More Kings River Boys - The Midnight Hour

After my last post, some of you have asked for more Quartet music...so here it is!

One of the strengths of the Kings River Boys was our original material. Three of the group members were songwriters, and Tony wrote and sang this great song. To me, these words are much more relevant today. I loved the picking on the intro of this tune.

Great job Tony!

Ready To Fly:10th Anniversary

It's hard to believe ten years ago I released a song called "Ready To Fly", with a Gospel Quartet called The King's River Boys. The King's River Boy's members at the time consisted of:

Ralph Payne - Bass
Tony Byrd - Baritone
Bobby Vaughn - Tenor
Trevor Haley - Lead/Keyboard

The tracks were recordedat Oak Valley Sound in Nov. 2011. We had some great musicians on this project, that gave it a country flair I hadn't really expected. That's the Nashville Sound!

Piano: Gary Prim
Bass Guitar: David Smith
Lead Guitar: Kelly Back
Harmonica: Mike Douchette
Rythm Guitar/Banjo: Bruce Watkins
Drums: Jerry Kroon


What a fun time we had!

Bizarre Bacharach

The death of Hal David brought to mind some of the great Bacharach/David compositions. It also brought to mind some of the bizarre ones too. Here are two very bizarre entries into their catalog. The first being a number one Country hit for Marty Robbins that was the songwriting duos first big hit together. Good song, but when you think of their sophisticated pop sound, this isn't what comes to your mind.

The Story Of My Life - Marty Robbins

http://youtu.be/pMEuVAwTeaQ

And for my second entry, check out this achingly beautiful song by Bobby Goldsboro. The melody and phrasing are certainly more consistent with the Bacharach/David sound, but when I discovered they wrote this, Iwas surprised. I can't hear Dionne Warwick doing this, but Harpers Bizarre had a great version though.

Me, Japanese Boy - Bobby Goldsboro

http://youtu.be/ihXs7Le1NfE

Everyone enjoy your Labor Day!

Hal David RIP

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/02/entertainment-us-haldavid-idUSBRE8800AM20120902

The world said goodbye to an incredible songwriter Saturday, when the famed lyricist Hal David passed away. As a collaborator with Burt Bacharach in the 60s and early 70s, he was often overshadowed, but the list of hits he penned lyrics to is testament to his way with words.

I saw him perform during the 90s at a Songwriter's event in Nashville, and I gained a new respect for him. Accompanied only by a piano, his voice was limited, but it drew attention to how good his lyrics were. One hit song after another highlighted an incredible career.

Bacharach said the lyrics to "Alfie" were the best song lyrics ever. They are good, but I'd like to share one of my favorites. The Walker Brothers version of "Make It Easy On Yourself".


http://youtu.be/bZTS9H-l5qQ