Gordon, I just loved and admired your wonderful passion and love for this duo; Burt Bacharach and the Carpenters. They were a match made in heaven! I'm guessing you have the book, "Carpenters-The Music Legacy." Burt and the Carpenters were both a gift to lovers and those who wanted to be in love. Peace my friend.
Thanks for this reaction. I seem to get the impression that you think that the arrangement of this song is by Burt. It’s not - it was arranged by Richard Carpenter. Burt has gone on record to say that he never got the arrangement of this song correct (he said his arrangement for Richard Chamberlain’s version was abysmal 😂) and it took Richard Carpenter to totally re-imagine this song to make it a massive hit, coupled with his sister’s interpretation of it.
While Mr. Bacharach and Mr. David wrote the song it was a complete failure when recorded by Richard Chamberlain, it was re-recorded with a Burt Bacharach arrangement for her album Make Way for Dionne Warwick (1964), and was released as the B-side of her 1965 single "Here I Am". Dusty Springfield recorded the song in August 1964, but her version was not released commercially until it appeared on her album Where Am I Going? (1967). Bacharach released his own version in 1971. Herb Alpert also recorded it, was not happy with it and did not release it. Richard Carpenter's arrangement was completely different from the version Bacharach cut with Richard Chamberlain, with one exception. When Richard asked Bacharach for permission (as a courtesy) to redo the song, Bacharach requested that he keep the two "five note groupings" (piano ornaments) at the end of the first bridge. Bacharach recalled his initial reaction on hearing the finished product: "Man, this is just great! I completely blew it with Richard Chamberlain but now someone else has come along and made a record so much better than mine." I was 27 when this version came out loved it than and still do. Miss. Carpenters voice is a thing of beauty still.
Hi Gordon! It looks like you may have stopped updating your channel but algorithms just introduced me to it, so I’ll comment in case you keep an eye on it. I was 14 when I got Close To You, the album. It was my first “adult” album as I had an old RCA “portable” (40 pounds!) record player that I knew wasn’t good to my kid records. I just got my new Sony all in one (AM/FM, Cassette and Turntable) that I knew would not damage my new records. I got the album at Sam Goody from the special #2 position on the top ten rack. Memories. I read the comments and most of my thought were covered. I’ll add. Richard wrote the opening, now signature, tinkle/riff on the piano. When asked how he came up with that he basically said 🤷🏻♂️. Burt was so impressed/delighted/kvelling from what Richard had done to his song. It wasn’t long before he visited them at a concert at The Westbury Music Fair to ask Richard to make a medley of some songs. That’s where the Bacharach/David Medley was created. The best example, IMHO, was performed live on the Ed Sullivan Show, in late 1970. It’s on the Tan album. If you’ve not by chance seen that it’s on TH-cam on Ed’s Channel. I think I play that almost once a day, it’s that special to me. Anyway, I enjoyed your take and tribute. I’ll check out more including Herb, Part 1. Oh and that’s Hal Blaine on the drums on C2Y. Karen did do Mr. Guder on C2Y one of my also faves seeing her do this song live, she smiles so wide especially on this track and the 1974 Belgium version is pure joy to behold. You have cred in the biz and I hope you resurrect the channel. Joe
I was but a wee lad of 12 when Close To You came out, but even then, I was in awe of Karen’s beautiful voice and that gorgeous arrangement. My appreciation for all that Bacharach had accomplished came later, even though I was familiar with so many of his songs. It wasn’t until much more recently that I learned of Richard’s role in shaping the sound I’d always loved. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@timelesspoprocksoul me only a little less wee at 14. I too was smitten. Though I must say the picture on the C2Y album was not her best photo… be well and hope to see new stuff in the future.
The arrangement of "Close to You" is by Richard Carpenter, not Burt Bacharach - the Carpenters included on an album and in their concerts a tribute to Burt (also arranged by Richard) in the form of a medley of some of his best songs - here it is as performed on the BBC in 1971 (note Karen on drums, where she absolutely loved to be): th-cam.com/video/O2uIMRgMm8c/w-d-xo.html
Yeah, I was going to say; Burt Bacharach had nothing to do with The Carpenters recording of Close to You outside of writing it seven years earlier. The earlier versions of the song are completely different from the arrangement that Richard came up with. The new time signature, the piano, bass, strings and amazing backing vocals; all Richard's arrangement. Burt didn't hear it until Herb Alpert played it to him over the phone after it was all finished.
Thumbs UP.
Gordon, I just loved and admired your wonderful passion and love for this duo; Burt Bacharach and the Carpenters. They were a match made in heaven! I'm guessing you have the book, "Carpenters-The Music Legacy." Burt and the Carpenters were both a gift to lovers and those who wanted to be in love. Peace my friend.
I was 14 in 1970 when" Close to you " was released, and it blew me way also. Karen's voice is the most beautiful.
Thanks for this reaction.
I seem to get the impression that you think that the arrangement of this song is by Burt. It’s not - it was arranged by Richard Carpenter. Burt has gone on record to say that he never got the arrangement of this song correct (he said his arrangement for Richard Chamberlain’s version was abysmal 😂) and it took Richard Carpenter to totally re-imagine this song to make it a massive hit, coupled with his sister’s interpretation of it.
I was unaware of the particulars of the arrangement, so thanks for clarifying that!
Aaah that voice! It's like a warm hug of perfection. I love your uploads, by the way. Keep 'em coming, man! 😁
Thanks you!!👏😀
While Mr. Bacharach and Mr. David wrote the song it was a complete failure when recorded by Richard Chamberlain, it was re-recorded with a Burt Bacharach arrangement for her album Make Way for Dionne Warwick (1964), and was released as the B-side of her 1965 single "Here I Am". Dusty Springfield recorded the song in August 1964, but her version was not released commercially until it appeared on her album Where Am I Going? (1967). Bacharach released his own version in 1971. Herb Alpert also recorded it, was not happy with it and did not release it. Richard Carpenter's arrangement was completely different from the version Bacharach cut with Richard Chamberlain, with one exception. When Richard asked Bacharach for permission (as a courtesy) to redo the song, Bacharach requested that he keep the two "five note groupings" (piano ornaments) at the end of the first bridge. Bacharach recalled his initial reaction on hearing the finished product: "Man, this is just great! I completely blew it with Richard Chamberlain but now someone else has come along and made a record so much better than mine." I was 27 when this version came out loved it than and still do. Miss. Carpenters voice is a thing of beauty still.
Hi Gordon! It looks like you may have stopped updating your channel but algorithms just introduced me to it, so I’ll comment in case you keep an eye on it. I was 14 when I got Close To You, the album. It was my first “adult” album as I had an old RCA “portable” (40 pounds!) record player that I knew wasn’t good to my kid records. I just got my new Sony all in one (AM/FM, Cassette and Turntable) that I knew would not damage my new records. I got the album at Sam Goody from the special #2 position on the top ten rack. Memories.
I read the comments and most of my thought were covered. I’ll add. Richard wrote the opening, now signature, tinkle/riff on the piano. When asked how he came up with that he basically said 🤷🏻♂️. Burt was so impressed/delighted/kvelling from what Richard had done to his song. It wasn’t long before he visited them at a concert at The Westbury Music Fair to ask Richard to make a medley of some songs. That’s where the Bacharach/David Medley was created. The best example, IMHO, was performed live on the Ed Sullivan Show, in late 1970. It’s on the Tan album. If you’ve not by chance seen that it’s on TH-cam on Ed’s Channel. I think I play that almost once a day, it’s that special to me. Anyway, I enjoyed your take and tribute. I’ll check out more including Herb, Part 1. Oh and that’s Hal Blaine on the drums on C2Y. Karen did do Mr. Guder on C2Y one of my also faves seeing her do this song live, she smiles so wide especially on this track and the 1974 Belgium version is pure joy to behold. You have cred in the biz and I hope you resurrect the channel.
Joe
I was but a wee lad of 12 when Close To You came out, but even then, I was in awe of Karen’s beautiful voice and that gorgeous arrangement. My appreciation for all that Bacharach had accomplished came later, even though I was familiar with so many of his songs. It wasn’t until much more recently that I learned of Richard’s role in shaping the sound I’d always loved. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@timelesspoprocksoul me only a little less wee at 14. I too was smitten. Though I must say the picture on the C2Y album was not her best photo… be well and hope to see new stuff in the future.
The arrangement of "Close to You" is by Richard Carpenter, not Burt Bacharach - the Carpenters included on an album and in their concerts a tribute to Burt (also arranged by Richard) in the form of a medley of some of his best songs - here it is as performed on the BBC in 1971 (note Karen on drums, where she absolutely loved to be):
th-cam.com/video/O2uIMRgMm8c/w-d-xo.html
Yeah, I was going to say; Burt Bacharach had nothing to do with The Carpenters recording of Close to You outside of writing it seven years earlier. The earlier versions of the song are completely different from the arrangement that Richard came up with. The new time signature, the piano, bass, strings and amazing backing vocals; all Richard's arrangement. Burt didn't hear it until Herb Alpert played it to him over the phone after it was all finished.