Tribute Tour Celebrates Burt Bacharach’s Iconic Songbook
Music lovers have an exciting opportunity to experience a tribute to the legendary Burt Bacharach through a new concert series titled “What the World Needs Now: The Burt Bacharach Songbook Live.” Kicking off this weekend in Southern California, the tour features renowned artist Todd Rundgren at the helm, performing classic hits from Bacharach and his longtime collaborator, Hal David, spanning the ’60s and ’70s.
Todd Rundgren Takes the Stage
At the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles and other venues, Rundgren will step away from his own catalog to honor Bacharach’s extensive body of work. He admits that this tribute holds special significance for him, as Bacharach is one of his primary musical influences.
The Ensemble: Talented Creatives Uniting for Bacharach
Leading the ensemble is Rob Shirakbari, who has a rich history as Bacharach’s conductor and arranger. The nine-piece band features accomplished artists including Wendy Moten, Kasim Sulton, and other notable musicians like Probyn Gregory and Elise Trouw. Certain performances will also see Colin Hay from Men at Work as a guest artist, offering even more variety to the concert series.
Rundgren Reflects on Bacharach’s Influence
In a recent Zoom interview, Rundgren shared his thoughts about the project, emphasizing the unique opportunity it presents artists to repay a debt to an influential figure in music. He stated:
“When one of your seminal influences is involved, you feel like it’s a certain amount of payback.”
A Personal Connection to the Music
Rundgren’s admiration for Bacharach started at an early age, especially when he heard the classic track “Walk On By.” He recalls the song’s intricate melody and dynamic orchestrations as key elements that inspired him. He noted the importance of the collaborating partnership between Bacharach and Hal David:
“Hal and Burt had that mutual understanding of how the words can help convey the music.”
Emotional Depth and Challenging Performance
As Rundgren prepares to perform, he expresses both excitement and apprehension regarding the challenge of singing songs typically associated with female artists like Dionne Warwick. He is set to perform duets and highlights, including “You’ll Never Get to Heaven,” while balancing emotional ballads with lighter fare such as “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.”
The Role of Rob Shirakbari
Rundgren values the expertise of Rob Shirakbari, who not only directs the band but also provides crucial insights into Bacharach’s original style and arrangements. Rundgren highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of Bacharach’s work, especially when adapting songs for live performances.
A Legacy to Remember
Despite the evolution of music trends that led to a decline in mainstream recognition for Bacharach, Rundgren hopes this tour will reintroduce audiences to the sophisticated craftsmanship of Bacharach’s songwriting. He emphasizes the need for contemporary artists to appreciate the level of artistry that Bacharach and David brought to popular music.
“There’s no better craftsman to demonstrate that than Burt Bacharach,” Rundgren concluded.
Looking Ahead
As the tour progresses, Rundgren plans to embark on his own solo tour later this year, indicating that this tribute will remain a unique focal point in his performances. Fans can anticipate a fulfilling tribute that not only honors Bacharach’s musical legacy but also invites new listeners to experience his timeless work.