Was just Listening to Dan Fogelberg...


which certifies me as a mid-life-fogeylberg. :)
Man, did Dan have a stunningly clear voice, and I love the orchestrations he used.
Is there any artist similar to pursue? I lean toward smooth Jazz and instrumentals. However, I've always had an affinity for orchestrated (lighter) rock music. Artists I have enjoyed from my youth: ELO, Steve Miller Band, Poco, Alan Parsons Project, Fogelberg & Weisberg, Chicago, Moody Blues.
Projecting out 25-30 years what music in today's sound resonates with those artists? You know, good, clean well styled groups.
I'm guessing such a narrow parameter will be difficult to peg.
I enjoy Al Jarreau, George Benson. Lately have found India Aire.
I look for clean lyrics and great voices. Any high recommends? Any newer artists with great, clean, superb sound who can pack an orchestral punch? Or a vocalist who is in the light rock or smooth jazz vein?
I know I can spend hours upon hours searching online for leads, but a few quick comments here can get me going on this faster.
THANKS for your ideas!
douglas_schroeder
IT is interesting to see Dan Fogelberg being re-evaluated. He'd been pretty much thrown to the scrap heap for what many considered to be schmaltzy saccharin pop. I too have come across some great copies of most of his 70s albums recently which I acquired for next to nothing.

I put one on for a few minutes and ended up listening to the whole thing. Then I tried the others. And now I'm a fan.

He was a musician's son and it shows. The music is tetured with nice layers and never really overdone.

I think he got bashed a little because he was a singer/songwriter in the late 70s when punk and funk were hip. Had he come along when James Taylor, Harry Chapin and the likes were starting, he might have gotten more respect.

BRUCE COCKBURN is my absolute favorite. Get all you can. Not a dud in his repertoire.
Fogelberg is great, cut my teeth on him in college, still listen to him occasionally! I played him so much my albums sound like a dog's been chewing on em. He was a great live show too! Where is he?
I recently picked up a mint copy of "The Innocent Age", which is a 2-LP record set. Simply brilliant. Both LPs include great music but Side Two of Disc One brings back the memories:

(1) Lost In The Sun
(2) Run For the Roses
(3) Leader of the Band
(4) Same Old Lang Syne

The last two songs (#3, #4) happen to be two of his best releases IMHO.

Cheers!
Then, I might recommend Niel Diamond, Taylor of course and Gordon Lightfoot, all great male vocalist with fine arangements to their music...
Pops, According to his website, he's battling prostate cancer
and not touring or recording anymore. We should stop by and
wish him well, Steve