project "Richard Carpenter Is Back"

[SakuraSYayoi]

I don't like Claire.
Who made "You" famous in Philippines? Even the president knew "You". The artist was probably male singer, but he can sing for tribute album.


Tachikawa continued the project meeting.
He met Asazuma who used to write liner notes for Carpenters, did interviews with Karen and Richard. But Tachikawa didn't mention the meeting with Asazuma for Richard project. Asazuma is boss of Akira Tsukahara. Some of you must have seen his name in Carpenters box sets. (Thanks note)
Akira manages(?) Richard's music right in Japan and has written liner note for box set.

When Jerry Moss would decide which company in Japan manage(?) music right for A&M back in '60s, he thought he would choose Tatsu if conditions from Japanese companies are similar. But the man whom Jerry sent to Japan, liked Asazuma, so A&M contracted with Asazuma's company.

Sakura

 

[Calvin R Murty]

The song "You" is apparently very popular in the Philippines. When I mention this song to my friends there, most of them had heard it. One of their top singers, Martin Nievera, sang this song in one of his albums. It was nice,an acoustic guitar accompaniment with a band/orchestra. Later, he released a compilation of 'Wedding Songs' and the song appeared there too. They also released an 'identical CD' (in terms of cover and track list, but of course, with the words 'Minus One') which contained the same songs but accompaniment versions (think "Karaoke") so that people can perform the songs too. Lea Salonga also performed it live on her DVD/Live CD during her tribute to the Carpenters section.

 

[SakuraSYayoi]

Thank you, Calvin. While I was searching for Richard at video sites early this year, I saw someone singing "You" and "Love Me For What I Am". He must be Martin Nievera. It was cool to see audience sing Carpenters songs.

Sakura

 

[SakuraSYayoi]

Tachikawa continued the project meeting.
He met Asazuma who used to write liner notes for Carpenters, did interviews with Karen and Richard. But Tachikawa didn't mention the meeting with Asazuma for Richard project. Asazuma is boss of Akira Tsukahara. Some of you must have seen his name in Carpenters box sets. (Thanks note)
Akira manages(?) Richard's music right in Japan and has written liner note for box set.

When Jerry Moss would decide which company in Japan manage(?) music right for A&M back in '60s, he thought he would choose Tatsu if conditions from Japanese companies are similar. But the man whom Jerry sent to Japan, liked Asazuma, so A&M contracted with Asazuma's company.

I meant the first meeting was for this project of Richad's comeback.
The second meeting was held with Asazuma in the next week, and Tachikawa didn't write that it was for "Richard Carpenter Is Back" project.

Sakura

 

[aaflyer98]

OK, I have listened to Mindy sing "Little Altar Boy" and Claire sing "Something in Your Eyes". I hope Richard choses wisely any singer he choses to work with because so far, my opinion - from what I've heard only - is that Mindy is more of a showtunes/broadway singer/belter and Claire doesn't do it for me with that song.
I REALLY miss Karen!

 

[Mark-T]

^^ Agreed.

 

[SakuraSYayoi]

A few days ago I read Japanese newspaper articles published on October 16th again. One of newspapers that I bought mentioned Mindi for vocalist of this project. And other articles reported Tachikawa's words.


The following is not with Richard's project.

I just turned to ezRock. The first song was Amy Sky's "Angels In The Snow". She wrote English lyrics and performed for a Japanese singer/songwriter's songbook. I posted about the album to 'A Small Circle of Friends' around time that the second songbook CD was to be released, 5 years ago(?) The singer/songwriter is Mariya Takeuchi who recorded "Now" before Karen sang.
(It might be 5 years since I heard that Olivia recorded with Sir Cliff Richard for her British release "(2)". I felt the name of the song familiar. I had Mariya singing the song with her husband.)

The EXPO album that Olivia's song was on, has Eric Clapton's song as main. Mariya was asked to write Japanese lyrics for Clapton's song.

She started to sing 30 years ago. For her 30th anniversary some were planned. One was her best album. And it hit No. 1. I think No.1 for 3 weeks now.

Universal Music will release her songbooks as one set soon. The bonus track is
"Slow Love", newly recorded by Olivia Newton-John.

Some of us have songbooks, but CD's in new set were remastered.

UPCH-1638/9
2008.12.17 RELEASE
3,000Yen

The following is Universal Music page for this set in Japanese;
(Olivia and the name of the song are mentioned here.)
http://www.universal-music.co.jp/sincerely/

Mariya's producer is her husband. Their first album had "Now".
He is singer-songwriter and has been DJ for years. I sometimes hear his radio program. He played
CASINO ROYALE by HERB ALPERT & THE TIJANA BRASS in October.
Around time her album was released last year, he featured Roger Nichols. He played Carpenters'
WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN
RAINY DAYS AND MONDAYS
I WON'T LAST A DAY WITHOUT YOU
at the first part.

If you are interested in Olivia singing Japanese writer's song, Universal Music page has links to HMV and
Amazon. ASIN: B001HXY8AW

One of newspapers that had article about Richard has article about Mariya's album. Olivia's comment was something like this;
I'd like to say hello to Mariya. Her voice is very beautiful. I'm looking forward to sing with her someday.

Sakura

Edit;
"Slow Love" for Olivia was renamed "Slow Down(Slow Love)". English lyrics was written by Amy Sky.

Mariya's "Now" was recorded in L.A. L.A. session members included Steve Lukather, Jeff Porcaro and David (but) Foster.
David Foster also contributed Mariya's songbook.

I saw Steve Lukather's photo at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame event for Les Paul on November 15th, and saw Les Paul in R&R Hall of Fame in NYC in a video clip.
Les Paul's special on PBS 2007 was shown as a movie in Japan. (August 23, 2008) The movie home page had clip of Richard.
"1408" was shown since November 22nd. I saw Carpenters mentioned in movie site review.
"Ghost Rider" aire at Hi Vidion on November 29th.

 

[SakuraSYayoi]

It was reported that Richard was interviewed a couple of times in Japan. I was waiting for these. In November two articles were posted on the news sites. Nothing new.
Yesterday I found that a magazine, Issue January 2009 (to be published today) would have an article about Carpenters 40th Anniversary. Today I went to a book store. There are 3 page articles about Richard. Interview, column, photos and mini reviews and photos of cover of 10 CD/DVD(the first 5 albums, Voice of the Heart, Carpenters Perform Carpenter, 22 Hits of the Carpenters, As Time Goes By and Live at Budokan.) [I wonder if "as time goes by" is still available in Japan. I hardly see Japanese release lately.]

Karen's & Richard's photos are from Rolling Stone photo session and the first TV special.

Richard was interviewed on October 17th
Column has Richard's photo on October 15th.

Column mentioned the name of the SINGER. Do you know it is right? Can you guess who?

I don't know her. I googled. Amazon.Jp and HMV.JP have her CD. I checked HMV. Two albums are from Canada and America.
And she seems to come to Japan last year.
I checked her site. She recorded Sponge Bob Record to be released September 2007.

Sakura

 

[Mark-T]

Mandy Barnett?

 

[Rick-An Ordinary Fool]

Sakura, you forgot to mention her name. LOL Is Mark right? Isn't Mandy Barnett a country singer? Isn't there alot of artists that sing on Spongebob albums?

Offtopic, Is that new Olivia song a solo or a duet?

 

[SakuraSYayoi]

Mandy Barnett?

Bingo!

Sakura, you forgot to mention her name. LOL Is Mark right? Isn't Mandy Barnett a country singer? Isn't there a lot of artists that sing on Spongebob albums?

I didn't know her, so I'd like to know if she is famous and ask it in quiz.
I heard some clips of Mandy's live performance. Sounded country.

In the column her name was mentioned in a paragraph of the tribute album.
Quote from the column, something like
I am interested in how Richard will produce new age Carpenters Sound , with Mandy Barnett as a female singer bringing new personality, not as a substitute for Karen.

Offtopic, Is that new Olivia song a solo or a duet?

No, Olivia sings, not a duet.

I heard Mariya's husband radio program this week and last week. He invites her as a guest several times a year. I knew she would appear in December. She appeared in both weeks.
They received the request of her version of "Slow Love", but they talked about Japanese artists covered their songs this year and they mentioned the new cover album set, and as highlight they introduced Olivia! They played Olivia's "Slow Love"!!
I recorded this program with MD. Chris, if you can hear MD, I can send you the MD.
They played their studio version "Let It Be Me" from her big hit best album.
Last week they played her live version "Desperado". This song has two Japanese titles. Though she introduced it as Narazumono (the Eagles' and Rinda Ronstadt's version), Her version sounded something between Linda's and Carpenters' version to me.

Though this is repeat, Olivia recorded "Let It Be Me" for British release of "(2)" but it was released in Japanese release.
Some of Olivia fans in Japan expected Olivia sing with Mariya when Olivia said that she would like to sing with Japanese singer several years ago.
Someone (probably Olivia's band member) told a Japanese fan Olivia would like to sing with a duet with her (late) friend. We expected Karen. Where did American release go?

Sakura

 

[aaflyer98]

Well, I went to Mandy Barnett's website. I LOVE her voice
I wrote to the webmaster/moderator.... here is a copy of what I asked and their reply:


Working with Richard Carpenter?
From: Patrick Driscoll
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Date: 12/21/2008


Comments
Rumors are running wild on the Carpenters fan sites (yes, Karen & Richard Carpenter) that Mandy will be teaming with Richard Carpenter for a new sound and new album! Whether there is any truth to this or not, It lead me here where I have discovered Mandy Barnett! What a talented vocalist she is!!! Now, I have to go buy her music! I hope the rumor is true! Anyone know anything about this???

[MODERATOR NOTE: I just asked Mandy, and she replied "Not true." So, I'm glad you discovered Mandy's voice, and I'm sorry to dash your hopes. But directly from Mandy herself she says this rumor isn't accurate. - LEE.]

http://www.mandybarnett.com/discussion

 

[SakuraSYayoi]

Thank you, Patrick.


I finally got answer from Richard's own words. NHK taped it on October 15th, according to the blog of which owner attended the taping.

Mindi will be doing back vocals and lead vocals (not whole album) for Richard's Christmas album.

Sakura

 

[SakuraSYayoi]

On 25th Japanese news article was posted. A few days ago I noticed they put it to their English site later, though some were cut off.

Richard Carpenter, to make 2009 comeback, notes loyalty of Japanese fans

Twenty-five years after the tragic death of his sister and bandmate Karen, Richard Carpenter has announced his comeback, with a new album next autumn and a tour in 2010, starting from the Shanghai World Expo, to mark the Carpenters' 40th anniversary.

After releasing his last album in 1997, Carpenter, 62, said he started writing songs a few years ago, imagining those songs that would make Karen happy. He said the worst thing in his life was losing his sister.

But after noticing that his 16-year-old daughter Mindy's voice sounds like Karen's, the pair appeared on stage together in their town several times, as well as making an appearance on NHK this autumn when they visited Japan. The offer of a Japanese record deal encouraged his decision to take up music again.

"Japanese people have always been loyal," he said. "Once they like you, they like you."

Richard now lives in suburban Los Angeles with his wife and five children. Though he says he is pretty much satisfied with his life, the performances of his contemporaries have pushed him back into the spotlight.

"The Stones, the Eagles, the Doobie Brothers -- I get a kick out of seeing us with all these years on us. They're all keeping mighty trim, and the enthusiasm's every bit there as the way it used to be years ago -- and of course their ability. I think it's great."

(Mainichi Japan) December 29, 2008

http://mainichi.jp/select/opinion/hito/archive/news/20081225ddm003070116000c.html

I read that John Bettis said he thought Richard and he could write a great song for Gloria Estefan, when John watched her singing on TV years ago.

About one year ago I bought Earl Dumler's album. I love his play! There was an interview in the Japanese booklet. Earl said that he will perform at the next work of Richard Carpenter.

Osaka Festival Hall is closed for re-built. Some Carpenters fans wrote that they went to the Festival Hall to see Carpenters or Richard Carpenter's solo concert. Mairya's husband performed there lately. Many fans of great sound of Festival Hall wonder if new hall will sound as great as old one.

"Rock Legend" (I don't like some parts of the DVD) will air on New Year's eve in Japan. But I cannot watch the tv station. Why are Carpenters always on the station that I don't have?

Sakura

 

[newvillefan]

The offer of a Japanese record deal encouraged his decision to take up music again.

That's news to me, I didn't realise that Japan had actually offered him a record deal. Thank God they did!

 

[SakuraSYayoi]

A&M/Polydor Japan asked Richard to release album, and "Pianist, Arranger, Composer, Conductor" was released.

Karaoke, as well.

"Sweet Memory" was asked by another company.


Richard said "I was asked by our affiliate in Japan" about PACC in magazine interview in English.

Japanese company love best albums even in '70s. It's hard to buy original albums at first when I became a Carpenters fan. I sometimes can't help but thinking if A&M Japan loved original albums better, Richard could have released more original solo albums.

I still think A&M Japan made Richard release Karen's solo album.

Wasn't compilation "Only Yesterday" British idea?

Sakura

 

[newvillefan]

Wasn't compilation "Only Yesterday" British idea?

Yes that's right Sakura. A&M Germany picked it up some time later, with a horrid pink cover, but the UK version was a best seller, sitting at the #1 spot for 16 weeks on the charts in 1990

 

[Bruno]

The cover was red, not pink (the British cover was white). And the booklet was written in German language. That was the only difference. Both versions featured the same songs and the same cover picture.

Bruno

 

[newvillefan]

The cover was red, not pink (the British cover was white). And the booklet was written in German language. That was the only difference. Both versions featured the same songs and the same cover picture

My A&M Germany release version is distinctly pink in hue, not red. You're right that the UK one was white.

I saw the same pink cover CDs on the shelves in Munich in 1993. I'll see if I can dig a picture out. Here's the catalogue number details:

http://www.discogs.com/release/1533232

 

[Harry]

I have the German ONLY YESTERDAY in my collection, never having stumbled across the British one.

It is, most definitely bright red in color.

Once I discovered that the British one had the same tracks, and presumably the same mastering, I never bothered to seek it out any longer.

Harry

 

[Mike Blakesley]

Anyone who has that single with a pink cover: Could it just be faded? Red is the color most notorious for sun-fading. If it sat on the front of a record shop display for any length of time, that could easily happen.

 

[newvillefan]

Anyone who has that single with a pink cover: Could it just be faded? Red is the color most notorious for sun-fading. If it sat on the front of a record shop display for any length of time, that could easily happen.

Mike it's the 1993 CD Greatest Hits we were discussing. I wonder if the seemingly different colouring is something to do with different pressings. Mine is definitely more pink than red, and no I am not colour blind

 

[Harry]

I've searched all over the Internet for the past number of minutes and cannot find a copy of the German ONLY YESTERDAY pictured anywhere.

I'll have to either scan mine or take a digital picture of it later on.

Harry

 

[Mike Blakesley]

Mike it's the 1993 CD Greatest Hits we were discussing.

Oh....OK, I misread a previous post. Well, album or single, fading is still a possibility, I guess.

 

[Harry]

Here's a scan of the German ONLY YESTERDAY compilation. Of course, on this scan, the red came out pinkish-looking but I assure you that the actual cover is very red.

Harry