This was his signage in the ladies room, of all places! Love it!
This is kind of a weird post because it’s about a non-David concert… the Jason Mraz concert I attended last Sunday (with the lovely @refnaf and @pastelpastel).
The reason I’m telling you about it here is because a) I only really first found out about Jason Mraz because of David… and b) throughout the whole amazing show I kept thinking how much David would’ve loved to see this Mraz tour if he’d been able to.
Also, so many things reminded me of David. Like how much better Jason Mraz songs sound live than on record… not just his voice but because of everything he adds to the arrangements live. And how it’s all about the music. Sure, he has some very cool animated backdrops (check out my “I’m Yours” vid), but no laser light shows, backup dancers or special effects needed. Also, like David, Jason gives each of his band members their moments to shine… from his phenomenal percussionist (who I think I’d go to see just on her own) to the horn section and the accordion guy to the backup singer slash mandolin player slash fiddler.
What I loved most I think were all the little surprises throughout the show. Mraz brought out Nikki Yanofsky — a jazz prodigy from Montreal who recorded her first album of Ella Fitzgerald covers at 14! — to sing “Lucky” with him (she’s now 18, would love for her to sing with D. someday).
He also sat on a chair at stage left at one point for a very cool acoustic version of “I’m Coming Over” — one by one each band member wandered out and joined in until they were all harmonizing and jamming together. Magical. That song’s been in my head all week.
Anyway, back to David, lol … grateful he’s introduced me, and many others, to so many great artists … almost like he knew we’d need some interim concert-going till 2014. 🙂
How about you guys? What’s been your favourite musical “discovery” thanks to David?
P.S. A big huge Happy Birthday shout out to the warm, witty, wise @Archugeezer!!! Here’s a song just for you.
P.P.S. @SamLouiseG has uploaded to her Tumblr the Nandito Ako acting workshop vid that was shown during the press conference (that TV5 quickly removed from youTube) … along with other NA gems… HERE…
SnowAngelz: Canadian fans of David Archuleta 
Thanks Tofan. I wrote a lengthy Thank You and happy Birthday Archulgeezer and it disappeared:(
Ahhh, nothing like birthday crooning from David. Thank you. Had to play it a few times to catch all the words. 🙂
Really enjoyed the Mraz review too. Discovered him the same way you did, and would love to see him in concert.
Dear Deb
I was at Jason’s concert in nj at the art center about two weeks ago. Jason has the entire audience eating out of his hand for I’m yours all 25,000 people . He is such a fantastic story teller! Thanks to David I can cross this off my bucket list. Loved his band especially the ladiy who played the box stage right. Loved 93 million miles and the whole vibe of the set.
Still miss our boy but can stay u hit it on the head with your Jason review. What if Jason and David did a concert in the future. That would be one for both outr bucket list. Lol
Thanks for keeping us all entertained during David’s mission. Hugs
Harold
I was at that concert, too. It was impeccable. Loved how the entire audience was standing for more of the show. It was amazing. :]
*most of the show
Happy Birthday Eileen!
Love Mraz. Caught him on “Today” show a week or so ago. He is unique and fun to watch as well as listen to.
These lyrics from “I’m Yours” always make me smile and then go hmmm & yes, yes, yes. 😀 ……
I’ve been spending way too long checking my tongue in the mirror
And bending over backwards just to try to see it clearer
But my breath fogged up the glass
And so I drew a new face and I laughed
I guess what I be saying is there ain’t no better reason
To rid yourself of vanities and just go with the seasons
It’s what we aim to do, our name is our virtue
I like the mind and spirit that came up with those lyrics.
When I started to follow David’s career, my interest in current music revitalized. I listen to a wider variety of music rather than limiting myself to specific genres or music of days gone by. Sometimes I check out artists David mentions, sometimes not.
Would really like to see Jason in concert one day, haven’t had the chance as of yet, very good and unique artist and yes, one that David introduced me too as well. Good videos TOfan, thanks for sharing your concert experience, looks like a great one and so glad you enjoyed it! Sweet that Nikki Yanofsky sang with him, she is super talented! Natural born jazz singer I would say.
I am still a sucker for the theme song from 2010 Olympics which she sang beautifully and which they still play here on radio, LOL. Hope to see JM in concert sometime. Either one (Jason or Nikki) would be fantastic to sing with David.
One of my favourite artists that David introduced me to has to be Eva Cassidy….love her singing, can see why David was so impressed with her. I have several of her albums and listen to her a lot as well, what a talent….gone too soon.
It seems that David has been a kind of teacher to all ages, in addition to many other attributes he possesses. I am still amazed at times by his broad range of musical knowledge and interests.
Thanks for the interesting post TOfan and a happy ‘belated’ Birthday to Archugeezer!
Nice BEGIN. review at MB.com.ph:
MANILA, Philippines – Ironic as it seems, “BEGIN.,” a predominantly cover album, is David Archuleta’s most personal record to date that highlights his best artistic instruments: voice and soul.
Released last month, “BEGIN.” may well be the most apt title for the album, as Archuleta turns a new leaf with his two-year music hiatus for a Mormon mission. At onset, it’s a bit strange, even ironic, to put a period on a word such as “begin” for the album title. But if we think about it, the punctuation mark illustrates a powerful declaration; a fearlessness in the face of uncertainty and adversity.
Given the limited time for the album’s production (recording took place shortly before he left for his South American mission), Archuleta managed to come up with a decent, elegant album, with 10 carefully chosen tracks by the young singer-songwriter himself; songs which he hopes would help others understand “where I’m coming from on my mission decision.”
“BEGIN.” takes off from the pensive undertones that filled his third studio album, “The Other Side Of Down.” And though the former deviates from Archuleta’s previous pop leanings, the songs maintain likability and accessibility.
Most of the songs in “BEGIN.” may have been covered a gazillion times, but in Archuleta’s hands, they take on a deeper, more inspiring and spiritual meaning. He sang as if the words were his. Arranged with simplicity yet executed with a spell-binding orchestration by Kurt Bestor, the tracks seemingly acquire a new life.
Whether he sings the more mellow numbers such as “Angel” (Sarah MacLachlan) and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (Simon And Garfunkel), or the soaring anthems like “Everybody Hurts” (R.E.M.), “Beautiful” (Christina Aguilera), and “Pride (In The Name Of Love)” (U2), Archuleta comforts the listener–as much as he’s probably comforting himself. “Don’t Give Up” (Peter Gabriel) and the hymn, “Be Still My Soul” are likewise goosebumps-inducing, while “Somewhere Only We Know” (Keane) and “True Colors” (Cyndi Lauper) may well serve as instant favorites from first listen.
Rest HERE.
I love that David introduced me to Adele. Before everyone in the world knew her.
I always liked Jason M, I remember when he wrote that song about his seriously ill friend, it was one of the first cd’s I ever bought my youngest son. He was 9. Yikes, my baby is 19 now. (The Remedy was the song)
Some of his suggestions I haven’t enjoyed as much as others. Although most of his musical likes are people I have loved for years. Stevie Wonder, Edwin McCain, and so many more. I like his taste. 🙂
I attended Jason Mraz’s concert twice here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia i.e. in April 2009 and June 2012. I truly enjoyed Jason’s concert as much as David’s. Both of them really have AMAZING live clear vocal and their stage presentation was also simple which I like. Thanks for your video on I’m Yours with the brilliant animated backdrops which was not featured in the recent KL’s concert.
Jason Mraz’s songs were played at most of our radio stations here but it is David that reinforces my interest of getting to know Jason Mraz better. I’m glad he did as I truly enjoyed Jason’s pop songs very much. 🙂 I hope one day David would be able to work with Jason on songwriting i.e. indie pop music.
I just came to know how Jason Mraz’s “Freedom Song” came about and hope one day some dude songwriters would email inspirational songs to David to sing.
Amazing story about the Freedom Song. Thanks for sharing! No Words but tears for sure. Thanks for sharing.
AKang, thanks so much for sharing that!
…and @kariontour shared this today:
…and @jaydurias this… *cartwheels*
Jason M is on my bucket list. He just gets better and better. Quick story.. I was skiing Beaver Creek with the fam and there was a posh gathering outside the Ritz that we weren’t invited to. My older brother strolled over and said “it’s a private corp. thingy and some guy named Jason Mraz or something like that is performing.” I began shrieking which the relatives found odd and security wouldn’t let me near the party. Like Kiz, David rejuvenated my interest in music and whatever he liked I knew I would too. We once had a great chat about Owl City at a meet and greet. Boy do I miss David…
New post/thread!
🙂