I'm thankful for my life, my health, my family-- my wife, my daughter -- and my pup! The roof over my head. My work. My music. My friends. What are you thankful for?

Burt Bacharach passed away recently, which made me think of revisiting my post of vocal covers.
   The photo is from the early 1960s. Lyricist Hal David is standing, composer Bacharach seated at the piano. That's the legendary Dionne Warwick of course, pointing the way.
   Looking back at the now-classic Bacharach/David songbook, some of the lyrics to some of their songs are definitely frozen in their time. But...also... much about them is timeless. The emotions that accompany heartbreak and hope never go out of style. I had fun bringing these to life in my way—including a new take on "Alfie." Enjoy!

A lucky guy.

A quick note about this song. I first heard it when I was in high school, and I thought it was the dumbest song ever. If the person didn't know how to get to San Jose, why not just buy a map? A couple years later, my understanding of it deepened a bit (!). Necessary losses, dreams differed, making way for new dreams. It's all here in a bright pop song!

A new recording of the theme song from the movie "Alfie," which starred Michael Caine.
​With help from technology, this version features Burt Bacharach on the piano!

This recording session was a response to the massacre at the gay nightclub Pulse in Orlando and the epidemic of fear and hatred that continues to permeate American life (and around the world). What is the antidote? 

With a little bit of Clouseau: "Mesdames et messieurs, bienvenue a Cafe Quarantunes. I invite you to enjoy a short break from... shall we say, realite?.. and join me for an imaginary trip! Settle in to your candle-lit table by the stage (aka your living room couch), put on some headphones, place a warm towel upon your face, bring your favorite libation to your lips (watch out for the towel! A mistake I have made... more than once). Now... close your eyes....Allons-y! A Paree!