Counting ArchuCalories

Posted on 03/09/2010 by awestruck

Credit: The amazing Frogcooke

I think that most of us, at one time or another, have tried some kind of diet. And whichever regime one follows, it starts, at some point, to resemble a rollercoaster ride.

We stop, we start, we go up, we go down and around and around it goes.

Following Mr. David Archuleta’s career also provides us with this rollercoaster effect of feast or famine.  You know, the feast times at Christmas/Thanksgiving/Hanukkah can be associated with David’s tours – the ascent on the coaster, if you will. While the ride soars up, up, up, we feast on youTube tour videos, devour the news posted on fan websites, and snack on Tweets eagerly texted by excited fans as well as by David himself.

The last few concerts in a tour typically bring about a state of anticipation for the approach of the apex of the ride – the last concert.  Then, wham, we head down the long slope into a terrifying vortex and ask ourselves the proverbial question, “How could I have blown my diet out of the water like that?”  So we try to regain equilibrium by restricting our portions once again.

During this virtual hunger strike there are no more new videos to sample, the fan sites ration out bits and pieces of news like empty calories, and Twitter dries up like the ice cream that hardens in the freezer as we valiantly ignore it.

But, as David has reminded us many times in his interviews and speeches – it’s important to always look for the positive in things.

And the positive here is that, thanks to David’s humanitarian efforts and his recording endeavors in the studio, we can maintain a balanced diet and remain on a more even keel.  We can rejoice in the wonderful wholesome goodness and fulfilling Dr. Seuss moments that David provides for us during our ArchuFast, whether it’s manning the phones and spontaneously singing after the Hope For Haiti telethon, participating in the Somos el Mundo recording and the Jordin Sparks Super Bowl Experience charity event, National Reading Day storytelling, or the surprise after-dinner treat he offered with his performance at (the appropriately named) The Mint.

And, looking back, the past two years have been more feast than famine. Think about it, David will have apportioned three albums in each of the three years following the end of his A.I. run.  According to the CNN “Where Are They Now?” blog, other A.I. alums have provided fans with their debut albums either right away or sometimes a year or two later and second and third albums two to three years apart after that.  So as we prepare for another ride on the coaster, we can definitely drink a toast (with water, of course),  and ask ourselves, “How fortunate are we?”

— Awestruck

P.S. Speaking of diets, Archuleta Avenue is still looking for recipes for their Fan Cookbook Project. You can email the recipes to: archuletaavenue@aol.com. Click HERE for more details.

Posted in Fan experience, Utter nonsense | Tagged , | 16 Comments

Renaissance Men

Posted on 03/05/2010 by Kizzi

While in Italy a few months ago surrounded by the glorious art of the Renaissance — a period of cultural rebirth after the darkness of the Middle Ages — I had an epiphany.

This happened while listening to David Archuleta’s Ave Maria as I was viewing Michelangelo’s Pietá in the Florence Duomo museum. Michelangelo was a devout Roman Catholic. His art was commissioned by several Popes.

Michelangelo was a man of great faith, and he was an artist inspired. His art cuts across centuries, religions — across humanity.

Not a Catholic? An agnostic? Atheist? ….No matter…. Because this Pietá, this most achingly beautiful, profound and dramatic work of art, carved when Michelangelo was nearing his 80s speaks volumes about the human condition.

Its message brings to life Michelangelo’s great longing to merge his soul with God and that pathos is unmistakably reflected in the artist’s representation of himself as the bearded man supporting Christ.

And, Michelangelo’s tender yearning is there in spades. It speaks to the viewer no matter their faith, their religion.

The day I stood before this masterpiece in Florence, people of all cultures, all walks of life, were gathered round it with me. We had made a pilgrimage of sorts, whether it was an educational trip, a holiday or a faith-based adventure, to see Michelangelo’s Pietá. And there was a sacred sense of awe, hushed whisperings; we were in the presence of something most rare and wondrous. Yes, all that, and more because true art transcends religion — it is an expression of the innermost soul; an expression of yearnings and ideals, of deepest hopes and joys, of meanings and purpose.

My epiphany: I just gotta hand it to David Archuleta. He walks a very fine line.

He obviously is devout in his religion. He doesn’t hide that. He doesn’t emphasize it either. It is who he is.

He handles with the aplomb of a veteran ambassador, seasoned in the diplomatic handling of the Arab -Israeli conflict, that delicate and fragile balance of communicating faith and religion.  Or maybe, it is just pure dumb luck. Either way, it works.

David puts in print his thoughts about his faith and religion in his liner notes on his Christmas From The Heart album. He gives thanks to “…God who comes first in all this.  It is because of Him that I’ve gotten the chance to do something I love so much.”

He then describes his intentions and purpose of the album:

“I dedicate this album especially to Him, and our Savior Jesus Christ.  Maybe it can be another way I can give back to them and to all those who listen to the songs as well so that they can feel the spirit and message within them…

“Through this album…I hope you understand where I come from with my music and as a person.”

He then continues with:

“…I also hope the music on this album will go beyond anyone’s personal religious beliefs so I don’t want anyone to feel I am only addressing this to people who believe in a certain way.

“I want the experiences that you may feel through the music to communicate to you in your own personal language and in light of your spiritual or religious beliefs.

“Music has a universal message that can speak to people of different ages, beliefs and languages…”

The Product Description on Amazon on David’s autobiography, Chords of Strength, to be released on May 4, 2010 states, “… David opens up about the strength he draws from his unshakable faith.”

And, so, we will soon have David, himself, revealing to us additional insights about his faith, his religious beliefs and how that has made him who he is.  And, what an appropriate vehicle to communicate his fundamental truths — an autobiography, where he can be sure the public hears his words and understands his meanings just as we did in the CFTH liner notes.

Michelangelo didn’t have liner notes to deal with, of course, he expressed himself through his work — an approach David has largely followed, as well.

For Michelangelo, these works were depictions of his relationship and/or thoughts on God and his religion as he experienced his 16th century world around him. His art has stood the test of time and invites all to share his deepest yearnings, hopes and joy. No matter our religious beliefs, we see the beauty and we feel the pathos in his art.

So, too, I think much the same can be said for David’s recordings and performances. Like Michelangelo, David’s art is for all humanity; it is an expression of his innermost soul.

It encompasses and embraces all of us, from Atheist to Zen Buddhist. We simply open our mind to the message and listen with our heart.

And what is David’s heartfelt message?

L O V E, ACCEPTANCE, GIVING, COMPASSION and PEACE.

Who better embodies in art, word and deed, the essence of this song:

We Are the World

There comes a time
When we head a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
And it’s time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all

We can’t go on
Pretending day by day
That someone, somewhere will soon make a change
We are all a part of
God’s great big family
And the truth, you know love is all we need

We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day
Just you and me

Posted in Fan experience | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 28 Comments

New DA.com site launched

Posted on 03/04/2010 by TOfan

So, what do you guys think of the new site? (Personally, I was crushed there were no entries under “Events” 😦 )

Version 2.0:

As a reminder, here’s what Version 1.0 looked like:

Posted in Fan experience | Tagged | 7 Comments

David Archuleta: Ode to Dr. Seuss

Posted on 03/02/2010 by TOfan

The tour was all done
No new songs we could play
So we sat in the house
All that cold, cold, March day

I sat there with Refnaf.
We sat there, we two.
And I said “How I wish
We had a show to go to!”

Too cold to go out
No Olympics to watch.
We waited at home.
For news from D’Arch.

So all we could do was to
Sit!
Sit!
Sit!
Sit!
And we did not like it.
Not one little bit.

And then Twitter it twitched
A song leak was out
And a book cover pic
An end to the drought!

And Somos El Mundo
Ay carumba, that Voice!
Gifting so many copies
Was there really a choice?

And then
Something went bump!
How that bump made us jump!

We looked!
Then we saw it!
A Twitpic in fact
We looked
And we saw him!
One cool cat in a Hat!

He was reading a story
And Twitter went BAM!
Hearts melted like butter
On green eggs and ham

*THE END*

[In honour of Dr. Seuss’s birthday and National Read Across America Day.]


Posted in Utter nonsense | Tagged , , | 49 Comments

The David Archuleta Music Scholarship

Posted on 03/01/2010 by TOfan

” DAVID…LOOK WHAT YOU INSPIRED US TO DO!!!”

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Last fall, a group of fans got together trying to come up with alternative gifts to give David for Christmas and his birthday! They wanted to come up with something that may have a lasting impression, and would show David the love that he always shows to his fans. Brainstorming began….

The seed was planted…it has grown, changed and has been nourished by many of David’s fans working together to make this happen. We want this to be a gift from ALL fans around the world. Therefore……….

~~~WE ARE PLEASED AND HONOURED TO ANNOUNCE~~~

THE DAVID ARCHULETA MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP

David has done so much for his fans. We would like to honor him by showing our support for this wonderful cause ….gifting talented students with scholarships to encourage them to keep the music alive.

Each year the music scholarship(s) will be awarded to a senior student(s) from David’s home town high school: Murray High School, in Murray, Utah. These will be given to those who have plans of furthering their education in music.

Please join us and help give back to David by gifting Murray High School Students by donating to:

‘THE DAVID ARCHULETA MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP: Visit our web site at www.thedavidarchuletamusicscholarship.org. and check out our web page for all the details.

Your donation, large or small, will help fund higher education, keep music alive, and honour David…all at the same time.

You are all invited to participate. All donors names, city and state (or province), will be included in a journal that will be given to David. (The donation amount WILL NOT BE INCLUDED.)

Fans, let’s all put our hearts together and show David our love for music … and for him.

WE “Can’t Let The Music Stop”!

[Note: SnowAngelz is not involved with this program but was asked (along with other fan sites) by the David Archuleta Music Scholarship organizing committee to make this special announcement right away so a student from this year’s graduating class will be able to receive a scholarship.]

Posted in Special event | Tagged | 2 Comments

True confession time

Posted on 02/26/2010 by TOfan

They say confession is good for the soul. So here goes….

I’ve tried my best to be a good, loyal David Archuleta fan, but nobody’s perfect, right? (okay, okay, except David)

Here’s where I’ve fallen off the ArchuWagon. I hope you can all find it in your hearts to forgive me:

Confession #1

On the Idol Tour, when I first saw David standing at the top of the “Apologize” staircase, I had a terrifying “We Can Work It Out” flashback. I thought he might stumble, forget the words, or both.

Maybe HE got over WCWIO, but I didn’t. Those stairs – and that fateful night – continue to haunt me. Every single week after that I feared he’d forget the lyrics again. And when he did, for Think of Me, I placed the blame squarely where it belonged – on Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and his ridiculous open-eyes obsession. He sat there in the audience that night glaring at David, daring him to blink – no wonder he was distracted – his eyes probably felt as dry as Lawrence of Arabia’s in a sandstorm.

Confession #2

At Christmas, when I gifted the CFTH CD to friends and family, I would first tear off the plastic wrap, remove the booklet, flip it open to the picture where he’s draped in Christmas lights and reinsert that one in front. That’s how much I hated the cover.


Confession #3a: I like that he looks worried -- as if he can't decide between the left side or the right.

Confession #3

I have not pre-ordered Chords of Strength. Oh, and I hate the title. I get the pun, but it gives me the heebie jeebies – I mean, why not, “Epiglottis of Glory” or “Tonsils of Steel.” I will buy the book, of course (heck, I even sprung for that Build-A-Bear ditty) but am really hoping for the audio version. And if it’s being marketed to teens and tweens, I suspect another cover intervention may be necessary. Breaking news: We’ve been spared!

Confession #4

I know it’s inevitable, but I don’t want his career to get Taylor-Swift-huge just yet … next year’s fine … or the year after, even.

Confession #5

When Oprah eventually wakes up, smacks her forehead, says “What was I thinking?” and invites David on her show, I secretly hope he snubs her to go visit widows or cut a ribbon on his chain of animal shelters.

(I also secretly hope he’s been watching this crop of Idol wannabes and cackling an evil laugh at their ineptitude as he polishes his ALMA Award … nah, not likely.)

Confession #6

I’ve never voted for him as Twitter King, Teen Choice or any of the online polls. *hides*

And what is wrong with shopping at "Hobos R Us"?

Confession #7

When he dresses “like a hobo” for VIPs, wears his Walmart coat liner to perform (the new Ford Day jacket!) and tweets “Sometimes I wish I could just wear the same thing every day. Cartoons do it. It’d make things a lot easier.” I applaud his disinterest in the slick fashionista ways of the JoBros, et al. and cheer “Hobos of the world unite, you have nothing to gain from designer labels!”

I also applaud the lack of vanity (and Eagle Scout “be prepared” approach) displayed by the stuff he carries in his pockets on stage. What do you think he’s got in there, anyway? Spare keys? Lunch money? The condensed Paul Coelho? A “Bachata for Dummies” DVD?

Confession #8

Not a fan of John Mayer (unless David’s singing his songs). For this, and all else, I am truly sorry, David.

My penance? 10 WCWIOs & 5 Coming to Americas? You tell me!

— TOfan

P.S. Confession #9, I don’t care what Simon says, LOVE With You.


Posted in Fan experience, Utter nonsense | Tagged , , | 71 Comments

ODDrought Survival Guide Part 2

Posted on 02/21/2010 by JONERZ

"... nothing, not even a @DavidArchie food tweet..."

We’re in the middle of a David drought and since we’re all going a little stir crazy I was thinking, why not turn this into something positive, David would be so proud of us!

I took some time to compile a list of activities to help keep everyone busy during this down time:

1. Alphabetize your YouTube videos of David. WARNING: This can be a very dangerous endeavour. You can easily fall into the DVV (David Video Vortex). I made the mistake of viewing each video before alphabetizing it. Some required (ahem) multiple viewings. I began my “project” on a Friday evening. By Sunday, I had only made it to Barriers. I think you catch my drift. Proceed with caution.

2. Crunch the numbers. Make an appointment with your investment counselor to discuss the financial planning that will be required to fund all the VIP tickets you’ll be purchasing. Rethink your current strategy. Do your kids REALLY need to go to college? Why should YOU have to pay for their wedding? And as far as retirement goes, you could just sell the house and buy a Winnebago. You’ll be on the road “touring,” so you won’t need a house, right?

3. Inspect yer gadgets. Check the status of all the electronic devices that you’ve purchased since becoming a David fan. Cell phones, laptops, iPods, digital cameras, GPS’s and all of the associated batteries, adapters, chargers, power cords and carrying cases. Ask yourself these important questions:

  • Activate Twirl-Cam, stat!!!

    Is your current cellular phone plan, cell phone, battery life and reception adequate for all the texting, tweeting, TwitPicing and cellcasting you’ll be doing?

  • Does your digital camera take really clear pictures and is it capable of capturing Mr. A when he’s running and twirling all over the stage?
  • And that video camera, can it zoom in REALLY close, like enough to see the hair on the back of a gnat? Is it small enough to hide from security?
  • Do you have the most current software on your GPS so you won’t get lost in all of the strange new cities you’ll be traveling to for DA’s concerts?

4. Check your luggage. Does it have wheels? You may also need a larger suitcase to carry all the aforementioned equipment from concert to concert, not to mention extra space for the multiple outfits, shoes and accessories you’ll be bringing when you can’t make up your mind on what to wear for your VIP picture with David.

5. International fan alert. Is your passport up to date? Have you practiced the deep-breathing exercises necessary to maintain composure when being grilled by border patrol? (See previous Border Crossings post for more tips.)

6. Practice your screams. Stamina is the goal.  Endurance is required to be able to scream through David’s entire set.  You can practice by screaming at the dog, your kids, your significant other, your neighbor or complete strangers. Or for inspiration, go bungee jumping or ride the REALLY BIG roller coaster at the amusement park — whatever it takes to get those lungs in shape.

Hopefully, if we follow these simple guidelines, we’ll be ready for David’s next tour!

— Joner

*****************************

Contest #2: Enter today!

And the Gold Medal winner of the “If David ran the Olympics” contest is *drum roll*…
Fanis Archangelicus! The contest was a random draw of all entries, but to refresh your memory, Fanis suggested that if David ran the Games: “all cats in the vicinity of the venues would have to be hushed.” 😆 Congrats, Fanis, and thank you to all who contributed such podium-worthy ideas!

Olympic Mittens Contest #2
And the winners are … *drum roll* … djxox and awestruck! Congratulations to you both!

Posted in Fan experience, Special event, Utter nonsense | Tagged , | 82 Comments

If David Archuleta ran the Olympics

Posted on 02/17/2010 by TOfan

If David ran the Winter Olympics,

He could teach everyone to say “Oh My Heck” in 55 different languages.
He’d be the only person who knew the top Billboard hits from every country.
The buzz would be…”Who is that guy?  He actually glows!”
All athletes uniforms would come from Walmart … in plaid.
The athletes would all go home believing that world peace was actually possible.
— Joner

Credit: Lovely frogcooke

Everyone who did their personal best would get some sort of medal.
The podium would be adjusted for short athletes so they’d look taller.
The ice dancing uniforms would be a heck of a lot more modest.
There would be “some snow” but not too much — oh wait, nevermind, that’s already the case.
— Newangel

Smoothies and pad thai would be the “Breakfast & Lunch of Champions” in Olympic Village.
He would provide sharpies for the ladies figure-skating judges.
The Olympic mascot would be Totoro.
— Conditioner

Texting and hunkerdowns would become demonstration sports.
The Games would come in under budget for the first time in Olympic history due to Gold Medal thriftiness.
Doping tests would screen for caffeine and sushi.
They’d always take place in Utah.
Lupe would try to convince David to join her for a surprise salsa ice-dance.
Bobsleighs would be equipped with GPS.
— TOfan

Enter today!

Have your own ideas?

Post them in the comments or send via email (see sidebar) by Feb. 21 to be entered in a SnowAngelz draw to win a pair of these Olympic mittens!

Posted in Fan experience, Utter nonsense | Tagged , | 79 Comments

Duets (& more) Part 2: I get by with a little help from my friends

Posted on 02/12/2010 by refnaf

David lets loose on "Let It Be."

When David Archuleta walked on stage to join Brooke White, Benton Paul and Michael Johns as a surprise guest on “Let It Be,” he totally stole the show (without intending to, of course). His free-styling in that performance just blew me away, as did his comfort level. David was absolutely in charge and on point … in an impromptu performance! But he killed it! His soulfulness on this song beat the socks off the other, more seasoned, performers.

When he came in with, “Whispers words of wisdom, let it be” at 1:18 … chills, serious chills! Every oohh, whoa and awww was so soulful, gut-wrenching and convincing. Followed by that trademark sweet giggly smile … reverting back to adorkable, fun-loving David in a nano-second. So how is this for a New Year’s wish? For David to cover this song on his next tour… mmm, let it be.

— Refnaf

***********************************

Lean on Me

David sang “Lean on Me” with his friend Ashlee (of “omigosh” fame) in three shows: Sioux Falls (below), Milwaukee and Grand Rapids. The Milwaukee performance is where David really lets it rip vocally (don’t get me wrong, he’s a considerate duet partner throughout, but it’s as though he just can’t help himself and just lets it fly!), but that first duet in Sioux Falls tugged at my heart for a number of reasons.

This was the first time we’d seen David duet with anyone outside A.I., but there was no fanfare, no big announcement. Just two friends hanging out … in front of a few thousand people.

David and Ashlee were so relaxed and laid back, and having so much fun, it felt more like a town fair sing-along than a concert. Ashlee charmed everyone with her explanation of her church dress outfit, “Don’t judge me!”; the way she spontaneously started everyone clapping, which cracked David up; and the way she giggled with glee as he belted out his big finish. To watch the friendship and camaraderie between them … a couple of good buds making music … didn’t it make you wish you’d been part of their campfire singing circle back in Murray?

— TOfan

*****************************************

Duet as Mirth Therapy

The last night of David’s 2009 Christmas from the Heart tour in Westbury, N.Y., was a show fraught with end-of-tour surprises and shenanigans, and from it came a slew of impossibly priceless moments captured by fan video cameras. But the one that tops MY list, I must admit, is the David and Ray “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” surprise duet. (And nobody was more surprised than David himself.)

David leaves me speechless time and again, and this is no exception. There are so many stellar moments to watch (nevermind hear) and what impresses me TO PIECES is that while he was DEFINITELY caught off guard, he is also so well seasoned by now that he not only FIELDED every curve ball Ray could muster and handled it all like the PRO and the ABSOLUTE PRINCE of a HUMAN BEING he is (like buttah..), but clearly he enjoyed the NUTTERBUTTERS outta the whole dang thing.

And, all the while, he treated us to a combination of both unbearably endearing spontaneous moments of genuine surprise and good humor AND hilarious ad libs… but ALSO to a sampling of the … I wouldn’t call it snarkier… (or would I?)… side of David. From the “You know a lot about olden days, right?” to the Ray-upstages-David-upstages-Ray physical comedy routine. PUH-RICELESS! OH, and there are a good number of other worthy-of-excruciatingly-close-scrutiny moments in this JEWEL of a performance. (Mercifully, I don’t have time just now to publish the research on this…lol.) Just witnessing the level of happiness and genuine COMFORT in his own skin, alone, thrills me more than I will ever be able to express.

Without reservation… and WITH urgency…I MOZ DEF recommend watching this performance regularly and year-round because it’ll certainly cure what ails ya. It’s just one more in a long line of Archu_gifts that keeps on giving.

— Beebee

********************************

"Tell me how you gon' be without meyyyyy?"

No Air … none

This is how dedicated I am to the ArchuCause. In trying to decide which No Air to include here (short-sleeve or long), I forced myself to watch both … over … and over… and over again. That’s how much I care, folks. And after much difficult deliberation, I went with the daytime version … but then relented and included both to let you decide for yourself (cruel, I know). Now. David is his stellar self in both, of course. But Jordin’s voice (maybe in trying to keep up with The Archulator) seemed to grow tired by nightfall.

David blogged about feeling he was “a loser” not worthy to sing this with Jordin. Has he been sniffing the glue on his fan-mail envelopes? Unlike any (any) of her previous collaborators, his voice soared on every note, every run, and he communicated with Jordin throughout — eyes, gestures and voice. And he only jumped in when he had something to add … not competing against her but collaborating with her … like two dancers each spinning across the floor before coming together in a supercharged vocal pas de deux.

— TOfan

You decide!

Exhibit Aiy-aiy-aiy

Exhibit Whoah


Posted in Music review | Tagged , | 39 Comments

Duel or Duet? Part 1

Posted on 02/08/2010 by Sunshine

David Archuleta joins Ryan Tedder/One Republic for "Apologize."

Is there anything more potentially cringe-worthy than a duet? It often seems the two singers are duelling not duet-ing. Chalk up one point to the better singer; one to the better looking, or the more famous. And, more often than not, there’s no chemistry, which can made it uncomfortable to watch.

But sometimes it goes like this … A young man steps on stage with a cool confidence. A hint of a swagger. His sparring partner is armed with a piano, a number-one hit and the respect of his peers.

The young man uses the only weapon he has — a powerful, emotive voice that lifts the song into an anthem. He is more than an equal on that stage. It is the first time he shows the world that he is taking ownership of his talent. He is in charge. His rich, almost haunting voice blows away the ghosts of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Dolly Parton, and sends an important message — I am relevant, Simon Cowell. Truth is, David lifted Ryan Tedder 10 feet off the ground that night.

— Sunshine

********************

Hero: David2

There was a lot of indignation among David’s fans about his “Hero” duet with Cook. There were cries that our David didn’t get to sing enough; that the song was deliberately chosen because it was better suited to Cook’s voice.

What I saw was a young man not yet comfortable in his own skin on stage; someone who literally and figuratively looked up to Cook; but someone who took what he was given and made sure that song was remembered as a duet — not as a Cook performance.

If you listen (without watching), it is clearly David’s voice that pushes back the walls in the Staples Center. He breathes power into the song and provides a steely backbone to which Cook is able to attach his tin-like vocals.

And when Cook sings the wrong word (“That world never change,” instead of “came”), a hint of a grin appears on David’s face. Priceless.

— Sunshine

********************

HYAMLC: David and Lupe Archuleta

HYAMLC has become one of my favourites of David’s Christmas songs.  The duet on the CFTH album was good; David singing it solo in Santa Rosa was special when he truly made it his own; then in San Francisco — a show I attended — came a surprise.  I heard the crowd give a collective gasp and start to cheer, which almost totally drowned out David’s introduction of his mom, Lupe, before I saw Lupe walking onto the stage.

How lovely to witness the love and affection between them.  Their voices blended beautifully and in wonderful harmony.  Lupe’s vocal runs at 2:50-3:10 on the video show where David might have learned/inherited this aspect of his talent. He may have picked up on Lupe’s lovely relaxed stage presence, as well.  They built the song well and the last chorus was outstanding.  Two-armed hugs after the song and David’s huge grin as Lupe exited the stage said it all!  A song to remember. I recommend just listening – many nuances to be savoured. [And check out his impromptu HYAMLC duet with his talented, but nervous, Aunt Char in Waukegan, IL, HERE; notice how he protectively guides her with subtle gestures, looks and a supportive hug.]

— Awestruck

…Stay tuned for Part 2!…

P.S. A big thank you to Rabid for our snow-tastic new banner! Hope you all feel the snowflake love!

Posted in Music review | Tagged , , , , | 52 Comments