no worries, we’re all in the same ArchuBoat! lol
SF,
Perfect place to bring up Ottawa’s Paul Anka! I think he’s the only “teen idol” Canada’s ever produced.
Josie,
I didn’t know about Jeffrey’s A.I. posts … that makes his reaction even sweeter!
And I couldn’t wait till I got home. I just watched the vid here at work and this will sound soooo corny but it literally turned my frown upside down. oh my heck … “I think [Jesus’ birthday’s] more important than mine.” 🙂 🙂 🙂
kizzi~ Thank you for your kind words. He is a great kid and I am glad he was able to meet David and experience his brilliance at several shows. He knows something special when he sees and hears it. 🙂
Happy~ wielding a sledgehammer?? 😯
{{waves}} to all ~
jesseq and Josie, nice to see you!!! 🙂
What I am loving is that MTV blog and video. Jim makes me laugh out loud and David cracks me up, talk about a comedian and a straight man. Thanks for the links kizzi.
….you silly girls…. I am paying someone to wield the sledgehammer, but I DID have to go to Home Depot to get the stuff, that was enough! 🙂
TOfan- did you not love the look on his face when Cantoriello said, “did you ever think, oh Jesus, couldn’t you have been born 6 months sooner?”
Happy, I know!
I also loved his confused “Ya” when Jim said “You’re, like, the opposite of Celine Dion” … bahahaha (had to get that Canuck reference in there, lol).
And I think we can all relate to the guy who couldn’t for the life of him let go of David’s hand! 😆
djxox!!! *waves in French*
… and “Here’s Michael Jackson in Hawaii.”
“What???”
😆
((((lol))))
DavidArchie Listening to the new Michael Buble CD. It’s pretty awesome.
about 1 hour ago from txt
😯 What hath occurred?
You thinking of this look, Angelica?
http://bit.ly/ptQ8u
That’s the one. hmmmm… Are we Sinatra bound after all? I’m ready. Fly me to the moon. 😛
Don’t even go there, Angelica. David singing Gershwin or Hoagy Carmichael or Cole Porter someday. Oh. My. Gosh.
Good evening everyone from the land of kangaroos and koalas.
I have been watching the MTV video and was so touch by the comments of JeffreyChrist.
However, I was intrigued by Josie’s comments regarding Jeffrey. So I went to Rickey’s website and tried to search comments regarding David’s Season 7 performances . Do people really turn 180 degrees or 360 degrees from being like this ( after the Top 24 , David sung Shop around):
“David winning would be a travesty for musicality, but perfect for what American Idol stands for…popularity.
So, as much as I dislike his fey, breathy, Broadway style, If he wins, good for him. At least he’s genuinely modest…at least I THINK it’s genuine (how genuine can you be when everyone’s been telling you your whole life how wonderful you are? Winning Star Search, singing impromptu to Kelly at the airport, etc…etc…).”
jeffreychrist on February 21, 2008 at 10:33 am
to this :
“let me tell you from the bottom of my soul, it was one of the most astonishing acapella performances I’ve ever heard and it will be added to my annual Christmas Mix. I almost wept.
He was just as down-to-earth, humbled and sweet as he appears in every interview you’ve ever seen him in.”
jeffreychrist on October 23, 2009 at 2:11 pm
As Josie said one more hater becoming a person who suddenly see the “light” and recognizing The VOICE or are we talking about a different person?
Ms Vee
Hi everyone! It’s good to see familiar faces 🙂
Yes, Ms Vee that post is one of the gentler posts from Jeffrey Christ. But for me, the sheer fact that he was humbled by David’s voice live is enough to make me forgive him for his bad behavior 2 years ago.
Ms Vee – Josie; As David mentioned in his ABC Radio interview – slow and steady, in reference to his growth as an artist. I say this works well here too as he wins over one heart at a time!
hi vee!!! Thanks for bringing that over, I had no idea who this Jeffrey dude is, and, it is quite an extroardinary thing that David can do… one live performance and meeting and David’s talent and egolessness shine through. Another one falls,,,and hard!
BTW happy I appreciated your explanation of what an arranger does. The comparison to what Bob Mackie did for Cher, and what FLWright did, very helpful. I’m getting an education in music as a bonus to being a fan.
Vee,
thanks for finding Mr. Christ’s (!) comment, it makes his transformation that much more satisfying. lol
Maybe that’s one of the reasons Jim brought David to sing for him (either that, or he was hoping D. would smack him over the head with the gift sack 😆 ).
Shop Around was the first song I heard David sing, when I had my own “awestruck” moment … it’s amazing how different our reactions were then but how similar they are now that he’s seen “the light,” as you so aptly put it.
Vee – hel-lo-ooooo. Thanks for the history on Christ…that’s an amazing turnaround…especially his face!
5+ more days til Manchester. We have 11 attending the After David’s Set get together.
If anyone is on the fence, please email me at kizzix2008@gmail.com and I’ll give you the details of when & where and how to get in contact with me.
You can keep it as an option Thursday evening and just show up if you wish and stay as long as you like.
We will have some good food and beverages while we enjoy each other’s company!
Yup yup yup (TOfan) Shop Around did it for me.
refnaf say that five times in a row quickly “egolessness” lol
Kizzi et.al. have fun in Manchester…
Now, I have to get some (house)work done
Hi Snowangels, Anyone here who is a fan of Leonard Cohen, a native of Montreal and one of the original singer-songwriters? I am going to his concert here in Cleveland tomorrow. At 74, he is still performing! I hope David will have a long and prolific career like him. I also hope one day to hear David’s cover of his Hallelujah, which has been recorded by more than 150 singers, from Willie Nelson to Brandi Carlie. For now, I will settle for hearing the man himself singing it. 🙂
yjfanofdavid, LOVE Leonard, both his music and his poetry. He’s practically a national hero here (Order of Canada winner and all).
You might find this interview with him interesting:
http://bit.ly/26Qb7s
I actually clipped it out of the paper when I read it … this part especially reminded me of David:
“Cohen likes to feel the mood in a room and react, in a process he says is almost spiritual.
“Which is why, as his music director and bassist Roscoe Beck explained a couple of hours before the show, Cohen tries to leave himself open to momentary whims onstage.
“It’s heads-up at all times,” said Beck, who has played with Cohen since 1979 and put together the band for the current tour. “We may land on a chord and he just may feel that it’s not time to come in singing yet, just emotionally it’s a nice moment, and he’ll decide to extend that moment another bar. We have to be ready for that, we have to be ready for anything. A lyric change, an added bar, a different song.”
TOfan, Thanks for the interview! Now I need to pay extra attention to all the momentary whims!
Have really been enjoying your site. Happy, great article! Your son sounds great! Kids often cut right to the chase, don’t they!
I hope there is the dream producer in his future, but also hopeful that in a short period of time David will have more control over his own music. And I trust his judgement and instincts, green as they are. He has such innate musical sense!
I love the album and it’s simplicity and beauty; the incredible depth with which he sings. I was expecting more of the “wow” stuff too; that said, I cannot stop listening to it.
He wanted to keep it reverent, not make it about what he can do with the songs, but what the songs can do for us; make it about their meaning, not him. Pretty remarkable.
refnaf, on the “breaths” thing, I too think he just sings with his heart and the pauses and placement of the breaths are part of the story he is telling. He’s not a trained classical singer, just one who has a voice like one. For me, it is a non-issue.
TOfan, one of the best quotes I have ever heard regarding David, “too good for the room!”
And last nights performance, more that I even hoped for!
Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving.