David Archuleta Retrospective Series Part Twenty Three: Broken

by Pamela Pike and Rosanne Simunovic

http://youtu.be/pnUERsYTd0U

Pamela Pike's Recollections

As their sun sets, fear rises in Africa.

 “Broken” written by Jon Hunt and David Archuleta aims to draw attention to the devastation of a lost generation of children in a long civil war in Africa being abducted, used as soldiers and slaves.

Jon Hunt a lyrist went to junior high and high school with David and both feel so much for these children and through their original music they are trying to bring awareness and hope.  Music has a necessary part in social awareness; it’s a language we all can understand.

In this song David is able to capture the fear and sadness, but also the hope these children may have. Broken is uplifting, calming and haunting and although the lyrics and subject matter are extremely sad, the overall feel and tone is actually hopeful.

Stripping away lush strings sounds we have a piano and voice; with a soul wrenching vocal journey through this song that touches your heart.  It’s hard to celebrate the superb performance when you are lost in such profound sadness but David’s gentle and pained demeanor is as powerful as the overwhelming sadness of these abused children.  His beautiful sound is enhanced by his appropriate touch at the piano; his clear communication went straight to our heart leaving us stunned by his vocal beauty.

The composition gels well with the mood and lyrics, which touch your emotions.  His voice sounds amazing as ever beautiful and arresting that burrows deeply in the heart and mind.  His gift of song heals the soul.

How inspiring to see David Archuleta and Jon Hunt embrace these children and help create awareness for a positive influence.

Thank you for this beautiful song!

Rosanne Simunovic's Recollections

Broken was written by David Archuleta and Jon Hunt, in an effort to bring greater awareness to the horrendous plight and suffering endured by children around the world.
It is a simple, heartfelt melody - yet it remains in my mind long after the song ends. 

David's use of his angelic head voice during this number adds a sense of poignancy and vulnerability to the emotional core of this song. I could listen to him vocalize ascending and descending scales forever!  His voice is seamless and perfectly centred. Just beautiful!

At the 3:12 mark, a smile formed on my face while watching David sustain his vocal line with a more resounding purpose.  His head voice is at the core of his vocal delivery but, with the added muscle of his chest voice, we are treated to a gorgeous, more passionate moment in this number. 

And, technically, does it get much better than this?  The round mouth, the relaxed jaw, the openness of his facial features - all of these elements contribute to the beauty, depth and richness of his voice.

While listening to the fullness of his voice during the latter half of this song, I couldn't help but appreciate the contrast between the pure, soft head voice in the earlier portion of this song.  David fully understands the importance of nuance in his vocal performances.  It adds depth and dimension to the expressive delivery of this or any song.

As David conveys in this beautiful song, these courageous children are "broke but not broken".  And it is up to all of us to make certain that we can mend the cracks in our society which have led to this horrendous level of suffering and sorrow around the world.

Certainly, through music, we can delve deeper and discover the peace for which we are all striving and share it - somehow, somewhere - with the rest of the world.

Thank you David and Jon for composing such a beautiful and timely number.

The full version of Broken is available on iTunes.


Rosanne Simunovic
http://www.masterclasslady.com

http://www.granniethegeek.com

The Sounds of David Luncheon and Fan Mixer

If you missed The Sounds of David Luncheon and Fan Mixer on Saturday April 6, 2013 it was an amazing event experienced with many great performers.  Michael Orland and Dorian Holley took to the stage with “Man in the Mirror” and “My Funny Valentine” and Sunny Hilden our MC gave us “Dream Sky High.”

Newport Platinum Dance Academy provided us with three dancers, Stefani, Sarah and Nicole performing to David’s “Zero Gravity” and Aaron from TJ project with a little help from the audience played “Crush” on his Guitar. Mariner’s Elementary School Choir added their talents by singing “Nandito Ako” and their exuberant rendition of “Elevator”, was adorable. Our special guest speaker LDS President Brad Bowen gave us some insight on the sacrifices missionaries, including David make to serve on a two year mission. Videos from Dean Kaelin and Rosanne (MasterClass Lady) were highlights to the afternoon.

 Added to the excitement Kari Sellars dropped by with guest Jon Hunt who co-wrote “Broken” with David.  She mentioned through some tears how David will be back better than ever in 2014. 

But the shining stars were the children being sponsored from ChildFund International and those hospitalized at CMN Hospital (CHOC in Orange).  Guests sponsored many children and “Archubears” for a minimum donation were adopted and named by guests for those kids at CHOC Hospital.  I applaud the volunteers who took time out of their daily lives to man the charity tables.  Christine with Marilyn from ChildFund, and Maggie and Deborah from CMN Hospitals thank you for joining us.

 I received great feedback from Kate Nare Marketing Specialist from ChildFund Int. “Hi Pam, I heard from our volunteers that the David Archuleta event went very well. They sent me photos of the ChildFund table and it looked great.”

From Maggie Irias,  Development Coordinator - CMN Hospital (CHOC). “Hi Pamela, Thanks so much for having us, I truly had a blast and learned so much more on David’s sounds.  The Archubears were a hit! Choc is very grateful for all your efforts and once again, thank you – thank you!”

As the afternoon unfurled it was apparent everyone was having a good time and I was grateful for the opportunity to support David Archuleta and shadow a little of his big heart and give back to those in need. 

There is also a group of young teenagers who spent hours decorating, setting up and show casing the live auction items Carissa, Taylor, Savannah, Tatum and Jen.  The Sounds of David Committee and I thank them for their hard work and their efforts to focus on the charities and honor David Archuleta and his music.  David will need young fans like these when he returns to music in 2014. 

Various others need our Thanks such as Peter Rodriguez our DJ, Saul Dahli our sound engineer, Andre with Los Angeles Film Institute and many vendors and donors who contributed items for auction.  Also I wish to Thank Kelly Herbst our Marriott planner for all her hard work and patience.  

My job would not be finished if I didn’t Thank a group of women who donated personal time from family, work and free time to fulfill a vision.  They timelessly mulled over outlines, drafts, suggestions, pictures, ideas, dates, constant changes, long meetings, texting, phone calls and the 3:00 AM emails.  They are part of the heart that beats within me, special women who love and promote David’s music and honor David the man.  Thank you Cass, Julie, Lily and Madison for all your support and hard work and know you will forever be in my heart!