Steve Perry writing music

[Perrylover]

Matthew - Not everyone sees brilliance in the same place. If the music doesn't reach their soul and move them, you are not ever going to convince them. Why try? It only matters what you feel. I was just reading Nuno's comment about working with Steve:

Nuno - "It was a thrill. Steve was singing and I was playing an acoustic guitar. He just started improvising lines over a chord progression that I had written and I just kept getting lost in his vocals. He is such an amazing talent."

I can well relate to "getting lost in his vocals." Cyndy & I have had the pleasure of watching him work in the studio on a few occasions. During the remastering of the 1981 Houston concert, we were sitting in this small little room at the recording studio, just SP, the engineer and Cyndy & I. The video was playing and Steve & the engineer were working on getting the mix just right. In walks John Kalodner. THE John Kalodner. He sits down and they cue up the play-back of "Open Arms" for him.

Steve is sitting there with his eyes closed while the song is playing and I know he's somewhere else at that moment. The song ends and everyone is sitting in stunned silence. I have tears in my eyes (and "Open Arms" isn't even a favorite of mine.) John Kalodner - a guy who's seen and heard everything - is blown away. Brilliance. Magic.

Yes, I believe that Steve is brilliant and that there will never be another like him. I am grateful to have his recordings and will be thrilled if he decides to record again. But I don't care if others feel the same way. That is their personal preference. But guess what? Not everyone who DOES feel it is a loon.

Thank you so much for sharing that with us Lora, the things that you and Cyndy are able to share with us are always a pleasure to read. I have been a fan since 1978, and always try to share my love of his music, but if someone else can't feel what I do, that's fine as well. I try to have respect for the feelings of others because chances are I wouldn't understand the feelings they get from the music they may be partial to. It's a big world afterall, and there is lots of room for all kinds of music.

Deb

[Perrylover]

You guys are SO lucky to have heard Steve singing in that way. The closest we can get is the "Missing You" song writing session...just brilliant. Really, it is rare that most of us get to hear a singer (especially one so gifted as SP) in such an intimate way. I'm just a fan - I'm not involved in music, I don't have family or friends involved in music, so I can only imagine how wonderful. It is like being moved by a painting or sculpture, but one only gets PART of the experience...how fantastic it would be to actually see the magical process of a masterpiece?

You are right Silver, while my contact with the behind the scenes part of live music is not on the level of a world famous band, I do have some wonderful friends that are in a band. Knowing them has provided me with a look at just how much blood, sweat and tears actually goes into that 3-4 hour show. It puts a new perspective on all music, even that which I don't care for.

Deb

[sindee67]

Yes, I believe that Steve is brilliant and that there will never be another like him. I am grateful to have his recordings and will be thrilled if he decides to record again. But I don't care if others feel the same way. That is their personal preference. But guess what? Not everyone who DOES feel it is a loon.

So very well said, Lora. Add me to this way of thinking.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!

[scarygirl]

Ah, the teasing you do. Sometimes it hurts. I hope, I hope. Count me in that Loon Number.

BTW - I can CONFIRM that Nuno has written with Steve in 2007. More info if and when possible.

[7 Wishes]

I'm reminded of the scene in "The Wedding Singer" where Sandler's somewhat ex-girlfriend spends the night at his place and she dons his Van Halen T-shirt when she wakes up the next morning.

"Take that shirt off!! You're gonna jinx the band, and then they're gonna break up!"

Keeping all my fingers crossed...and again, I reiterate...for those who claim Steve was "done" in 1983, you just need to go back and listen to "Trial By Fire". I know a lot of Journey fans who share my sentiment that he never sounded better than he did in 1998. I'm convinced he will sound just as amazing, albeit with a slightly diminished range. He has more soul in his voice than he ever has.

If I get burned on this, and Van Halen doesn't tour this summer, I'm going to drop "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" from my band's set list.

[Lora]

I reiterate...for those who claim Steve was "done" in 1983, you just need to go back and listen to "Trial By Fire". I know a lot of Journey fans who share my sentiment that he never sounded better than he did in 1998. I'm convinced he will sound just as amazing, albeit with a slightly diminished range. He has more soul in his voice than he ever has.

My sentiments exactly.

[L~L~L]

BTW - I can CONFIRM that Nuno has written with Steve in 2007. More info if and when possible.

Can't hardly wait!! Whatever it may be am sure it will great.

[sindee67]

I reiterate...for those who claim Steve was "done" in 1983, you just need to go back and listen to "Trial By Fire". I know a lot of Journey fans who share my sentiment that he never sounded better than he did in 1998. I'm convinced he will sound just as amazing, albeit with a slightly diminished range. He has more soul in his voice than he ever has.

My sentiments exactly.

I have to say that TBF is one of my favorites..If not MY FAVORITE.
I'm partial to INFINITY AND CAPTURED AND DEPARTURE... Those hold such GREAT MEMORIES for me....

[SteveForever]

BTW - I can CONFIRM that Nuno has written with Steve in 2007. More info if and when possible.

That's what I'm talkin 'bout!!!!!

[Playitloudforme]

BTW - I can CONFIRM that Nuno has written with Steve in 2007. More info if and when possible.

Oh, Lord, I think you just made a lot of Loons squawk.

Not so much of a squawk then a squeal. And a Happy Snoopy Dance.

[Memorex]

I was able to sit in on a Steve Perry sound-check at his first show in '94 (thank you again Lora). I know I will never witness another talent like that. Whatever you want to say about range and age, etc, the guy can just plain sing. And it's not just the voice, it's the integrity he injects into what he does. Listening to him, even during a soundcheck, you know where that music and those words come from.

I was talking with the guy running the sound board afterwards, a veteran in the business. He said that sound check was the most amazing thing he had ever seen, vocally.

By far - BY FAR - Trial By Fire is my favorite Journey album. It has more soul than any other Journey album before or after, in my opinion. I was listening to "It's Just The Rain" tonight. Brilliant! And I feel like that album is some of Schon's and Cain's best work as well. Definitely the best writing, in my opinion, of that line up.

My thought is that Steve Perry has something to give that comes from a deeper spot than most singers working today. And no matter what his range or ability, what he can offer has a lot more substance. Case in point, Johnny Cash's last album. Nearly spoken. Weaker voice. Very substantial value.

I am not a loon. I disliked Arival and Generations not because Steve Perry was gone, but because they were albums Journey could have written and performed in their sleep. They did not move me at all. I'm hoping the next one either moves me on some level, or rocks me (i.e. Back in Black).

Anyway, my original point - I'm very confident that anything Steve Perry touches these days will either have integrity, or sit on a shelf and never see the light of day.

[Ms_M]

BTW - I can CONFIRM that Nuno has written with Steve in 2007. More info if and when possible.

Oh, Lord, I think you just made a lot of Loons squawk.

Not so much of a squawk then a squeal. And a Happy Snoopy Dance.

This is completely OT, but I LOVE the Happy Snoopy Dance!!!

[tammy]

BTW - I can CONFIRM that Nuno has written with Steve in 2007. More info if and when possible.

Cool. Here's to wishing & hoping we may hear him, but if not, at least he is having fun in the creativity. (Andrew, what is your avatar?)

[Andrew]

BTW - I can CONFIRM that Nuno has written with Steve in 2007. More info if and when possible.

Cool. Here's to wishing & hoping we may hear him, but if not, at least he is having fun in the creativity. (Andrew, what is your avatar?)

There is an update (of sorts) on the frontpage now about this.

And as for the Avatar.....Ah! Just part of what I have been working on...all to be revealed soon....the Wombat will return....

[7 Wishes]

So now I'm having fantasies about a tour with Steve, Nuno...and in my alternate universe, Gregg and Smitty. OK, I'm not smoking reefer. My son has demanded we cuddle to sleep listening to Journey...specifically, DSB and IHSBYH. We'll be there, front row center!




DAVID'S BEST DEREK SMALLS IMITATION



GOTTA WORK ON THAT FINGERING



JUST FELL ASLEEP TO "DON'T STOP BELIEVIN'"

[*Laura]

Andrew,thanks for taking the time to find out more about the Nuno-Steve news and thank you for confirming.
I sure hope some great songs will emerge out of this collaboration.It would be such a treat.


7,your kiddo is a sweetheart! Nice pics!

Btw,front row center is what I'm thinking about too!

[yulog]

[Jenna]

I try not to get all threatened and envious about other people's talent. How does this apply to Perry? Well, I'd say it applies to Perry and Schon.

Matthew - Not everyone sees brilliance in the same place. If the music doesn't reach their soul and move them, you are not ever going to convince them. Why try? It only matters what you feel. I was just reading Nuno's comment about working with Steve:

Nuno - "It was a thrill. Steve was singing and I was playing an acoustic guitar. He just started improvising lines over a chord progression that I had written and I just kept getting lost in his vocals. He is such an amazing talent."

I can well relate to "getting lost in his vocals." Cyndy & I have had the pleasure of watching him work in the studio on a few occasions. During the remastering of the 1981 Houston concert, we were sitting in this small little room at the recording studio, just SP, the engineer and Cyndy & I. The video was playing and Steve & the engineer were working on getting the mix just right. In walks John Kalodner. THE John Kalodner. He sits down and they cue up the play-back of "Open Arms" for him.

Steve is sitting there with his eyes closed while the song is playing and I know he's somewhere else at that moment. The song ends and everyone is sitting in stunned silence. I have tears in my eyes (and "Open Arms" isn't even a favorite of mine.) John Kalodner - a guy who's seen and heard everything - is blown away. Brilliance. Magic.

Yes, I believe that Steve is brilliant and that there will never be another like him. I am grateful to have his recordings and will be thrilled if he decides to record again. But I don't care if others feel the same way. That is their personal preference. But guess what? Not everyone who DOES feel it is a loon.

Well written Lora------Thank you---touched my heart strings-----

[scarygirl]

Thank you sooooooooo much Andrew. I know one shouldn't read too much into this but, as a loon I must say, "Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

[Matthew]

I try not to get all threatened and envious about other people's talent. How does this apply to Perry? Well, I'd say it applies to Perry and Schon.

Matthew - Not everyone sees brilliance in the same place. If the music doesn't reach their soul and move them, you are not ever going to convince them. Why try? It only matters what you feel. I was just reading Nuno's comment about working with Steve:

Nuno - "It was a thrill. Steve was singing and I was playing an acoustic guitar. He just started improvising lines over a chord progression that I had written and I just kept getting lost in his vocals. He is such an amazing talent."

I can well relate to "getting lost in his vocals." Cyndy & I have had the pleasure of watching him work in the studio on a few occasions. During the remastering of the 1981 Houston concert, we were sitting in this small little room at the recording studio, just SP, the engineer and Cyndy & I. The video was playing and Steve & the engineer were working on getting the mix just right. In walks John Kalodner. THE John Kalodner. He sits down and they cue up the play-back of "Open Arms" for him.

Steve is sitting there with his eyes closed while the song is playing and I know he's somewhere else at that moment. The song ends and everyone is sitting in stunned silence. I have tears in my eyes (and "Open Arms" isn't even a favorite of mine.) John Kalodner - a guy who's seen and heard everything - is blown away. Brilliance. Magic.

Yes, I believe that Steve is brilliant and that there will never be another like him. I am grateful to have his recordings and will be thrilled if he decides to record again. But I don't care if others feel the same way. That is their personal preference. But guess what? Not everyone who DOES feel it is a loon.

Yes, you're right Lora. Although I've long given up trying to persuade non-Journey fans about Perry's brilliance, I still find it hard to accept that actual Journey fans are unmoved by the guy's voice - or think he's just some easily replaceable guy behind a microphone. It will always baffle me - but I've wasted too many hours arguing about Perry and as you say I haven't changed a single person's mind. Still....it's fun arguing for the hell of it with Red and NMT and all the other goons, though.

[Matthew]

I was able to sit in on a Steve Perry sound-check at his first show in '94 (thank you again Lora). I know I will never witness another talent like that. Whatever you want to say about range and age, etc, the guy can just plain sing. And it's not just the voice, it's the integrity he injects into what he does. Listening to him, even during a soundcheck, you know where that music and those words come from.

I was talking with the guy running the sound board afterwards, a veteran in the business. He said that sound check was the most amazing thing he had ever seen, vocally.

By far - BY FAR - Trial By Fire is my favorite Journey album. It has more soul than any other Journey album before or after, in my opinion. I was listening to "It's Just The Rain" tonight. Brilliant! And I feel like that album is some of Schon's and Cain's best work as well. Definitely the best writing, in my opinion, of that line up.

My thought is that Steve Perry has something to give that comes from a deeper spot than most singers working today. And no matter what his range or ability, what he can offer has a lot more substance. Case in point, Johnny Cash's last album. Nearly spoken. Weaker voice. Very substantial value.

I am not a loon. I disliked Arival and Generations not because Steve Perry was gone, but because they were albums Journey could have written and performed in their sleep. They did not move me at all. I'm hoping the next one either moves me on some level, or rocks me (i.e. Back in Black).

Anyway, my original point - I'm very confident that anything Steve Perry touches these days will either have integrity, or sit on a shelf and never see the light of day.

Another great post...

Even though I can't say that TBF is the best album I totally agree with the Perry/Cash analogy. And you're spot on about Arrival too, Memorex. I didn't dislike that album out of some Loonish point of principle either.

[Matthew]

Andrew,thanks for taking the time to find out more about the Nuno-Steve news and thank you for confirming.
I sure hope some great songs will emerge out of this collaboration.It would be such a treat.

Who is this Nuno guy? I'm not really familiar with Extreme's stuff - except for that acoustic ballad that was a hit about ten years ago. How good is he?

[Red13JoePa]

Andrew,thanks for taking the time to find out more about the Nuno-Steve news and thank you for confirming.
I sure hope some great songs will emerge out of this collaboration.It would be such a treat.

Who is this Nuno guy?

Another Portugues Brown Recluse.

[styxman]

[quote="Matthew - I still find it hard to accept that actual Journey fans are unmoved by the guy's voice - or think he's just some easily replaceable guy behind a microphone. [/quote]


I can't follow this Matt, I'd say no one fits that statement above, at least no one on here. Some might be pissed at him for what is or not going on, but unmoved by the voice..nahhhhhhh I don't agree. Anyone who thinks he's just some guy behind a microphone, shouldn't be on this board

How the day going dude?

[styxman]

Andrew,thanks for taking the time to find out more about the Nuno-Steve news and thank you for confirming.
I sure hope some great songs will emerge out of this collaboration.It would be such a treat.

Who is this Nuno guy?

Another Portugues Brown Recluse.

Change the Atlas, Red has found a new country

[Red13JoePa]

Sticks, you and the other loons PLEASE hold your collective breath waiting for note 1 of this earth-shattering collaboration to see the light of day.

[styxman]

Sticks, you and the other loons PLEASE hold your collective breath waiting for note 1 of this earth-shattering collaboration to see the light of day.

It's YX Red, your knowledge of band names is as bad as countries. It'll happen you wait

[Red13JoePa]

Sticks, you and the other loons PLEASE hold your collective breath waiting for note 1 of this earth-shattering collaboration to see the light of day.

It's YX Red, your knowledge of band names is as bad as countries. It'll happen you wait

Hey, twigsy? Who gives a shit about a transposed letter in a word here? Probably the same people who are ripping through barrels of midnight oil waiting for anything from this session to see release.

BTW I notice nary a mention of him SINGING in the sketchy reports. "Writing." Hasn't he supposedly been doing that for the last 10 years anyway?

[styxman]

Sticks, you and the other loons PLEASE hold your collective breath waiting for note 1 of this earth-shattering collaboration to see the light of day.

It's YX Red, your knowledge of band names is as bad as countries. It'll happen you wait

Hey, twigsy? Who gives a shit about a transposed letter in a word here? Probably the same people who are ripping through barrels of midnight oil waiting for anything from this session to see release.

BTW I notice nary a mention of him SINGING in the sketchy reports. "Writing." Hasn't he supposedly been doing that for the last 10 years anyway?

There was no transposed letter in Sticks, you spelt it totally fuckin' wrong.

As for Perry just calm down - writing, singing, all will become clear in time. Take a deep breath and stop thinking of your idol dude, it's early afternoon, go cut the grass

[Red13JoePa]

There was no transposed letter in Sticks, you spelt it totally fuckin' wrong.

I was talking about Portuguese.

I know when I'm being mocked.

Do you?


BTW, who's my "idol?"