Jimmy & Me

Description

Now available in digital format only.

Doug’s first solo album in a while features meaningful renditions of 11 favorite Jimmy Webb ballads, along with a classic inspired by a Webb recording. Twelve of the most beautiful songs ever written, or should we say, “song descriptions”… Songs range from the well-known to the little-known, and arrangements traverse the dynamic and emotional range from soliloquy (just vocal and solo piano) to full orchestra.

Total playing time – 48:51

Basics

Produced and arranged by Doug Howell. Words and music by Jimmy Webb, except “Love Hurts,” by Boudleaux and Felice Bryant. Lead vocals, keyboards and bass by Doug Howell

(Portions of some arrangements after Jimmy Webb. See Album Notes and Credits for more details.)

Supporting vocals by Ann Doyle and Doug, except “Simile,” by Lonnie Hull Dupont • Drums by Danny Cox • Electric and acoustic guitars by Robert Tye • Soprano and tenor saxophones by Mark Kieme • Flute by Kathleen Janka McClatchey Whiteman

Recorded by Doug at Hawksnest, Manchester MI, March 2009–February 2010 • Drums recorded by Michael King at The Mission Studio, Birmingham MI, August 17, 2009 • Strings recorded by Dave Price at Aire Born Studios, Zionsville IN, September 24, 2009 • Contracted by Wood & Rodin, Inc. • Mixed by Doug using Digital Performer by Mark of the Unicorn • Mastered by J. Willard Spencer • CD design by Doug • Photography by David C. Glaser • Available in digital format only

Playlist

See each song for lyrics and notes.

• All I Know
• Met Him on a Plane
• Simile
• Shattered
• Skywriter
• Wooden Planes
• When Can Brown Begin
• If Ships Were Made To Sail
• Love Hurts
• Shine It on Me
• Lightning in a Bottle
• Another Lullaby

Notes

When I was growing up, music was my safe haven—among other things—but I took no shelter in the music most of my friends enjoyed. Then, as now, I was drawn to the songs that surprised me, that made me feel as if I was going on a journey. Come to think of it, maybe that’s the flip side of the “safe haven” part. I like a song I can climb up into, nestle among its branches, daydream a little and experience something different every time.

There were three main pop musical influences in my early life: one was mainly a musical influence, one mainly lyrical, and one encompassed both—the whole song. The musical influence was Burt Bacharach, together with Dionne Warwick’s flawless, soulful, melodic execution. There was nothing to take for granted there. Start listening to one of his melodies and you don’t now where you might end up. Dionne escorted me on many a musical journey as I made my way down the tasklist of a kid doing chores on an apple orchard.

The main lyrical influence? I’d have to say it was Joni Mitchell. Her lyrics made me feel that I wasn’t alone in the world. Listening to her tales of woe didn’t deepen my despair, but reassured me that other human beings had been this way before. The music was wonderful, too, of course, but it seemed to me that the lyrics were steering the ship. The music was a perfect setting, but it was the bejeweled, poetic lines that drew my attention.

And now for the song—that mystical marriage of music and lyrics—for that it was Jimmy Webb. No question. His songs turned not just the head, but the heart. The lyrics took away the breath. And the music… I’m not sure I can even get close to describing what hearing his songs was like for me. I can still remember where I was and what I was doing when I heard some of Jimmy’s songs for the first time. I was on the lawnmower when I first heard “Macarthur Park.” What a revelation it was. I felt that a door was opening somewhere. I could feel it, and somehow I was no longer tied to the earth and the wheels and the whirring engine.

It may not come as too much of a surprise, then, that it’s always been a dream of mine to record some of my favorite Webb originals. It’s one of the projects on my “life list.” And as it happens, I find myself at a time of life when it’s not wise to put off doing the things on that list. What made me want to do this project in the first place? I guess for me it is a thank you to Jimmy; a return gift for the many gifts he gave to me and thousands like me; and an offering, in the hope that others may discover his wonderful music and be awakened—and changed—by it like I was. At the very least, there will be a few more low-voice versions available that people can sing along with!

How did I choose from among the many, many favorites? Now that wasn’t easy. First I made a big list, then struck out all the titles I was either too afraid to tackle, or felt I couldn’t do much justice to. (That’s why you won’t find “Macarthur Park” on this playlist. I just couldn’t bring myself to tamper with it.) But after all that, I still ended up with a list long enough for two albums, and then some. So I asked myself: Which ones, if not chosen, would I be the sorriest about never getting the chance to record? Sitting with that question for awhile eventually led me to the current roster: 12 of what I hope listeners will agree are the most beautiful songs ever written. (Of course, one of them Jimmy didn’t write, but more about that later.)

My previous solo albums contain original songs in the contemporary Christian music genre. The songs are songs of faith, but they are also songs of life—life that revolves around faith. These are songs of life, too. And for me, they also revolve around faith. I consider them sacred, not least because of how God has used them in my life.

The movie Finding Forrester stars Sean Connery as a Pulitzer prize-winning recluse writer who by accident becomes friend and mentor to a brilliant, 16-year-old neighborhood boy from a poor family. In one scene, he plops a typewriter down in front of the boy and tells him to “write!” The boy is so intimidated that he’s paralyzed and can only stare at the thing. You get the feeling that an hour (at least) goes by, and still the boy is sitting there, arms folded, staring ahead. Eventually the writer digs out an old manuscript of his own from the file cabinet and hands it to the boy. “Start typing that,” he says. “Sometimes the simple rhythm of typing gets us from page one to page two. And when you begin to feel your own words, start typing them.” In many ways, this project is like that for me. It’s been so long since I’ve recorded an album, I was a little paralyzed by the thought of starting a new solo project. I guess I’m hoping that by starting with some of Jimmy’s masterful words and music, I’ll start feeling my own again.

One more word of explanation. For each song, I’ve written some “music and meaning” notes, and have also noted my favorite rendition. My own versions often borrow elements from my favorites and, in some cases, put together elements I like from several different versions. On some songs, I have quoted a piano or string part—elements I didn’t dare “tamper with.” I’ll point out these passages as we go.

Credits

Produced and arranged by Doug Howell
For my wonderful, incomparable Davey. I love you, and that’s all I know.
Words and music by Jimmy Webb, except “Love Hurts,” by Boudleaux and Felice Bryant
Arrangements, keyboards, bass and lead vocals by Doug Howell
(Portions of some arrangements after Jimmy Webb. See notes for details.)

Supporting vocals by Ann Doyle and Doug, except “Simile,” by Lonnie Hull Dupont
Drums by Danny Cox • Electric and acoustic guitars by Robert Tye
Soprano and tenor saxophones by Mark Kieme • Flute by Kathleen Janka McClatchey Whiteman
Violin by Davis Brooks (Concertmaster), Mary Kothman, Debbie Rodin, Lisa Brooks/Emily Glover, Pam Close, Kara Day-Spurlock, Linda Yu-Picard, Chin Mi Kim, Alfred Abel • Viola by Colette Abel, Susan Chan, Amy Brandfonbrener
Cello by Nancy Smith, Biljana Bozinovska-Bojovic • Double Bass by Joe Everett

Recorded by Doug at Hawksnest, Manchester MI; March 2009–February 2010
Drums recorded by Michael King at The Mission Studio, Birmingham MI, August 17, 2009
Strings recorded by Dave Price at Aire Born Studios, Zionsville IN, September 24, 2009 •
Contracted by Wood & Rodin, Inc.
Mixed by Doug using Digital Performer by Mark of the Unicorn
Mastered by J. Willard Spencer • CD design by Doug • Photography by David C. Glaser

With thanks to the Lord of all broken hearts; Davey, for understanding all the hours it took; my grandparents Regis (through Teddy and Mom), for making the string sessions possible—hope some of this music is heavenly enough to make its way to you, Grandma and Grandpa; Mom and Dad, for making music possible in the first place; Aunt Leota, for teaching me piano in the second place; Mike Kuzma, for “discovering” me in the third place; an unrivaled collection of family and friends both present and departed, for their love and support; Miss Ann, Lonnie, Danny, Bob, Mark, Kathleen, and all the marvelous string players, for singing and playing their hearts out; Michael and Dave for their invaluable technical input, Danny and Willard for their insightful mix notes; Nancy Feldkamp, for her wonderful painting of Hawkswood (center stage on the CD’s front cover); Chris and Bill Barton, for putting me up and making me forget to get nervous for the string sessions; Rob Martens at Solid Sound, for giving me a break on mic rental; Sue Gillis at World Class, for the classy packaging; and all you friends, fans and supporters out there who still haven’t forgotten me and find me at the rate of one or two a week and remind me that it’s all worthwhile.

For more information and notes, see below
Recording, packaging and content ℗ © 2010 Creative Measures LLC
For Doug Howell music information, please contact:
Creative Measures LLC • PO Box 2080 • Pāhoa HI • www.creativemeasures.com

Reviews

Manchester Enterprise and Ann Arbor Current featured articles about the album and Doug’s February 2011 release concert with Ann Doyle. Here are some of the personal and various other reviews:

I realise it is too early to be thinking this way, but I am already thinking about a possible Jimmy and Me 2! —Andy C.

Doug has chosen some of Webb’s most beautiful songs… ‘Skywriter’ and ‘Wooden Planes’ have always been two of my very favorite songs… ‘All I Know’ and ‘Another Lullaby’ are just gorgeous here… —Marilyn C. P.

Howell has achieved the same thing Clapton did on his cover album… Me and Mr. Johnson—the songs aren’t new, but the feeling, arrangement and interpretations are worth hearing. —MuzikReviews.com

Listening to these songs is like coming home. Doug Howell…delivers a masterful CD….Don’t miss this one! —Sara S.

now this release from…songwriter and pianist Doug Howell joins [Webb’s latest album] on my Top 5 Albums of the Year list —Jeff C.

Shattered was the masterpiece, for me… It gave words and music to a hurt I rarely express. —David P.

many, many thanks for an album of Jimmy Webb cover versions that could not be bettered —Andy C.

I absolutely love the CD; I’ve been playing it often—for friends, too, and everyone seems to like it a lot. I’ve heard more than once of its ‘quiet elegance.’ —Robert T.

he’s almost flawless throughout the album. It does Webb’s vocals justice without stealing the show and you can tell that the lyrics mean something to Howell —MuzikReviews.com

It is exquisite. Just wonderful… Your choice of material…the loving arrangements…the actual playing. Exquisite. —David B.

I listened to Jimmy & Me this morning. It brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat…The songs make me realize how grateful I am for the life I’ve been blessed with… —Kathyrn W.

It’s the kind of album where you lose yourself in it and find yourself all at the same time—the places only music, especially great music, can take us. —Kathleen M.

the disc is incredibly lush and heart-wrenchingly beautiful. My first impression was really strong…that God was speaking… —Edie H.

Howell’s interpretations, often based on piano, are set in scenes with much feeling in a unified soundscape, and he has achieved it. —Robert P. (translated from German)

every songwriter should be this lucky to have an interpreter such as Howell. —San S.

The album…combines Howell at his crooning best and Webb at his poetic peak. —Manchester Enterprise

Howell considers these songs some of the most beautiful ever written, and hopes to help some new listeners discover that for themselves. —Manchester Enterprise

I’d go so far as to say that some songs are the best recorded versions —Tim L.

‘Lightning in a Bottle’ is a revelation…I adore that song! —Sara S.

Congratulations on a masterful CD…It’s really lovely. You may have been a few years between recordings, but it was worth the wait! —Sara S.

Howell in his sleeve notes…says [Jennifer Warnes’] is his favourite recorded version, but I maintain that his own version is better. —Tim L.

Nice CD…Nice to hear many of these not so well known J.W. songs ‘a new way’ —Erik C.

‘I don’t like it. I love it’. I think this album is an absolute sensation. The choice of songs is spot-on, Doug’s voice is great and the lush arrangements…I found the first listen very moving indeed. —Tim L.

I love your Jimmy Webb covers on the songs ‘Skywriter’ and ‘When Can Brown Begin.’ Your arrangements are fantastic, soaring violins coupled with your singing and piano playing —Paul Z.

You may be thinking, ‘Who does Doug Howell think he is?’ particularly if you know Webb’s work, but you won’t be thinking it for long. —MuzikReviews.com

.just to say how much I am digging Jimmy and Me…I can’t stop playing ‘All I Know.’ —Mike H.

My father has been a fan of Jimmy Webb’s since 1967 and collected all his stuff and he says this album is one of the best Jimmy Webb collections EVER! —John C.

I downloaded a few songs to get the emotional feel of your vocals and arrangements. Your versions…are spectacular. A fresh new surprise. —Paul Z.

Just bought Jimmy & Me… It’s brilliant! Thanks for making it available to this long-time listener of both Webb and Howell. The combination is unbeatable in my view. —Jeff C.

I am floored. This album is fantastic. Your voice is gorgeous and sensitive. Your taste is impeccable in the arrangements. You are loyal to the songs… —Brian G.

‘All I Know’ can bring me to tears… I love how you turn the notes and take your time and let it fall so gently. Lovely arrangement! —Grant M.

LOVE IT – Yet, so hard to get past the first track. The CD is lovely and simple and tender and well recorded and executed. But the first track slays me. —Brian B.

The album overall surpassed my expectations….One can sense that Howell finds a deep connection with the lyrics, which makes the album worth hearing. —Bryan Farrish Radio Promotion

Jimmy’s wonderful and unique songs paired with Doug Howell’s heartfelt renditions makes for a truly remarkable album. It took me several times to make it through the first song… —David G.

Classic Doug. An old friend at his best. [‘All I Know’ is a] brilliant song, rendered like you wrote it yourself. Bravo! —Brian B.