Making Records with the World's Biggest Stars

What do the following legendary musical artists all have in common? Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Bob Dylan, Sting, Paul Simon, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Gloria Estefan, Karen Carpenter, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, Quincy Jones, Art Garfunkel and dozens more. They are have worked with producer Phil Ramone. 

The now deceased genius producer and artist goes behind the scenes of American Popular Music and reveals stories about the creation of one iconic song after another. How he did it and how he worked with some of the most gifted writers, musicians and singers to walk the planet. He'll mention the exciting work behind something like Still Crazy After All These Years, and the reader needs to turn on the record to hear what was put into it.

Who is the artist Phil said was most open to feedback? Who was terrified to meet Ray Charles and why? What song took over a decade to complete and which were written in a matter of minutes? 

Making Records: The Scenes Behind the Music is a fan's dream book! Phil and co-author Charles L. Granata make this one a must-read... and a must listen to.

Rod Stewart: 5th Time is the Charm

Well, we shall see. On October 19, Rod Stewart will release his fifth album of standards from the Great American Songbook series. Naturally, there are some great songs: Fly Me to the Moon and I've Got the World on a String among others. But is this really necessary?

Rod Stewart's Soulbook Lacks

In spite of a few wonderful cuts, Rod Stewart's excursion in 60s Motown territory is a bust. Rod's vocals lack depth, the song choices are mostly uninspired, and the production lacks spark. Like his Songbook collections from the past, there are guest artists (including Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Hudson) aplenty to push things along. Unfortunately, they add nothing to the ride.


Highlights: My Cherie Amour, the Stevie Wonder ode to young love given a very warm harmonica treatment, as well as a wistful reading by Rod. The other bright spot is the closer. The Temptations' Just My Imagination. When it first came on, I exclaimed "This was what I was waiting for!" The arrangement mainly sticks to the original and the result is charming and soulful. Exactly what everything else on this disc is lacking.

(If you're looking for something similar but much better, check out Michael McDonald's discs like Soul Speak, Motown, and Motown 2. Stronger performances, better arrangements- just richer.)