David Burnham is a Special Guest on The Paul Leslie Hour

David Burnham just returned from New York where he played Fiyero in the Broadway production of "Wicked" having created the role in the original Los Angeles workshop productions. David was a member of the original Broadway cast of the 6-time Tony Award winning musical "The Light In The Piazza", performing on both the "Tony Awards" and the PBS telecast "Live From Lincoln Center". David was the 2007 recipient of the prestigious "Helen Hayes Award" for best actor as well as the 2007 best actor "Garland Award" for his portrayal of Fabrizio Nacarelli in the national tour of "The Light In The Piazza".
In New York City he lent his talent to the Actor's Fund production of "On The 20th Century" at The New Amsterdam Theatre and performed his solo concert at the famed New York jazz club "Birdland" and the "Metropolitan Room".

David first gained critical acclaim when, after a two year search, he was chosen to replace Donny Osmond in the national tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" (Dramalogue Award) a role which he has subsequently played 4 more times in productions all over the country.

At Boston's North Shore Music Theatre he created the role of Tom in the new musical "Tom Jones" as well as the role of Billy (opposite Maureen McGovern) in the new musical "Letters from 'Nam", a role which he reprised at The Kennedy Center and Seattle's Village Theatre. In Chicago he originated the role of Charlie in the world premiere of "Peggy Sue Got Married", after touring the country as Peter in the national tour of "Jesus Christ Superstar" (opposite Ted Neeley).

Other stage productions include the L.A. premiere of The Road Theatre production of "The Woman In Black" (the Actor) directed by Ken Sawyer, "Assassins" (John Hinckley) at Reprise - with members of the original Broadway cast, "Children of Eden" (Caine - Robby Award) at Musical Theatre West, "Godspell" (Jesus) at the St. Louis MUNY, and "Pirates of Penzance" (Fredrick) at The Sacramento Music Circus.

On film, David was the voice of the Prince in the Warner Bros. animated feature "The King & I", and can also be heard as "Willy" in Disney's "Home On The Range". Recordings include the soundtracks to "Ghepetto", "The King & I", and "Home on the Range". Also the recordings "Strouse, Schwartz, & Schwartz", "Lerner, Loewe, and Lane" and "Lee Lessack's - In Good Company".


For more information on David Burnham:
http://www.davidburnham.com
For more information on LML Music:
http://www.lmlmusic.com
For more information on The Paul Leslie Hour
http://www.thepaulleslie.com

Listen to the Paul "Wix" Wickens Special (Part 2 of 2) on The Paul Leslie Hour--Paul McCartney Band Series

This is the eighth episode in an 8-part in-depth series profiling the four fabulous musicians who make up the most famous backing band in music today--Paul McCartney's Band.

It is my extreme pleasure to welcome you to the eighth and final episode (or is it?) of our series profiling the musicians in Paul McCartney's band. We're welcoming back Paul "Wix" Wickens for part 2 of a very rare interview. Paul "Wix" Wickens has been Paul McCartney's keyboard player and musical director for many years. He joined Paul McCartney's band in 1989. He's appeared on most studio albums since then and all of the live Paul McCartney albums. Most recently, Paul "Wix" Wickens appeared on the live album "Good Evening New York City" from the Hear Music label. He also appeared on the studio album "Memory Almost Full." Paul "Wix" Wickens is more than just a keyboard player. He is also a composer and producer. Paul "Wix" Wickens also plays accordion, some guitar, some bass guitar, harmonica and lends his vocal talents. He has performed and recorded with many artists in addition to Paul McCartney: Elton John, Joni Mitchell, Bon Jovi, Bob Dylan, Nik Kershaw, Edie Brickell, Tim Finn, John Kilzer, David Gilmour, and Bill Payne...too many artists to list.

On this episode, it is my pleasure to bring you the conclusion...or what is possibly the conclusion of our in-depth look at the musicians in Paul McCartney's band.



For more information Paul McCartney:
http://www.paulmccartney.com
For more information on The Paul Leslie Hour:
http://www.thepaulleslie.com
For more information on Real 2 Reel Studios:
http://www.reel-life.net

Listen to the Paul "Wix" Wickens Special (Part 1 of 2) on The Paul Leslie Hour--Paul McCartney Band Series

This is the seventh episode in an 8-part in-depth series profiling the four fabulous musicians who make up the most famous backing band in music today--Paul McCartney's Band.

This is the first episode of two parts featuring Paul "Wix" Wickens who joins us for a rare interview. "Wix" Wickens has worked with artists like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Tim Finn, David Gilmour and many others. Today, "Wix" Wickens is the keyboard player and musical director for Paul McCartney. He began touring with Paul McCartney in 1989. He appeared on the 1990 live album "Tripping the Live Fantastic." He followed this by appearing on the Paul McCartney album "Unplugged" and in 1993 he appeared on both the studio album "Off the Ground" and the live album "Paul is Live." With the current lineup of Paul McCartney's band: Rusty Anderson, Brian Ray, Abe Laboriel, Jr. he appeared on the albums "Back in the US," "Back in the World," and most recently the studio album "Memory Almost Full" and the latest live album "Good Evening New York City."



For more information Paul McCartney:
http://www.paulmccartney.com
For more information on The Paul Leslie Hour:
http://www.thepaulleslie.com
For more information on Real 2 Reel Studios:
http://www.reel-life.net

Listen to the Abe Laboriel, Jr. Special (Part 2 of 2) on The Paul Leslie Hour--Paul McCartney Band Series

This is the sixth episode in an 8-part in-depth series profiling the four fabulous musicians who make up the most famous backing band in music today--Paul McCartney's Band.

We are welcoming back Abe Laboriel, Jr. for the second part in his profile. According to the official book Paul McCartney: On Stage, Off Stage and Back Stage, Abe Laboriel, Jr. got his first drum set at age four. Abe has been touring and recording with Paul McCartney for over 10 years now. Abe Laboriel, Jr. was mentored by percussionists like Jeff Porcaro and Alex Acuna who started the band Koinonia with Abraham Laboriel, Sr.-a legendary bassist and the father of our special guest. Abe Laboriel, Jr. has worked as both a session drummer and a performing drummer. He has recorded and performed with B. B. King, Eric Clapton, French artist Johnny Hallyday, Steve Winwood, Les Paul, and many others. His first live performance with Paul McCartney was at the concert for New York City in 2001. He has been playing drums on Paul McCartney's albums since then and has appeared on every McCartney tour.



For more information Paul McCartney:
http://www.paulmccartney.com
For more information on The Paul Leslie Hour:
http://www.thepaulleslie.com
For more information on Real 2 Reel Studios:
http://www.reel-life.net

Listen to the Abe Laboriel, Jr. Special (Part 1 of 2) on The Paul Leslie Hour--Paul McCartney Band Series

This is the fifth episode in an 8-part in-depth series profiling the four fabulous musicians who make up the most famous backing band in music today--Paul McCartney's Band.

Our special guest is Abe Laboriel, Jr.; drummer for Paul McCartney. Abe Laboriel, Jr. is the son of the legendary bassist Abraham Laboriel, Sr. Abe Laboriel, Jr. toured with guitarist Steve Vai then he went on to tour with k. d. lang when recording artist Sting saw him perform and asked Laboriel to join his touring band. Abe Laboriel, Jr. has worked with the likes of Sheryl Crowe, Fiona Apple, Eric Clapton, Jewel, Vanessa Carlton, Steve Lukather, Chris Isaak, Johnny Hallyday, Natalie Cole, and many others. Over the past decade, Abe Laboriel, Jr. has been touring and recording with Paul McCartney starting with the 2001 McCartney album "Driving Rain," followed by "Back in the US," "Back in the World," "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard," "Memory Almost Full" and the most recent live Paul McCartney album "Good Evening New York City."



For more information Paul McCartney: http://www.paulmccartney.com
For more information on The Paul Leslie Hour: http://www.thepaulleslie.com
For morei information on Real 2 Reel Studios: http://www.reel-life.net

Listen to the Brian Ray Special (Part 2 of 2) on The Paul Leslie Hour-- Paul McCartney Band Series

This is the fourth episode in an 8-part in-depth series profiling the four fabulous musicians who make up the most famous backing band in music today--Paul McCartney's Band.

On this episode we are welcoming back recording artist, singer-songwriter and recording artist Brian Ray. In addition to his solo guitar, he also plays lead and rhythm guitar and sometimes the bass for Paul McCartney. His association with Paul McCartney began with a performance with Paul McCartney at the half-time ceremonies at NFL Super Bowl XXXIX in 2002. He has appeared on the Paul McCartney studio albums "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard" and "Memory Almost Full" as well as the live albums "Back in the US," "Back in the World" and the most recent album on the Hear Music label, "Good Evening New York City."

Brian Ray has worked with countless artists including the late folk and songwriting legend Steve Goodman, and many other greats like Etta James, Smokey Robinson, Rita Coolidge and French superstar Johnny Hallyday.

However, what makes Brian Ray so unique is his incredible songs. In 2006, he released his debut album "Mondo Magneto." The sophomore release, "This Way Up" was released in 2010. Brian Ray is going to talk about his illustrious musical career and also perform a live acoustic song from the new album.

Listen to the Brian Ray Special on The Paul Leslie Hour --Paul McCartney Band Series

This is the third episode in an 8-part in-depth series profiling the four fabulous musicians who make up the most famous backing band in music today--Paul McCartney's Band.

On this episode we are proud to welcome a guitarist, singer-songwriter and session musician from Southern California. Brian Ray may be most known for his work as the lead and rhythm guitarist and sometime bassist for Paul McCartney, but he has also released two solo albums. "Mondo Magneto" was released in 2006 and most recently in 2010, he has released his sophomore album "This Way Up." In addition to an interview, Brian Ray will be performing one of his songs on the acoustic guitar just for all of you listeners on The Paul Leslie Hour.

Listen now to the Rusty Anderson Special (Part 2 of 2)--The Paul McCartney Band Series

This is the second episode in an 8-part in-depth series profiling the four fabulous musicians who make up the most famous backing band in music today--Paul McCartney's Band. We will be spotlighting Rusty Anderson, Brian Ray, Abe Laboriel, Jr. and Paul "Wix" Wickens. Together they make up McCartney's Band.

Our special guest on this episode of The Paul Leslie Hour is Rusty Anderson. Rusty Anderson is a Rock 'n Roll guitarist, singer-songwriter and recording artist. Rusty Anderson is also known as Paul McCartney's lead guitarist and joins us for an exclusive interview to discuss his illustrious music career and his latest solo album "Born on Earth."

Listen now to the Rusty Anderson Special (Part 1 of 2) --The Paul McCartney Band Series

This is the first episode in an 8-part in-depth series profiling the four fabulous musicians who make up the most famous backing band in music today--Paul McCartney's Band. We will be spotlighting Rusty Anderson, Brian Ray, Abe Laboriel, Jr. and Paul "Wix" Wickens. Together they make up Paul McCartney's Band.

The special guest on this episode is Rusty Anderson. Rusty Anderson is most known as the lead guitarist with Paul McCartney, an association which began when Rusty Anderson contributed to the 2001 Paul McCartney album "Driving Rain." Rusty Anderson has since appeared on the Paul McCartney albums "Back in the US," "Back in the World," "Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard," "Memory Almost Full," and the latest release on the Hear Music label "Good Evening New York." Rusty Anderson has worked with an extensive list of artists from Cat Stevens, Meat Loaf, Neil Diamond, Elton John and Santana. He joins us for a two part interview where we'll be talking not only about his career with Paul McCartney, but also his solo career. Rusty Anderson has two solo albums full of songs. Rusty Anderson's songwriting is creative and exceptional full of thought-provoking lyrics and limitless styles. His debut record "Undressing Underwater" was released in 2003 receiving positive critical acclaim. His recent sophomore album "Born on Earth," features another selectin of songs that are distinctly Rusty Anderson.

Listen now to the interview and hear the magic of the music come alive.

Listen now to the Adrienne Anderson Special on The Paul Leslie Hour (Part 2 of 2)

Joining us for the second part of an in-depth interview is lyricist Adrienne Anderson. Adrienne Anderson has written songs that have been recorded and performed by a variety of artists including Frank Sinatra, Dionne Warwick, Peter Allen, the band Pablo Cruise, Melissa Manchester, Diane Schuur, and Donna Summer. Adrienne Anderson received Grammy nominations for her lyrics for Dionne Warwick’s hit Dèjá Vu as well as Peter Allen’s hit "I go To Rio," both of which would be covered by other artists. However, Adrienne Anderson is perhaps most known for the songs she co-wrote with Barry Manilow. Her songs have been appearing on Manilow's records since the very first album: Barry Manilow I in 1973 and have continued to the most recent album 15 Minutes. In fact, the very first release of Barry Manilow (under the name Featherbed) was of "Amy," a song Adrienne Anderson composed and wrote the lyrics for.

Adrienne Anderson is a true artist. She continues to write lyrics and on this interview she discusses some of her recent work writing the book and lyrics for theater, including "City Kid, the Musical." Listen to the music and the conclusion of our interview with this very talented lyricist!



For more information on The Paul Leslie Hour: http://www.thepaulleslie.com

Listen now to the Adrienne Anderson Special on The Paul Leslie Hour (Part 1 of 2)

Adrienne Anderson is a lyricist and a very passionate, creative woman. Her songs have been recorded and performed by some of the greatest artists in music including Frank Sinatra, Donna Summer, Dionne Warwick, Peter Allen, Diane Schuur, Sheena Easton, the band Pablo Cruise and Melissa Manchester. However, Adrienne Anderson is known to many for the catalog of songs she wrote with singer, composer and performer Barry Manilow. As you will hear in this interview, her work with Barry Manilow goes back even before his debut album! Adrienne Anderson wrote the lyrics to two of Manilow's most beloved classic songs: "Could It Be Magic," and "Daybreak."

We invite you to listen in as we share the story and music written by a woman whose creativity and drive has never stopped!

Master Class with Marty Panzer (Writing Lyrics that Succeed and Endure)

Hello folks!

A lot of people wrote to me over the past couple of months expressing an interest in lyricists after our interviews with Enoch Anderson and Marty Panzer. A few wrote to say they were lyricists or interested in the art of lyric writing. As promised, we will be featuring more interviews with lyricists in the near future, but in the mean time I wanted to share with you some news regarding Marty Panzer.

I just heard from Marty Panzer that his lyric master class is coming to New York City. He has been doing the workshop for 17 years now at UCLA, but now those of us on the East Coast will have an opportunity to attend. I have included a link for more information: http://martypanzermasterclass.eventbrite.com/

The class sounds very fascinating to me. I imagine anyone who is fascinated by song lyrics or wants to learn how to be a better songwriter would not want to miss the class!