JAZZ4JEFF
Active Member
Richard Carpenter performed a rare concert on March 1st at the Carpenter performing arts center. The event was called “Top of the world” and was a benefit for the school education program at the Center.
Richard was joined by a quartet, featuring the great Tommy Morgan in harmonica. Tommy is the legendary harp player who performed on many of the Carpenters original A&M recordings. Other band members were Tim May, Kenny Wild, and Dick Weller. Richard opened his performance with “Yesterday Once More”. It was the same arrangement that was performed on his solo album. He followed with “I need to be in love”. Richard said he always was troubled as to why this song was never a top five record. He said he felt vindicated 22 years later when the song went Platinum in Japan. (It was used on a popular television series) This song was also performed as an instrumental.
He then performed three tunes from his yet to be released Christmas album. “Together at Christmas” was performed with Richard on vocals. The hit of the evening was a new holiday song called “All I want is you”. His young song Collin joined Richard to sing this tune. He was great!. He had the stage presence and poise to make the crowd jump to its feet. (I think he’s only 6!) Richard then tried to follow his son with a beautiful new song called “Things change”. Richard said he wants his new Christmas CD to be 98% original songs.
He concluded his performance with “Top of the world”. It’s always great to see Richard perform, and it always boggles my mind why he performs so seldom. Maybe it’s the young brood of children he and Mary have that keeps him close to home?
By the way, the Carpenter grand piano was auctioned off for $25,000 to a silent bidder. For the many Carpenter fans that had flown into Long Beach for the event, I am sure they had a great time. And if the three new songs Richard performed are any indication of his new CD, it will be a welcomed addition next fall. Richard said he is still with A&M records and proud of it.
Jeff
Richard was joined by a quartet, featuring the great Tommy Morgan in harmonica. Tommy is the legendary harp player who performed on many of the Carpenters original A&M recordings. Other band members were Tim May, Kenny Wild, and Dick Weller. Richard opened his performance with “Yesterday Once More”. It was the same arrangement that was performed on his solo album. He followed with “I need to be in love”. Richard said he always was troubled as to why this song was never a top five record. He said he felt vindicated 22 years later when the song went Platinum in Japan. (It was used on a popular television series) This song was also performed as an instrumental.
He then performed three tunes from his yet to be released Christmas album. “Together at Christmas” was performed with Richard on vocals. The hit of the evening was a new holiday song called “All I want is you”. His young song Collin joined Richard to sing this tune. He was great!. He had the stage presence and poise to make the crowd jump to its feet. (I think he’s only 6!) Richard then tried to follow his son with a beautiful new song called “Things change”. Richard said he wants his new Christmas CD to be 98% original songs.
He concluded his performance with “Top of the world”. It’s always great to see Richard perform, and it always boggles my mind why he performs so seldom. Maybe it’s the young brood of children he and Mary have that keeps him close to home?
By the way, the Carpenter grand piano was auctioned off for $25,000 to a silent bidder. For the many Carpenter fans that had flown into Long Beach for the event, I am sure they had a great time. And if the three new songs Richard performed are any indication of his new CD, it will be a welcomed addition next fall. Richard said he is still with A&M records and proud of it.
Jeff