As you say, a memory the kids will cherish all their lives. Barry is good at giving those! We all have them!Janet
Congratulations Helen on an amazing interview.The questions you asked inspired Enoch Anderson to show us how songs are made. What we learn about the crea
Congratulations Helen on an amazing interview.The questions you asked inspired Enoch Anderson to show us how songs are made. What we learn about the creative process is fascinating.And Barry is fun to work with? treats his collaborators with respect? Confirmation of what I already believed but lovely to hear.Congratulations to Mr. Anderson too for his gorgeous lyrics. He and Barry are obviously in sync. Here’s to many more collaborations.Can’t wait to hear 15 minutes!Janet
Sorry that my comment went out unfinished! I hit the wrong key and couldn’t get it back!
I love the way you turn a minor twist of fate into a fascinating saga!! I’m sure everyone will be waiting with baited breath to hear if I’m tired!!!!Must say my oft-repeated adage that “anticipation is both painful and delicious” is wearing thin. If I don’t get there soon I’ll take to drink!Looking forward to lots of adventures!!Janet
PS That should be “bated”!! You can tell I’m excited. I NEVER make spelling mistakes!!
Jetlagged and with a terrible chesty cold,yet feeling pretty upbeat. Your blog gives all the reasons why!!! Great reading as ever!
I wrote to you Helen saying that as a teacher myself ( and not a bad one according to my peers!) I was struck by Barry’s talents as a teacher.A good teacher conveys a passion, inspires his “students” thanks to his own enthusiasm. I was impressed ,but not surprised, at the extent of Barry’s knowledge and the ease with which he communicated with his listeners. He isa natural!I ‘m so looking forward to next Tuesday’s show!
Sharon,you told me this story so long ago! It’s beautiful. Such a heartwarming, touching testimony of what Barry and his music have done for you. And of course for me and for millions more.Bring on tomorrow and endless tomorrows , filled with love, friendship, and Barry’s beautiful music.See you at the 02!Janet
Wish I’d been there. And with the money to win Barry’s doodles!Next year maybe? ( be there, not with the money!!!)Highly recommend your article on DP. A great account of the evening.Wonderful photos too.
I wish more people could read what you write because it would automatically mean more listeners for Barry!
“Barry’s music fills my heart very single day” .Mine too.He and his music are so special to so many people.And that’s the central message in your beautiful review!
I too wish you could be there. I’ll do my best to convey the love, the emotion, the music and passion which will be overflowing in the O2 next week.Barry Day, Barry Week, Barry Month…wonderful Barry Times! Melodies and lyrics which reach deep into hearts.
Yes what makes this song so special is the universal nature of its message. And the glorious melody which means that you only have to listen to it once to hear it for the rest of the day!
Scott you tell it how it is,and so does Helen! The interaction between the two of you is great. Insightful, interesting, in French we would say “passionant!!BRAVO!
As usual, a brilliant hommage to a remarkable musician, and , I am sure, a remarkable album.The same feeling and passion Barry expresses when he sings are present when you write about him! Hearing some of the songs on QVC last night (yes I was going to wait till I could listen to the whole album but that idea was a non-starter once I tuned in to QVC!!) has made the wait till June14th even harder to bear!Thanks for a wonderful review. Hope it gets published elsewhere. It deserves to be.
What a beautiful tribute Helen. I don’ t have children but I have two sisters. I love them both. But the younger of the two came into the world when I was 13. She had a stenosis,a blockage in her stomach which meant she couldn’t digest her food. She suffered terrible pain. Big sister Janet found a way of holding her that diminished the pain. A bond that has never been broken exists since those days. She finally had to have an operation at 3 months old and I still remember the anguish the whole family went through.She’s not my child, she’s my sister but ‘You are my sister’ has the same resonance for me.
Love this idea and am already thinking of peope who could use the boost only Barry’s music can bring! He and his music have accompanied me along many a stony path.
I echo Helen’s words. Bravo for the wonderful album and bravo BRAVO for following your dream. You and your music are truly inspirational.Thanks Helen for expressing so beautifully what millions of us think.
I was there and witnessed the joy of Asha and her children. And I talked to her children. They know and appreciate and understand Barry’s songs. They really get it! It makes me so happy to see the younger generation following in our footsteps.And in giving them a little extra time, Barry showed, once again, what a truly kind, nice person he is.
Paul, when I listen to your interviews, I get the impression that your guests feel comfortable and at ease. This is because you have a very reassuring manner: you are genuinely interested in what your guest is saying, not just going through the motions. Although your interview with Helen is in print, the same feeling is present, one of mutual trust and true communication. Congratulations to both of you!
Entry 2 is a great sequel to entry 1!!!! Congratulations to you both. Interesting questions and in-depth,insightful answers. Here’s hoping that the album AND the two of you are “on a journey to greatness” !!
If I were Mr. Manilow, and I ever felt down or depressed about something, I’d pull up your blogs!So many of us get joy, inspiration, and comfort from his music in our everyday lives, but only you find the words to express the effect he has. I would think they constitute the perfect pick-me-up!!
As always your words draw pictures and bring forth feelings. At the end I started to pick bits of streamers off my clothes.
So true, so true, so true. we’ve said it over and over and I’m delighted to see you put into in print.The cover doesn’t make the book, the theater doesn’t make the artist. If the talent isn’t there, no trappings can fake it. And if it is, no trappings are needed!
Great post. Aids is something we should all feel concerned about, gay or straight. A lot of people who are Aids free should be thinking ” “there but for the grace of God…”, and doing their bit to help those less fortunate. And the more general message that we can all do our bit, however small, to help others, is one that can never be said enough
Your European representative wishes you all a great day. Get out the British and French flags (if you have them!!) and wave them as proof that the Desert Aids walk is getting international recognition! Would love to be there!
Looking forward to what I know will be a great read! And the first of many from you.
Yes I too have a tinge of sadness but basically I’m looking at this as not an end but a new beginning. That’s how I’m living it. And how wonderful to know that we will have a permanent record of the show at Paris.Now Barry is moving on to his life’s next adventure. And we’ll be right there with him!!Thanks for the usual great description of the evening. It brings it all alive for those of us who can’t be there.
I can only echo your sentiments. Happy New Year to Barry and to all of those who love him and his music!
I hope Barry does read this beautiful piece since the message is one all his fans would like to send him. As sorry as we are to have to wait to see him perform, we are even sorrier to know that he ‘s going through such a difficult time.And of course, Helen is so right, it’s the songs we all want to hear(although I have to admit I have a weakness for the funky dances!!) Just kidding! Loving thoughts and positive vibes to Barry. Come back when you’re ready. We’ll all be waiting for you and a cheer will go up from Hong Kong to Brazil!!!
I second everything Helen has said! Enjoy the show Barb and make sure you keep on going to them. I myself cross the Atlantic regularly to see Barry. There’s no-one like him.
As you say, a memory the kids will cherish all their lives. Barry is good at giving those! We all have them!
Janet
Congratulations Helen on an amazing interview.The questions you asked inspired Enoch Anderson to show us how songs are made. What we learn about the crea
Congratulations Helen on an amazing interview.The questions you asked inspired Enoch Anderson to show us how songs are made. What we learn about the creative process is fascinating.
And Barry is fun to work with? treats his collaborators with respect? Confirmation of what I already believed but lovely to hear.
Congratulations to Mr. Anderson too for his gorgeous lyrics. He and Barry are obviously in sync. Here’s to many more collaborations.
Can’t wait to hear 15 minutes!
Janet
Sorry that my comment went out unfinished! I hit the wrong key and couldn’t get it back!
I love the way you turn a minor twist of fate into a fascinating saga!! I’m sure everyone will be waiting with baited breath to hear if I’m tired!!!!
Must say my oft-repeated adage that “anticipation is both painful and delicious” is wearing thin. If I don’t get there soon I’ll take to drink!
Looking forward to lots of adventures!!
Janet
PS That should be “bated”!! You can tell I’m excited. I NEVER make spelling mistakes!!
Jetlagged and with a terrible chesty cold,yet feeling pretty upbeat. Your blog gives all the reasons why!!! Great reading as ever!
I wrote to you Helen saying that as a teacher myself ( and not a bad one according to my peers!) I was struck by Barry’s talents as a teacher.A good teacher conveys a passion, inspires his “students” thanks to his own enthusiasm. I was impressed ,but not surprised, at the extent of Barry’s knowledge and the ease with which he communicated with his listeners. He is
a natural!I ‘m so looking forward to next Tuesday’s show!
Sharon,you told me this story so long ago! It’s beautiful. Such a heartwarming, touching testimony of what Barry and his music have done for you. And of course for me and for millions more.
Bring on tomorrow and endless tomorrows , filled with love, friendship, and Barry’s beautiful music.
See you at the 02!
Janet
Wish I’d been there. And with the money to win Barry’s doodles!
Next year maybe? ( be there, not with the money!!!)
Highly recommend your article on DP. A great account of the evening.Wonderful photos too.
I wish more people could read what you write because it would automatically mean more listeners for Barry!
“Barry’s music fills my heart very single day” .Mine too.He and his music are so special to so many people.And that’s the central message in your beautiful review!
I too wish you could be there. I’ll do my best to convey the love, the emotion, the music and passion which will be overflowing in the O2 next week.Barry Day, Barry Week, Barry Month…wonderful Barry Times! Melodies and lyrics which reach deep into hearts.
Yes what makes this song so special is the universal nature of its message. And the glorious melody which means that you only have to listen to it once to hear it for the rest of the day!
Scott you tell it how it is,and so does Helen! The interaction between the two of you is great. Insightful, interesting, in French we would say “passionant!!
BRAVO!
As usual, a brilliant hommage to a remarkable musician, and , I am sure, a remarkable album.The same feeling and passion Barry expresses when he sings are present when you write about him! Hearing some of the songs on QVC last night (yes I was going to wait till I could listen to the whole album but that idea was a non-starter once I tuned in to QVC!!) has made the wait till June14th even harder to bear!
Thanks for a wonderful review. Hope it gets published elsewhere. It deserves to be.
What a beautiful tribute Helen. I don’ t have children but I have two sisters. I love them both. But the younger of the two came into the world when I was 13. She had a stenosis,a blockage in her stomach which meant she couldn’t digest her food. She suffered terrible pain. Big sister Janet found a way of holding her that diminished the pain. A bond that has never been broken exists since those days. She finally had to have an operation at 3 months old and I still remember the anguish the whole family went through.She’s not my child, she’s my sister but ‘You are my sister’ has the same resonance for me.
Love this idea and am already thinking of peope who could use the boost only Barry’s music can bring! He and his music have accompanied me along many a stony path.
I echo Helen’s words. Bravo for the wonderful album and bravo BRAVO for following your dream. You and your music are truly inspirational.
Thanks Helen for expressing so beautifully what millions of us think.
I was there and witnessed the joy of Asha and her children. And I talked to her children. They know and appreciate and understand Barry’s songs. They really get it! It makes me so happy to see the younger generation following in our footsteps.
And in giving them a little extra time, Barry showed, once again, what a truly kind, nice person he is.
Paul, when I listen to your interviews, I get the impression that your guests feel comfortable and at ease. This is because you have a very reassuring manner: you are genuinely interested in what your guest is saying, not just going through the motions. Although your interview with Helen is in print, the same feeling is present, one of mutual trust and true communication. Congratulations to both of you!
Entry 2 is a great sequel to entry 1!!!! Congratulations to you both. Interesting questions and in-depth,insightful answers. Here’s hoping that the album AND the two of you are “on a journey to greatness” !!
If I were Mr. Manilow, and I ever felt down or depressed about something, I’d pull up your blogs!So many of us get joy, inspiration, and comfort from his music in our everyday lives, but only you find the words to express the effect he has. I would think they constitute the perfect pick-me-up!!
As always your words draw pictures and bring forth feelings. At the end I started to pick bits of streamers off my clothes.
So true, so true, so true. we’ve said it over and over and I’m delighted to see you put into in print.The cover doesn’t make the book, the theater doesn’t make the artist. If the talent isn’t there, no trappings can fake it. And if it is, no trappings are needed!
Great post. Aids is something we should all feel concerned about, gay or straight. A lot of people who are Aids free should be thinking ” “there but for the grace of God…”, and doing their bit to help those less fortunate. And the more general message that we can all do our bit, however small, to help others, is one that can never be said enough
Your European representative wishes you all a great day. Get out the British and French flags (if you have them!!) and wave them as proof that the Desert Aids walk is getting international recognition! Would love to be there!
Looking forward to what I know will be a great read! And the first of many from you.
Yes I too have a tinge of sadness but basically I’m looking at this as not an end but a new beginning. That’s how I’m living it. And how wonderful to know that we will have a permanent record of the show at Paris.
Now Barry is moving on to his life’s next adventure. And we’ll be right there with him!!
Thanks for the usual great description of the evening. It brings it all alive for those of us who can’t be there.
I can only echo your sentiments. Happy New Year to Barry and to all of those who love him and his music!
I hope Barry does read this beautiful piece since the message is one all his fans would like to send him. As sorry as we are to have to wait to see him perform, we are even sorrier to know that he ‘s going through such a difficult time.And of course, Helen is so right, it’s the songs we all want to hear
(although I have to admit I have a weakness for the funky dances!!) Just kidding! Loving thoughts and positive vibes to Barry. Come back when you’re ready. We’ll all be waiting for you and a cheer will go up from Hong Kong to Brazil!!!
I second everything Helen has said! Enjoy the show Barb and make sure you keep on going to them. I myself cross the Atlantic regularly to see Barry. There’s no-one like him.