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Friday, April 29, 2011

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Whatever you're dreaming it's no longer on hold

OK, I've had one of those spells where every afternoon I think, "I'll sleep when I'm dead." It's killing me that I missed some of "They Write the Songs" and I have a ton of catching up to do on ManilowTV.  Seriously, the BBC series - for you guys over at TPTB office, 'cause I know you're going to read this in about 20 seconds - if these episodes were available via podcast or CD, so help me I'd buy them on the spot.  It's just been insane and unless I'm working I can't be tied to the computer.  And I've been doing too little work at my desk as it is.

I'm just glad to see the light at the end of the tunnel with the new record.  Here's the latest "conversation".  The original post is on Facebook.

Lots of people are wondering what label “15 Minutes” is going to wind up on. Here’s the final information about this:
My long tenure with Arista and the genius Clive Davis is over.
What a ride it’s been. I will forever be grateful to this man for all the support and love he has given me. If you only knew how hard he’s worked and dedicated he is to me and my career, nobody would ever say one negative word about him.  I have been the grateful recipient of this man’s genius. And I will never, ever be able to thank him enough.

It almost seems that you feel bad about that.  I wouldn't, if I were you.  Birds gotta fly, fish gotta swim.  Entertainment collaborations that last for that many years are few and far between.  Besides, we know you can do a lot more than the covers records and it's high time to kick the world's ass with it.

Before I began writing “15 Minutes”, my goal was to release the CD on my own label and sign with a major distributor who could get the album out to everyone.
And that is exactly what is happening.
In the United States, the album will be released by STILETTO Entertainment and will be distributed by Fontana Distribution and the Universal Music Group.

Your best work was always done when you were given the liberty to plant yourself in the driver's seat.  Paradise Cafe and Swing Street and Mayflower are proof of that.  I grabbed "Bring on Tomorrow" as soon as the guys in the office (Chris?) put it on your website.  You made that trademark "Manilow ballad build" really work and I can imagine how it fits in with the story based on the song titles already.  You've got nothing to prove, and nothing to lose.  Do you have any idea how free you are on this project???
As for me, I will once again become the “media slut”! I will say ‘yes’ to any station that is interested in helping me to promote the album. I’m even interested in going on The Weather Channel if that’s what it will take! (Not really The Weather Channel, but you know what I mean).

No one's stopping you from visiting the ATL again.  Last time was 2008.  No one has forgotten.  At least it will be summer and the ice won't slow things down.  Seriously, do a jazz club date, use a pseudonym, see who shows up, it would be classic!  That appearance would make the news the next day.  Just don't do Channel 11, the NBC affiliate.  You might get stuck in a rotten interview with someone like that loudmouth cow, NeNe.  No, she's not really a housewife, yes, she's bigger than you are, a lousy interviewer and the type of person most normal humans wouldn't share space with, even at gunpoint.   But any other venue in town, I'd be there on the spot.

QVC has been very supportive and generous to me, so that’s where we’ll start.
My band and I have been rehearsing a presentation of the songs from
“15 Minutes” and I think it’s sounding pretty great.

Bring it!  I hope you're bringing a sampling of different songs and different styles.  We've always known you can do it, we're just waiting for you to make the decision. 
Stay tuned for announcements about other appearances.
Thanks for all of your interest in this new adventure.

Are you kidding?
Almost forgot - you're thinking of making this into a musical, aren't ya???Here we go again!
Barry

Didn't know where to fit this so I'm sticking it at the end.  Here's why the classic ballad buildup works for me on "Bring On Tomorrow".  When you go to the movies or watch TV at every big climactic turning point, there's something loud, like an explosion or other noise, and the London Philharmonic blaring in the background.  Real life isn't like that.  Whenever you have a big realization or breakthough, or back when I was drawing a regular salary, a major discovery, it always seems so quiet.  This huge thing just happens, you just realize it, and for a few magical moments you're the only one who knows.  The big build is between your ears until you're able to make your face move and tell someone.  So now I'm really dying to see what's on either side of that song.