David McAlmont & McAlmont&Butler,Speed - a single by mcalmontandbutler is released on August 7th, published by rough trade records london (www.roughtrade.com, www.roughtraderecords.com)on vinyl at the shops and download. More details at www.myspace.com/mcalmontandbutler , www.myspace.com/bernardbutler and www.myspace.com/mcalmont scroll down for contents of press release. 
David McAlmont
compiled by DKav On saturday night I was a very happy person. I watched David McAlmont and his band play live and what beautiful songs these were.  (blueport recordings leaflet) First about the venue: The Pizza Express Jazz Cafe has been going on for 40 years in Soho, Dean Street. Upstairs there is a restaurant, downstairs you have the venue. I got a wonderful Italian welcome and I would recommend the restaurant to anyone who likes Italian food, because for the first time in a long time I was able to eat a pizza as they made me one without cheese (I can't eat dairy products.). After a nice and relaxing meal, I saw David and the band taking the stage at 9pm and they played two sets with a break in the middle. But this what the programme had to say: 
"One of the great British singers" (Mojo) Master of the eloquent lyric, multi-octave range vocalist David McAlmont continues to make frequent appearances in the UK charts, and has performed with a variety of artists. David will be showcasing songs from his latest album the first instalment of "The Set" "Set One: You Go to My Head" (Blueport Recordings), is an emotionally awe-inspiring collection of timeless classics by Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen, among others. with Guy Davies (keyboard/piano/acoustic guitar), Neville Malcolm (double bass) and Andy.... (drums)        The audience who were sitting at their table were listening and enjoying the performance, as David introduced the songs and explained why he chose them. Born in Croydon in 1966, he grew up with his mother and his aunt listening to their records. He explained onstage that he wanted to record songs that he liked to sing along to when he wasn't musically prejudiced and also make music to make his family proud of. Looking like a film star and dressed like one, David took the audience for a journey into the world of films and we all discovered songs that were familiar and songs that time forgot. He explained that in the old days jazz (or what we call jazz) was much an alternative type of music until the mainstream caught up on it, however the mainstream wasn't quite prepared to cast the protagonists of jazz in the main roles. That's why many black performers ended up playing servants or maid, like in a film featuring Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday. In fact, one of the songwriters was even a member of the exile Malgache (from Madagascar) royal family who wrote "Kitchenman". We all know the song "Night and Day" by Cole Porter, which featured in the set, but many songs like "shadow of a certain smile" are certainly not the ordinary repertoire of the jazzy crooner, of which there are so many these days. David mentions facts that many of us have never heard of like a magazine called Ebony. David and his band looked so lost in music that we the audience and the staff felt like being in a film. He told an anecdote about meeting Shirley Basset after he covered her song "Diamond are forever" for the David Arnold James Bond tribute album - Shirley wasn't very happy when she met him (miaow), so with a twinkle he introduced the song "Never Never Never" which was the only one accompanied by Guy's acoustic guitar and originally composed by an Italian and made famous by Shirley. But what made us really smile was the arrangement they made on a song made famous by Whitney Houston, "Saving all my love for you". Behind me a couple was smooching, so I guess that says a lot about the power of music. After the show, I said hello to David and the band and they were as lovely as they were on stage. I'm a big fan of easy listening and soul - and I can tell you David's music is definitely some of the best of this year's offering. check it out for yourself. he was on the radio this week (on wednesday) on bbc6 (gideon coe programme) the tracks from the album "Set one you go to my head are: You go to my head (fred coots/haven gillespie) Night and Day (cole porter) Saving all my love for you (gerry goffin/michael masser) Blues in the night (johnny mercer/harold arlen) never never never (tony renis/alberto testa) under my skin (cole porter) a certain smile/the shadow of your smile (sammy fain/paul webster + mandel/paul webster) blues are brewing (louis alter/eddie de lange) how long has this been going on (george gershwin, ira gerschwin) black coffee (paul webster/sonny burke) my romance (richard rodgers/lorenz hart) one for my baby (johnny mercer/harold arlen) recorded in november 2004, twin peaks studios and rak studios in london, produced and arranged by Tommy D, David McAlmont and Guy Davies musicians: guy davies (keyboards, piano) "level" neville malcolm - double bass, andy gangadeen - drums, strings by Wired Strings, trumpet: mike lovett, and of course vocals by david. official websites: www.davidmcalmont.co.uk www.myspace.com/mcalmont www.myspace.com/davidmcalmont more photos: 
David DJs at the Leather Exchange and Big Chill Bar in London, and all through this august with the Puppini Sisters (www.myspace.com/thepuppinisisters) and www.bigchill.net for those who haven't seen it before, here is the press release to the song as published on www.mcalmontandbutler.com The release of ‘Speed’ a new single by McAlmont & Butler on Rough Trade Records reflects a deviation away from the way the music industry tends to work these days. Contrary to usual practice the release of this single is not part of a promotional campaign for a forthcoming album, nor is it released in support of any tour dates. Recorded in 2003, McAlmont & Butler were on the verge of releasing the single themselves (and in fact haven’t made any recordings since, such has been the strength of their feeling that this track should be the next step for them). However, upon hearing the track Geoff Travis straight away offered to release it on Rough Trade – feeling it deserved immediate release on its own terms and not necessarily with the familiar, wider album picture and mechanics that are usually involved. Featuring David McAlmont’s impassioned vocal delivery and Bernard Butler’s trademark guitar work and thrilling production, weaved into the classic single format - it’s simply a great and memorable song that stands up on its own two feet. Rough Trade Records has a history of supporting its artists, encouraging creative freedom and not being afraid to break with tradition and this, we’d like to think, represents the latest example. Although there are no tour dates to coincide with neither the singles release, nor an album to follow, this doesn’t detract from the song’s merits. Instead, perhaps consider it a refreshing antidote to the way the system tends to work these days. ‘Speed’ will be released as a download and on limited seven inch vinyl in a plain sleeve. McAlmont & Butler’s last album release was ‘Bring It Back’ (released in 2002 on EMI) which featured the singles ‘Falling’ and ‘Bring It Back’. david mcalmont discography: David McAlmont: (The Thieves = Saul Freeman and David McAlmont: Unworthy) Honey A little communication (Hut Records) David Arnold: Shaken and Stirred (Diamonds are forever), Ultramarine: Hymn, solo album: "Be" and some guest appearance on Courtney Pine, Craig David albums The Sound Of McAlmont & Butler(Hut CD, 1995) 
David McAlmont: vocals, lyrics Bernard Butler: guitars, music, arrangements, producer Makoto Sakamoto: drums Mike Tedder: Bass Jimmy Gallagher: Saxophone on "Disappointment" Helen Turner: Piano Gini Ball, Ann Stephenson, Johnny Taylor, Jote Osahn: Violins Clare Orsler, Joss Pook: Violas Mike Hedgers: Producer Nigel Godrich: sound engineer photography: Gered Mankowitz and John Cheves, sleeve by Blue Source recorded at RAK, Chateau de la Rouge, Bernie'sButtons, Greenhouse Studios, some tracks mixed at Shahbang CDHUT32, Yes (Full Version), What's The Excuse This Time?, The Right Thing, Although, Don't Call It Soul , Disappointment/Interval, The Debitor, How About You?, Tonight, You'll Lose A Good Thing, You Do (Full Version) 'Yes' and You Do' produced by Bernard Butler and Mike Hedges. All else produced by Bernard Butler. All songs written by McAlmont/Butler, except 'You'll Lose A Good Thing' by Ozen/Meaux. Click on a song titles for images of handwritten lyrics for some songs. Note: This album is a collection of the 'Yes' and 'You Do' EPs plus an additional song, 'The Right Thing'. lyrics: David McAlmont Music: Bernard Butler So you wanna know me now How I've been You can't help someone recover After what you did So tell me am I looking better? Have you forgot Whatever it was that you couldn't stand About me about me about me? Because... Yes I do feel better Yes I do I feel alright I feel well enough to tell you what you can do with what you got To offer You wanna know me now How I've been You can't help someone recover After what you did So tell me am I looking better? Have you forgot Whatever it was that you couldn't stand About me about me about me? Because... Yes I do feel better Yes I do I feel alright I feel well enough to tell you what you can do with what you got to offer Because... Yes I do feel better Yes I do I feel alright I feel well enough to tell you what you can do with what you got To offer On and on and on and on and on and on and has no-one said... Stay away, stay away... I'm better Ye-ea-ea-ea--YES! Ye-ea-ea-ea--YES! Ye-ea-ea-ea--YES! Ye-ea-ea-ea--YES! I feel well enough to tell you what you can do with what you got I feel well enough to tell you what you can do with what you got I feel well enough to tell you what you can do with what you got I feel well enough to tell you what you can do with what you got I feel well enough to tell you what you can do with what you got I feel well enough to tell you what you can do with what you got I feel well enough to tell you what you can do with what you got I feel well enough to tell you what you can do with what you got... Read Review of The Sound Of...McAlmont & Butler - McAlmont & Butl... Review Summary About the Author Lambchops Loves McAlmont and Butler Mar 11 '03 Author's Product Rating Pros The songs are brilliant, the vocals are amazing, absolutely appealing melodies Cons Nada. Zero. Zilch. The Bottom Line What are you waiting for? The Sound of McAlmont and Butler ranks among the best albums of the 1990's of any genre. Full Review Bernard Butler might be best known as the original (guitarist) for the well respective British band rock/Brit-pop band Suede, but he later returned to the scene first with underground soul star David McAlmont and later on his own solo terms. Butler’s work with McAlmont and Butler was a complete departure from the catchy, brilliant rock of the first two Suede releases. Not to say that his mid-career work was bad…much on the contrary the two albums released in conjunction with McAlmont were an inspired combination of soul, rock, and of course Brit-pop. While maybe not as easily assimilated the sound was overall very appealing on a completely different level. McAlmont and Butler came together officially in 1995 and during the time until the quick breakup, just one album was quietly released (the second came in 2002 and was titled Bring It Back). David McAlmont came his closest to achieving fame with his teaming with Butler. In the mid-1990’s he recorded and released his eponymous debut (actually chronologically preceded by almost unknown Thieves project), a show of his vocal style and did little to embrace his overall appeal. McAlmont was greeted with resounding support when he teamed with Butler. The Sound of McAlmont and Butler is not a proper studio album. Rather, it is a near-brilliant collection of drops, blurbs, and incidentals. The two came together to record experimental, appealing, and exuberant pop/rock with a distinct turn toward soul. They accomplished their initial goal and in the end surpassed all expectation…regardless of the album’s intentions. A succinct, glorious, inspired combination of the best elements of David Bowie, Suede, and Lenny Kravitz is soul-rock with a heart of gold. Life since experiencing McAlmont and Butler will never be the same. The two have created a veritable masterpiece as equally appealing to rock and Brit-pop fans and listeners of soul. It is modern and challenging, yet somehow also as comfortable as your favorite sweatshirt. McAlmont and Butler are indeed masters of their art. They are rich and lovely singers and equally as impressive songwriters. Any artist or collection of artists who is able to so perfectly assemble an album deserves all of the riches of the musical world both emotionally and monetarily. Such is the case with this duo. Butler obviously injected every last drop of blood, sweat, tears, and most of all love into every note, word, vocal track, and song of this album. This is the direction he intended for Suede, and as such this is an extension of his earlier work especially reflective in earlier songs like Stay Together. But in working with McAlmont, Butler was granted a measure of freedom. His name wasn’t incredibly well known (especially stateside) yet he is obviously an amazing talent. It is impossible to rave too much about The Sound of McAlmont and Butler. It is the type of release that must be heard to be understood and for that matter believed. Consisting of just eleven songs, the 1995 Hut release is pleasing on every aural level. Listeners will find themselves lifted to emotional heights rarely reached by way of music. There are no weak songs, no problematic melodies, no unfriendly vocals…this album is the most flawless variety of perfection. Considering the overall excellence of this album, it is challenging to discuss favorites. It seems unfair to the duo and to these incredible songs to say that one is better than another. All are appealing on a mainstream level while none assumes idiots populate the audience. All are intensely emotional while none requires the listener to stock Kleenexes. McAlmont and Butler are consistently impressive and absolutely scrumptious…The Sound of McAlmont and Butler is a brilliant album to fall in love to, an album to file next to the likes of future classics like the aforementioned Suede in addition to other lesser known acts like Eels, Jim White, Neutral Milk Hotel, and Grandaddy. Few albums and even fewer bands can aspire to such towering heights. McAlmont and Butler need not aspire…they reached it on their first haphazard outing. The album begins strongly with the excellent single Yes. Butler’s vocals soar majestically above a chorus, light percussion and a memorable melody. Still unconvinced about the inherent worth of this album? Look no further than the McAlmont-fronted second track, What’s the Excuse This Time. With the first lightly funky beats followed immediately by McAlmont’s classically resonant voice, prepare yourself to be both amazed and entertained. He packs the song with a surprising amount of fervor, so much that it proves impossible not to feel the pop-soul groove to from the tip of your toes through the base of your spine and oozing out your scalp. His relaxed, Prince meets Al Green meets Lenny Kravitz style come through wonderfully. Not to mention the fact that the lyrics are infectious pop: You oughta give me something [you said you would] Am I impatient, are you taking your time [You spoke about it, you talked about it] But I still can’t see what it’s supposed to be I never asked for much in my life I’ve always managed to pass things by But promises are promises So tell me now, What’s the excuse this time McAlmont and Butler continue down their short path to greatness with the vaguely dark but still wondrous The Right Thing. Vocals paired with a slide guitar and a touch of Ziggy Stardust era David Bowie make for a driving, intelligent track. Even a little Lou Reed seeps through the understated, dark chords. While not as immediately accessible as other songs the true brilliance of the twosome comes to fruition on the less pop-oriented songs. Not to say there’s anything wrong with tracks like Yes, but there is something for everybody on this disc. The time passes quickly despite most songs clocking in somewhere between four and six minutes. Although is a modest, emotional love song. McAlmont croons with the best of him about love and subsequent loss. The modern soul vibe with Don’t Call It Soul. Driven by technically perfect slide guitar and acoustic guitar it cements the album in minds as nothing less than flawless. Grandiose, driving, and at its heart blues-rock, Disappointment once again sparks with evocative musicianship and vibrant vocals. It doesn’t resonate in quite the same way as some of the other tracks, but with that said it is still absolutely worth hearing. There’s nothing about this album that will even near dissatisfaction. The Debitor is a big, wild bluesy rock track. A clap-along anthem, it is one of the most obviously appealing of the entire disc. Though, it isn’t as poppy as Yes or immediately unrelenting as What’s the Excuse This Time it does move at a great pace and include elements not generally associated with the genre. Expect a shock when the occasional electronic whir and British savoir-faire are expertly injected. How About You returns to a formula blending the ballad with the Bowie glam. But as interpreted by McAlmont and Butler it comes off as something completely different…by no means retro or a throwback, this is a gorgeous soul-rock offering. The final three songs wrap The Sound of McAlmont and Butler up gracefully. They do draw on techniques and patterns explored earlier on the album, but they do so without sounding like they are stuck in a rut or put on repeat. Tonight is a classic, gorgeous slow rock track. You’ll Lose a Good Thing is the only song here not written by McAlmont and Butler. Marked lightly by an organ, the song is driven by most notably by McAlmont’s splendid voice. Previous interpretations of the Meaux/Owen song have been recorded by Freddy Fender, Aretha Franklin, Barbara Lynn among many others. But the British duo does something special, something amazing with the song, something that makes it one of the most breathtaking things of the genuinely wonderful album. A viola, violin, flute and light guitar surround Do You, the epic capstone of this incomparable album. It sweeps through time, grasps the heart, massages the soul with pain and concern. But as with all other things on The Sound of McAlmont and Butler the appeal of the song is rooted in what is obviously a diving pairing. This song, this album, and both David McAlmont and Bernard Butler have proven beyond any semblance of doubt that they are here to stay and that their unique blend of music deserves to be heard.  The Sound of McAlmont and Butler transcends time and place. It is a piece of soul as interpreted by a truly gifted soul vocalist and a Brit-pop legend. Believe it or not, both Butler and McAlmont can be appreciated by most everybody willing to open their minds and heart. This is a special album, a truly incredible piece of art that will unquestionable wedge itself into any collection. Go. Now. Buy The Sound of McAlmont and Butler. Rating: 5/5 stars Recommended Yes Comments on this Review http://www.epinions.com/content_92555611780 music: Bernard Butler 
http://www.mcalmontandbutler.com/discography/hw.dontcallitsoul.jpg
McAlmont&Butler: Bring it backPublished by EMI Chrysalis 2002 Songs: the theme from McAlmont & Butler, Falling, Different strokes, Can we make it?, Blue, Bring it back, Where R U now?, Sunny Boy, Make it right, Beat 
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