Burt Bacharach TV Special

[Michael Hagerty]

Just watched an hour-long Burt Bacharach special "This Is Now" on Ovation. It's seven years old, so most of you have probably seen it, but it was new to me...and it was terrific...Burt, Hal David, Dionne, Cilla Black, Herb Alpert, Richard Carpenter, Carole Bayer Sager...narrated by the late Dusty Springfield. Really enjoyed it!

---Michael Hagerty

 

[martin]

Yes, it is a very good special. It is entertaining, and with all the original artists and all the old footage combined with the interview it gives real insight in the man and his music.

- greetings from the north -
Martin

 

[Rudy]

I'm sorry I missed it! Hope it reruns soon.

 

[martin]

I'm surprised you missed it. It's really a must for people like us. It was made by British TV, BBC I think. I have a VHS-copy of the special. They have some lovely footage of the original recording of "Alfie" by British singer Cilla Black in the studio. Burt is directing and playing and George Martin (of legendary Beatles' fame) is producing. They also show the "This Guy.." "video" from the Beat of the Brass special and Herb is interviewed in his Santa Monica office, with a beard. It's clearly done around 1996-97.

- greetings from the north -

Martin

 

[Rudy]

I don't even know if we get that channel on DirecTV--I'd have to check. (I think Michael said it was on Ovation...?) I don't even normally turn on the TV, so unless someone mentions something is going to be on, I'll miss it. And then half the time, I forget to tune in or put a tape in the VCR.

 

[Michael Hagerty]

Rudy(and anyone else who is interested):
Just checked the Ovation website...there are two more plays scheduled...12 Noon Eastern Time (9 AM Pacific) on Tuesday, June 5 and 2PM Eastern (11AM Pacific) on Sunday, June 8. By all means, roll tape! It's worth keeping.

---Michael Hagerty

 

[Rudy]

Cool--I should set reminders in anything I can get my hands on.

 

[Steven J. Gross]

Without a doubt, I consider Bacharach the finest living composer.

 

[DAN BOLTON]

Without a doubt, I consider Bacharach the finest living composer.

Ditto!


Dan

 

[Captain Bacardi]

By any chance, is this the same special that debuted on PBS a couple of years ago? It starts with the TJB doing "Casino Royale"? If so, then I already have this on tape. I like tuning in to both Ovation and Trio. They have some great musicians playing on these stations.


Capt. Bacardi
NP: Crusaders - Free As The Wind

 

[Michael Hagerty]

Captain:
It does begin with Casino Royale.
As to Bacharach being my favorite composer...absolutely. In fact, the special wisely notes that there have been only two great contemporary American composers....Gershwin and Bacharach.

---Michael Hagerty