Merry Christmas Friends

          

           

 Before taking leave on a holiday trip I want to thank every one of you from friends online to old friends from the years past and to the entire David Archuleta fan base.  You have made a remarkable difference in my days that you couldn’t possibly understand.

I thank you, those that read my articles, for taking a few minutes from your busy schedule.

It seems like much more than one year’s worth of living took place since last Christmas. I have a strong feeling that 2014 is going to be a start of something amazing.

No words can tell you, the joy David Archuleta’s voice brings, it’s beyond description to hear an Angel sing. It’s unparalleled in sonic beauty and musical expression.  David’s music can take you from where you are now and gently ushers you towards where you wish to be.  His music holds our memories and opens our hearts.

I want to thank you David from the bottom of my heart for all you have given, but for you my heart has no bottom.

Our lives can be rich, difficult, scary and sometimes powerful and exhilarating.  These moments build our life.  I pray that everyone’s moments have purpose every single one of them, that your hearts will be full of love, warmth and you receive the kinds of gifts that don’t come under the tree, but come through words and moments truly lived.

Missing those we have lost this last year and who are now in Heaven as Angels.  This year we have lost remarkably heartfelt souls who passed from this world into the next.  We miss, love and thank them for changing our lives for the better.  May peace be upon their souls.

May your life be filled with love, happiness and inspiration on this Christmas day! 

 Love to all,

 Pamela Pike

David Archuleta Retrospective Series Part 22: "Ave Maria"

By Pamela Pike and Rosanne Simunovic

  http://youtu.be/rmxscmotcwo

 

Pamela Pike’s Recollections

Once again we find ourselves enmeshed in the Christmas season, that very special time of year when we join our loved ones in sharing old traditions.  What better way to celebrate the season than with David Archuleta’s “Ave Maria”.

It is a traditional Catholic prayer asking for the intercession of the Virgin Mary.  Ave Maria was composed in about 1825 by Franz Schubert (1797-1828) when he was 28 years old and filled with devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Schubert actually wrote the music from an excerpt from the poem, “The Lady of the Lake” by Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832).  In a letter to his father and stepmother Schubert refers to his music as “My new song from Scott’s Lady of the Lake especially had much success.  They also wondered greatly at my piety, which I expressed in a hymn to the Holy Virgin and which, it appears, grips every soul and turns it to devotion.”

David performs the most beautiful rendition of the Ave Maria I’ve ever heard it expresses a reverence of prayer and brings tears to my eyes every time.  It’s truly magnificent. As the lights dim and David begins to perform I am truly overpowered by the feeling of this song, it has a tremendous emotional pull.  Nothing stirs my heart more than David singing Ave Maria.

You cannot but admire his music, the singing, the holiness in the moments your ears listen to such a mixture of sounds.  While David sings with technical proficiency he appeals to his audience with emotional intensity.

Ave Maria is a song that illustrates a melody and dynamics that make’s David’s voice shine with a musical euphoria that beyond description.

David’s talent is a gift to the world nothing short of heavenly, it almost brings one to their knees it’s so glorious.  Very few singers can attain the pitch control necessary to sing such a demanding song without musical accompaniment except for David.

Music is an expression of thought and emotion and David has the ability to speak to us deeply and uniquely by putting your feelings into words or phrases that usually you wouldn’t be able to do just by speaking.  His music has a way of stirring our innermost feelings and all of our senses, tapping into parts of ourselves unlike anything else. 

David Archuleta’s voice is pure magic and his rendition of the traditional carols is wonderful. His heart is a giving heart, a wide open heart that thinks of others first.  His “Christmas from the Heart” album is a feel good Christmas experience that reflects his giving heart and shouldn’t be missed.

http://youtu.be/GybMaV5NeEQ

Rosanne Simunovic's Recollections

On October 17th, 2009, I had the pleasure to review David's beautiful CD, "Christmas From The Heart. It is an absolutely gorgeous CD and a "must have" recording to have in your Christmas music library.  

From track to track, David's voice is absolutely beautiful and his spiritual connection to the music is immediately transferred to the listener in a way that only David can achieve. 

His recording of Gounod's Ave Maria was heartfelt and ethereal. This is what I had to say about this gorgeous recording during my review of "Christmas From The Heart" four  years ago:

"The exceptional voices of the Salt Lake Children’s Choir provided the a cappella opening strains to this beloved prayer by Charles Gounod/J.S.Bach.  Their voices sounded angelic and true – nothing beats the sound of an exceptionally well-rehearsed children’s choir. Their addition perfectly established the reverent mood of this song.

And, as David began to sing, I have to say I was thoroughly impressed with his Latin diction. He is one of the handful of singers who correctly pronounced “Gratia“.  In  the countless number of performances of this song I have heard over the years, the singers always pronounce this word with the Italian diction – “grazia” -and not the Latin.  Drives me crazy! But, I digress!

This is a very difficult song, but David mastered the technical pitfalls very well. The breathing spots in this song needed to be firmly established or the phrasing could sound fragmented.

The song moved along quite beautifully and he managed his breathing very efficiently. Good for him! This is a very difficult song and, yet, he performed this song exceptionally well.

At the end of the first verse, the Salt Lake Children’s Choir added their gorgeous harmonies, followed by David’s more soulful rendition of the second verse of this song. And this time around, the choir provided beautiful background to his solo voice and, as a result, the song truly flowed to another dimension.

I loved the melodic variation he incorporated into the original line – just enough to say “wow” but not too much to detract from the original beauty of the original composition.

I always love listening to David weave his vocal magic and artistry through well-known song material.  He is an extremely innovative vocal artist and sings with a maturity far beyond his years.

This was a stellar performance! Can you come and sing at my Church? (smile)"

Rosanne Simunovic

http://www.masterclasslady.com

David Archuleta Retrospective Series Part Twenty One - O Holy Night

by Pamela Pike and Rosanne Simunovic

"O Holy Night" was composed by Adolphe C. Adam in 1847 to the French Christmas poem "Midnight Christians" by Placide Cappeau.  It was translated into English by Unitarian Minister John Sullivan Dwight, editor of Dwight's Journal of Music in 1855.  The Carol's text reflects on the birth of Jesus and of mankind's redemption.

On Christmas Eve 1906 Canadian inventor Reginald Fessenden broadcasted the first AM radio program and played "O Holy Night" on the violin, making the popular carol the first piece of music to be broadcast on radio.  The carol has been covered by artists from just about every style of music.

Every Christmas for the last five years, I look forward to listening to one of David's songs, "O Holy Night".  I can't describe what he does with this Christmas classic.  It is overwhelming for me to listen to him and especially when I watch him in concert.

When watching and listening to this song I get a very emotional feeling.  I am totally used up, drained of energy and I sit in awe with tears in my eyes.  He is very stirring and memorable and delivers it with such majesty and meaning.

David starts this song off in a smooth and reverent low tone and slowly builds it up to sounds that truly are heavenly.  Listen to it; at one point it seems it's no longer David but something greater belting out those incredible notes.

For a few minutes I am spellbound hearing "O Holy Night" being sung like I had never heard it before and stunned with the beauty of his rendition and wondered if I would ever hear him sing it again.  It's difficult to stay true to an original yet somehow still put your stamp on the end product, but David Archuleta has accomplished what most singers can't.  He sings carols so sincerely and solemnly it's divine.  He has the ability to conjure images so vivid; you need only to close your eyes in order to see that holy scene.

Anyone who believes in the special day of Christmas must listen to "O Holy Night" as performed by David Archuleta at least once in a lifetime.  It's unbelievable!

David singing carols reminds me that Christmas should be a time when opening our hearts, is as important as opening our gifts.

   

Rosanne Simunovic's Recollections

On December 7th, 2008, I had the opportunity to review David's beautiful video performance of "O Holy Night", as featured in the first video accompanying this article.

He performed this number during the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Los Angeles. Oh how I wish I could have been there.  This is what I had to say: 

"It doesn’t get much better than this.  David Archuleta rendered an inspirational performance of O Holy Night at the Holiday Of  Hope Tree Lighting Ceremony in Los Angeles this weekend.

His interpretation of this beloved classic carol was absolutely gorgeous and I especially fell in love with his creative melodic twists to the original melody during the second verse. It was just beautiful and truly came from the depths of his soul. This is how this song was intended to be sung – with reverence and respect for the lyrics.

David’s performance was tasteful, sincere and ringing with a consummate blend of vocal artistry and technical skills. His sustaining ability, coupled with his liberated soulful style, always ceases to amaze me – it is absolutely stellar.

Magnificent Masterclass performance David! Bravo!"

And, in the spirit of giving, as we approach yet another Christmas season, I would like to add a few more comments in relation to the second video performance of this beautiful carol. 

On this occasion,  a more mature and refined David performs this song in Salt Lake City in 2011.  It is interesting to note, while watching this video, how much David's voice has developed in the three years that passed between these two exceptional performances.

Before I begin, however, I have to say that the glowing confidence and poise he displays during the instrumental introduction to this song is a joy to behold. The spirit of the music possesses his soul before he even opens his mouth, banishing any doubt that this song is going to be a Masterclass Performance - in all respects- once again. 

And, even before he starts to sing, it is evident that he is breathing fully and deeply from the diaphragm, engaging and energizing those muscles to start the process of proper vocal support.

And, look how relaxed his shoulders are!  They never move up and down while he breathes, but rather stay quite stationary and free, thus signalling the absence of tension in the upper part of his body.

However, interestingly enough, once he begins to sing, his shoulders start the old heave-ho, but I feel this is due, in part, to the vocal cord paralysis that he continually fights to overcome in his performances.
Yet, he still stays true to the bel canto vocal regimen, gluing his voice to the purest of vowels, allowing his expressive voice to grow and stretch through the lovely phrase lines.

As he begins the second verse, the look on his face is truly transcendent - one of absolute joy, purely happy.  I love his creative twist on the words "And His gospel is peace" - he took his voice to a place that I never heard before in previous performances of this song by other artists. Again, the Archuleta Vision!

And what can I say about the "Christ is The Lord" refrain?  How about breathtaking, controlled vocal delivery mixed with deeply ingrained passion?  It does not get better than this - no way, no how. 

And the creative risks he takes when entering the higher melodic line during this part of the song is absolutely incredible. He twists and turns and does somersaults with his voice, all the while remaining true to the spiritual intention of the song. 

Finally, David's round mouth and relaxed jaw when sustaining his vowels, particularly the trickier ones like the "eh" vowel in "Noel", give proof to the fact that this circular shape is key to exceptional tuning and clairvoyant, liberated vocals. Plus the relaxation in the face and upper body focuses the energy and support in the lower body, where it belongs.

Merry Masterclass Christmas to you David.  Thanks for reminding all of us what Masterclass singing is all about. Bravo!

Rosanne Simunovic
Grandmother to the best four grandchildren in the Universe because they are mine and I said so! Ha!

David Archuleta - Audio Slideshow Part Two from Sounds of David event in April 2013

As promised here is Part Two of the slideshow from SOD event last April 2013.  This collection of images gives us many sides of David Archuleta's good looks and how even the inexperienced photographer captures his beauty within. 

Enjoy!

http://youtu.be/_VW5b_pbtSM

 

 

 

 

 

 

David Archuleta Retrospective Series Part Twenty: Somewhere Only We Know

By Pamela Pike and Rosanne Simunovic

Video

For as long as people have been making and recording music, people have been covering and reinterpreting music.  While many covers are forgettable and easily dismissed, there are those that are so successful that they eclipse the source material. Some covers are so exceptional they way outshine their predecessors.

“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane, from the album “Hopes and Fears” is a song about being able to draw strength from a place or experience you’ve shared with someone. Tim Rice-Oxley said when writing the song he left it to be ambiguous, but has thought of it as sort of an escape as a good memory or a favorite place.

David Archuleta is back again with his unique vocal style and takes this song up a notch, it’s gorgeous with true grandeur and an exciting great crescendo. It has a certain uniqueness packed with energy and a surging rhythmical intro.

The piano was clean and crisp with magnificent pounding chords with a climax, his vibrato very sexy and nice, he makes it better.

David always gives you the attitude that it is the music that matters. You just need to look at David and when you look at him you have to ask what is he communicating musically and spiritually that’s making your heart, soul and spirit evolve.  No one can deny his love for what he does.

This song stays in your head and heart – David’s own style and the song stick in my head for days, it’s a beautiful melodic song and it blows me away. It’s an amazing song and I can’t stop listening to it again and again, it’s like a soothing dream.  This song recalls bitter sweet memories and letting go something so close to your heart, it makes me cry and I tear up every time I hear it.  When David sings this song I get goose bumps.  It is one of the most haunting songs I’ve heard in a long time. 

David moves this song through you with effortless excellence and his passion for what he believes comes out in the strength of his music whether it is personal or public. He can sing any song and make it his own.

This cover is one of many from his “Begin” album that demonstrates his versatility and creative ability while keeping the song’s original intent.  He shows such intensity and intimacy, this song is unique and different with brilliant gifts waiting to be embraced. You will find “Somewhere Only We Know” a song worthy of the repeat button.


 Rosanne Simunovic's Recollections

What initially struck me regarding David's very fine vocal delivery of this song is that he pretty much sings the entire song in his mature falsetto range.

Around the 2:00 mark or so, one gets a glimmer of his rich lower voice, but he doesn't stay there too long.  Before you know it, David's voice escapes to the upper range and just floats with such buoyancy and focus that it almost defies logic.

However, at the basis of this beautiful, heartfelt vocal delivery is a strong technical foundation.

I love listening to the purity and clarity of David's head voice - it reminds me of the youthful, free spirit inhabiting his soul and I think this is what makes his voice so very special.  He can sing with rich, powerful and passionate vocals if the songs warrants or else he can inhabit a more peaceful approach, almost angelic when interpreting a song.

David adopts the latter approach with this song and, in doing so, the impact of the lyrics are more profound and tangible. The words are never lost because David makes them central to the delivery of this song.

And, even though the background accompaniment is more forceful, David wisely refuses to go there with his voice.  Rather he uses the background music to lend drive to the forward momentum of the music. By doing so, we are treated to a performance brimming with dynamic range - the powerful musical background providing color and contrast to David's ethereal vocal quality.

His phrasing is so musical - he knows when to breathe and always does so without disturbing the natural ebb and flow of the phrase line. The breathing is crucial in this song because the control is so important given that he stays full force in his head voice range.

He makes this sound so easy when, in fact, it is very, very difficult. To sustain a performance solely in the upper range of one's voice is risky and requires confidence and skill, both of which David fully possesses.

I am sure David played with a few keys to make certain that this particular key was just perfect for this performance. However, at the end of the day, his strong work ethic, his intelligent musical approach and his consummate artistry elevates this song to a very high level.

This was a very beautiful, heartfelt and impressive performance by this very gifted young man.



Rosanne Simunovic
Grandmother to the best four grandchildren in the Universe because they are mine and I said so! Ha!

David Archuleta - Audio Slideshow Part One from Sounds of David event in April 2013.

Many fans were not able to attend our event back in April 2013 so we decided to share a couple of the slideshows we put together.  This first one is Part One which gives us the fun and whimsical side of David Archuleta in a collection of beautiful images over the last several years

. 

Part Two we will follow sometime when you least expect it!

Enjoy!

http://youtu.be/zCmzGS5vcfk

Aaron Paul - I'll Be Waiting

A must see with included images of David Archuleta!  Thank you Aaron!

Aaron Paul Composer @AaronPaulSongs             @pikepssI remasteredI'll Be Waiting. Pleaseshareittohisfans. youtube.com/watch?v=Qa56zm…         06:08 AM - 22 Sep 13

David Archuleta More Than Just A Pebble

 

Every one of us is put in this world to contribute and make a difference.

David Archuleta makes a difference in the lives of others in ways big and small, not for attention or gain but rather because he believes it is the right thing to do.  He has an uncanny ability to recognize the important things in life.  He realizes each day you have an opportunity to begin an important journey and that obstacles can become opportunities.

It’s more than kindness it's about the essence and the power of his compassion.  He has had a far greater impact on way more people than he realizes.  We have all blossomed under the encouragement of David Archuleta.

When we listen to David’s music we share his feelings on a spiritual and emotional level, we share in the elation of songs and joy and happiness that reminds us of a particular happy time.  He has inspired us daily to live our dreams and accomplish our goals.

The mainstream media sometimes forgets that it’s takes more than an ego to be a success and David Archuleta is a success in more ways than can be described. 

His effect on our lives is more than just a ripple, a splash or an echo of music dancing in our hearts; it’s about love, passion and our souls connecting as one.

The following poem by James W. Foley must have been written with David in mind.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Drop A Pebble In The Water

Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and it is gone; But there's half-a-hundred ripples Circling on and on and on, Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea. And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be. Drop a pebble in the water: in a minute you forget, But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet, And those little waves a-flowing to a great big wave have grown; You've disturbed a mighty river just by dropping in a stone. Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute it is gone;  But there's half-a-hundred ripples    circling on and on and on.      They keep spreading, spreading, spreading        from the center as they go,          And there is no way to stop them,             once you've started them to flow.               Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute you forget; But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet, And perhaps in some sad heart a mighty wave of tears you've stirred, And disturbed a life was happy ere you dropped that unkind word. Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash and it is gone; But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on, Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave Till you wouldn't believe the volume of the one kind word you gave. Drop a word of cheer and kindness: in a minute you forget;  But there's gladness still a-swelling,    and there's joy circling yet,      And you've rolled a wave of comfort        whose sweet music can be heard          Over miles and miles of water             just by dropping one kind word.               ~By James W. Foley~D

David Archuleta Retrospective Series Part Nineteen: Gotta Get Through This

By Pamela Pike and Rosanne Simunovic

http://youtu.be/tMrlUgHTB9Q

Pamela Pike's Recollections

“Gotta Get Thru This” is a title of a song by artist Daniel Bedingfield. It was released November 26, 2001 as a single from his album of the same name.  It was one of the biggest hits in the UK and went to number one on the UK singles chart in 2001 and 2002.  It was also his most successful US single peaking at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Jazz is inspired by one’s passion, and its unique expression is drawn from life experiences and human emotion and David’s much loved jazzy cover of “Gotta Get Thru This” is pure genius.  He being so young and giving his heart and soul to make this song come across is phenomenal; you feel every line he sings, he really means it.

There are those moments that David and listeners are so into the music that time itself seems to be suspended. He can evoke vulnerability with a real sense of grace.

GTT not only shows how good he is, but how his talent extends far beyond one genre. David can sing circles around anyone today. He has learned to create something all his own with his dynamic style, lush voice, versatility and good looks.

He has achieved acclaim for his rich voice, and presence as a live performer.  He has a great stylistic range with his powerful bluesy singing which is soulful and classy.

His singing is brilliantly relaxed and his tenderness and fire leaves you wanting more.  David’s voice and personality give you a flawless pitch every time with precise diction and phrasing.

Conveyed in a variety of ways David can interpret emotion in a way only he can with his natural gift from inside.  His voice has a smooth and sophisticated resonance which can be bluesy and soulful with a depth in range that appears as if it comes in a direction from the soul.

He can croon a ballad and articulate it in a unique way. He can also be strong and sassy that seems to come out of another place of uniqueness.

His fusion of jazz and pop that makes this song all his own suggests that his enormous talent is still on a rising arc of creativity.

Rosanne Simunovic's Recollections

Well, well, well!  What have we here?  David showing yet another side to his ever expanding genre base.

By now, I have listened to David sing many songs in many different genres. However, "Gotta Get Thru This" has impressed me in a very different way. And in a very good way.

The jazz-infused, almost reggae feel to this song challenges David to explore the musical depth of his artistry.  This is a very sophisticated song, one that would lose momentum and meaning on an artist who does not understand or appreciate the complexity of the interpretive delivery.

However, in David, this song has found a new and very comfortable, albeit magnificent, home - one with lots of creative decor within the walls of its foundation.

This song fully allows David to tap into his musical genius, to dig very deep and squeeze every ounce of artistic vision and skill.

His imaginative and perceptive approach is so well suited for this multi-dimensional song composition. The jazz idiom is an extremely complex genre and it requires a singer who, not only possesses a stellar technical foundation, but also is not afraid to take risks.

And David totally understands this - he is so fully "in the moment" when he performs this song and never allows his artistic focus or attention to detail to waver.

I also love how he explores the depth of his vocal range - in the first half of this song, we hear the richness of his lower range, yet, as the song moves along, his range ascends  to his gorgeous head voice register. 

David really knows how to utilize and mix the head voice component throughout his range, adding just enough chest voice to give muscle and verve to his vocal timbre. That seamless vocal quality is what sets David apart from so many of the other artists in the music business.  Plus the very fact that he has the courage, confidence and chops to sing live!  Yes, live and faultless!

The lyrics in this song come alive because David is the consummate storyteller.  His narrative approach draws the listener in and one cannot help but be moved by the expressive manner in which he communicates this song.

This performance is an exceptional tour de force and quite possibly one of the most masterful performances I have ever seen from David.

And, considering the fact that everything he touches with his vocal gift is transformed for the better, that is saying a lot wouldn't you say?

David - this was a Masterclass Performance.  Standing O all the way!

Rosanne Simunovic

David Archuleta Retrospective Series Part Eighteen: Forevermore

By Pamela Pike and Rosanne Simuonvic

Pamela Pike's Recollections

Can some popular Filipino pop ballads from the 1980’s and 1990’s create that romantic evening with your special someone?  Love is such an exciting feeling that should be celebrated and decorated with words and feelings and David’s tribute of “Forevermore” to the Filipino writers give you a musical ecstasy you won’t forget.

Love songs have a way of capturing the heart and soul of our emotions and David’s vocal talent really rises to a vocal masterpiece of emotion.  This love song declares his undying affection; this song inspires you to love. Musically, this song is choice, striking, moving and full of emotion.

As soon as he is heard your breath quickens and a smile appears.  Within a fleeting moment his music connects you to our emotions and your heart goes on a journey to the moon.

Romance isn’t always about diamonds and roses sometimes it’s as simple as honesty and sincerity.  David’s singing is modest and magical and his love for music is tangible.

David envelopes each phrase with nimble precision, nuance and with his beautiful voice and sexy dimples he aims at your heart.  He can find a personality in a song and make it his own.

His plush flow of his vibrato vocal cords and his sultry vocals are strong and right on pitch.  His phrasing is crisp and he rides the melodies with perception with a silky sensuous sound.

David is boyishly handsome yet there is a maturity about David that holds adults as well as older teens and his voice and presence seems to stir the romantic imagination of his fans.

His voice is like no other, his technique is masterful, and has a unique quality that is engaging.  He just opens his mouth and beautiful sounds come out without relying on gimmicks. David’s singing brings out the romantic streak that is deep down inside all of us.

His Press Release Dated March 9, 2012 from Ivory Music & Video stated, “The album pays tribute to not only OPM but also to his countless fans who have been loyal throughout his career.  The album is a gift & labor of love to his devoted fans.  David wants his fans to know that he loves and appreciates them wherever he may go.  Forevermore.”

One hopes that after his two year Mission he returns to music, the sooner, the better, as;

There are times when I just want to look at your face......

Rosanne Simunovic's Recollections

David has an incredible knack for finding songs that we can all fall in love with!  And, Forevermore is a perfect example of this. 

From the opening strains of this song, we are transported into a world of pure and complete love.  David's voice is so heartfelt and perfect for this song - he captures the emotion as one would capture a butterfly with a net - just sweeping the air gently until he can hold it in the palm of his hand and the stillness of his heart.  

His clear head voice flawlessly ascends the scale-like passages in this song with no evidence of a break in his vocal range.   It just floats from his mouth so easily and, yet, we all know that there is a strong technical foundation guiding the entire vocal process. 

And don't you love his expressive face and his subtle hand and arm movements throughout this number?  He exudes such a sincere and genuine charisma that one cannot help but fall in love with him and his artistic delivery of this song. 

The gentle nuances, the exquisite phrasing, the clarity of the words, David's relaxed, yet passionate, demeanor gives this performance video a timeless quality, one to be savored in order to alleviate the trials and tribulations of everyday life. 

However, it is also a joyful song, a tribute, to celebrate the happiest of occasions - like weddings or anniversaries!  A song for all seasons so to speak. 

And, speaking of happy occasions, today - August 2nd- my husband and I are celebrating our 44th Wedding Anniversary and I can't think of a more appropriate and beautiful song to ring in this special day than David's version of "Forevermore" 

On April 7, 2012, I had the privilege of reviewing this video performance and  "http://masterclasslady.com/2012/04/07/david-archuletas-inspiring-new-video-forevermore/"

"In the midst of all the singing competitions, if you feel that you need to be reminded about what a passionate and gifted singer sounds like, then press play on the video above.

I guarantee you that David Archuleta’s performance of his new song, “Forevermore” will move you in a very special way.

He sings like angel and communicates this song with sensitivity and artistry.

Those ascending scales in the melodic line are vocalized by David with expressive clarity and precision He really understands the importance of head voice – he moves up and down through the melodic line with pitch-perfect ease and consistent focus. His voice sounds seamless and pure at every step of the way during this performance.

Play this song before you head off to bed. David’s soothing voice will relax and inspire you before you sleep.

Or, if you are reading this during the day, then rest assured that this video will absolutely banish any level of stress you are presently experiencing."

Truer words never spoken!  David is an absolute treasure and, over time, his sublime talent will be recognized the world over. One cannot avoid excellence - it always rises to the top!

Rosanne Simunovic

Grandmother to the best four grandchildren in the Universe because they are mine and I said so! Ha!

David Archuleta Retrospective Series Part Eighteen: Forevermore

By Pamela Pike and Rosanne Simunovic

Pamela Pike's Recollections

 

 

http://youtu.be/QYIwAwiKW-g]

Can some popular Filipino pop ballads from the 1980’s and 1990’s create that romantic evening with your special someone?  Love is such an exciting feeling that should be celebrated and decorated with words and feelings and David’s tribute of “Forevermore” to the Filipino writers give you a musical ecstasy you won’t forget.

Love songs have a way of capturing the heart and soul of our emotions and David’s vocal talent really rises to a vocal masterpiece of emotion.  This love song declares his undying affection; this song inspires you to love. Musically, this song is choice, striking, moving and full of emotion.

As soon as he is heard your breath quickens and a smile appears.  Within a fleeting moment his music connects you to our emotions and your heart goes on a journey to the moon.

Romance isn’t always about diamonds and roses sometimes it’s as simple as honesty and sincerity.  David’s singing is modest and magical and his love for music is tangible.

David envelopes each phrase with nimble precision, nuance and with his beautiful voice and sexy dimples he aims at your heart.  He can find a personality in a song and make it his own.

His plush flow of his vibrato vocal cords and his sultry vocals are strong and right on pitch.  His phrasing is crisp and he rides the melodies with perception with a silky sensuous sound.

David is boyishly handsome yet there is a maturity about David that holds adults as well as older teens and his voice and presence seems to stir the romantic imagination of his fans.

His voice is like no other, his technique is masterful, and has a unique quality that is engaging.  He just opens his mouth and beautiful sounds come out without relying on gimmicks. David’s singing brings out the romantic streak that is deep down inside all of us.

His Press Release Dated March 9, 2012 from Ivory Music & Video stated, “The album pays tribute to not only OPM but also to his countless fans who have been loyal throughout his career.  The album is a gift & labor of love to his devoted fans.  David wants his fans to know that he loves and appreciates them wherever he may go.  Forevermore.”

One hopes that after his two year Mission he returns to music, the sooner, the better, as;

There are times when I just want to look at your face......

 

Rosanne Simunovic's Recollections

David has an incredible knack for finding songs that we can all fall in love with!  And, Forevermore is a perfect example of this. 

From the opening strains of this song, we are transported into a world of pure and complete love.  David's voice is so heartfelt and perfect for this song - he captures the emotion as one would capture a butterfly with a net - just sweeping the air gently until he can hold it in the palm of his hand and the stillness of his heart.  

His clear head voice flawlessly ascends the scale-like passages in this song with no evidence of a break in his vocal range.   It just floats from his mouth so easily and, yet, we all know that there is a strong technical foundation guiding the entire vocal process. 

And don't you love his expressive face and his subtle hand and arm movements throughout this number?  He exudes such a sincere and genuine charisma that one cannot help but fall in love with him and his artistic delivery of this song. 

The gentle nuances, the exquisite phrasing, the clarity of the words, David's relaxed, yet passionate, demeanor gives this performance video a timeless quality, one to be savored in order to alleviate the trials and tribulations of everyday life. 

However, it is also a joyful song, a tribute, to celebrate the happiest of occasions - like weddings or anniversaries!  A song for all seasons so to speak. 

And, speaking of happy occasions, today - August 2nd- my husband and I are celebrating our 44th Wedding Anniversary and I can't think of a more appropriate and beautiful song to ring in this special day than David's version of "Forevermore" 

On April 7, 2012, I had the privilege of reviewing this video performance and "http://masterclasslady.com/2012/04/07/david-archuletas-inspiring-new-video-forevermore

"In the midst of all the singing competitions, if you feel that you need to be reminded about what a passionate and gifted singer sounds like, then press play on the video above.

I guarantee you that David Archuleta’s performance of his new song, “Forevermore” will move you in a very special way.

He sings like angel and communicates this song with sensitivity and artistry.

Those ascending scales in the melodic line are vocalized by David with expressive clarity and precision He really understands the importance of head voice – he moves up and down through the melodic line with pitch-perfect ease and consistent focus. His voice sounds seamless and pure at every step of the way during this performance.

Play this song before you head off to bed. David’s soothing voice will relax and inspire you before you sleep.

Or, if you are reading this during the day, then rest assured that this video will absolutely banish any level of stress you are presently experiencing."

Truer words never spoken!  David is an absolute treasure and, over time, his sublime talent will be recognized the world over. One cannot avoid excellence - it always rises to the top!

Rosanne Simunovic

Grandmother to the best four grandchildren in the Universe because they are mine and I said so! Ha!