Michael Buble Biography
Terrified, he says simply. Terrified?
Completely, because I knew that it had to be better than the first two that it had to show growth without alienating anyone, and thats a tough line. So I sat there from the very beginning and came up with the songs, put together the skeleton, and thought about what arrangers I would hire. I even ended up at the mastering session, which artists rarely attend. I wanted to be involved in every aspect because I wanted it to be conceptually beautiful.
Bubl has certainly achieved success on that front. As with his previous two 143/Reprise bestsellers, 2003s self-titled debut and 2005s multi-platinum follow-up Its Time, Call Me Irresponsible boasts more of Bubls buoyant, modern interpretations of standards from a variety of eras, including songs by such greats as Leonard Cohen, Eric Clapton, Cy Coleman, Gamble and Huff, and others, as well as two self-penned originals, including the first single, the uplifting love song called Everything.
But its hardly business as usual for this Vancouver native. It never is for Bubl, whose irrepressible spirit, engaging humor, and confident charisma once led the New York Times to call him an entertainer who is completely at home on the stage. His new CD, which he calls my remark on the state of love, contains a depth of feeling that will surprise and delight long-term fans and impress those new to his music. To me, whats different about this CD is that it has a certain raw emotion because I recorded many of these songs live in the studio. Bubl introduces the electrifying, impeccably orchestrated set to follow with the opening track, Cy Colemans The Best Is Yet To Come, (made famous by Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and others). Then theres the exhilarating, salsa-flavored It Had Better Be Tonight, written by Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini, which Bubl attacks with a hot-blooded vengeanceanother very sexy song...and edgy. From there, he takes on Me and Mrs. Jones, the 1972 Gamble and Huff classic popularized by soul singer Billy Paul. David (Foster) brought it to me, Id never actually heard it before, Bubl says. We wanted it to be authentic and tell the story. Next up is Leonard Cohens Im Your Man from the Canadian singer/songwriters 1988 album of the same name. I always thought it was a wonderful song desperate, sexy, and dark, Bubl says. I actually called Leonard and told him I was afraid of performing it live. When he asked me why, I said because hed written too sexy of a song and I was afraid men were going to throw their underpants at me. He just laughed and said, I wouldnt worry too much about that.
Then theres a swinging, hep-cat version of Mel Torms 1962 pop hit Comin Home Baby, featuring vocals from Philly soul faves Boys II Men; and a sentimental, self-penned ballad Lost, co-written with Chang and Canadian singer-songwriter Jann Arden. Its an anthem for star-crossed lovers, Bubl says. Sometimes relationships dont work out because love isnt enough, but that doesnt mean you have to discard the person. There is a way to end a relationship and still be there when they need you. Thats basically what its about.
A languid, emotional rendition of Eric Claptons ballad Wonderful Tonight, on which Bubl duets with Brazilian singer-songwriter Ivan Lins, whose work has been covered by everyone from Sarah Vaughn to Ella Fitzgerald follows. Ive always been very sentimental about that song, Bubl says. What is interesting about that track is here I am, a 31-year-old guy from Canada whos singing a song that means so much to me with a 61-year-old man from Brazil, whos singing in his own language but it means the exact same thing to both of us.
Other highlights include two of Bubls original songs, including the acoustic-guitar driven Everything, co-written with Amy Foster-Gillies and Alan Chang (who also co-wrote Bubls touching hit ballad Home off Its Time) and produced by fellow Canadian Bob Rock (Bon Jovi, Metallica, Mtley Cre, Bryan Adams). I wrote that song about the great happiness of real love, but at the same time I was making a statement about the world, Bubl says. Were living in really crazy times, and I wanted to say that no matter whats happening, this person in my life is what really makes it worthwhile.
Rounding out Call Me Irresponsible is Frank Sinatras Thats Life, which, in Bubls hands, becomes a powerhouse complete with a full choir. I brought the song to a wonderful guy named Mervyn Warren, from the acappella group Take 6 and said, I want to take this to church; I want to make it a huge gospel tune. So he brought in a choir and I love it. Its one of my favorite things about the record."
To help him capture the intensity in the songs meanings, Bubl turned to his long-standing team of producers, which include 14-time Grammy winner David Foster (Barbra Streisand, Cline Dion, Josh Groban) and producer/engineer Humberto Gatica (Elton John, Destinys Child, Michael Jackson). We definitely have a great working relationship where I think I interfere just enough, Bubl says with a laugh. I mean, David is the greatest producer in the world. Theyre both so amazing, I couldnt do it without them.
Foster first discovered Bubl seven years ago when he caught the aspiring star performing at the wedding of former Canadian Prime Minsters daughter. The son of a British Columbia-based salmon and herring fisherman, Bubl spent the months his parents were away with his music-loving Italian grandfather, who introduced him to the singers who would become Bubls idols: Bobby Darin, Dean Martin, Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Elvis Presley. These guys were triple threats, he says. They could sing, they could dance, they could act. They were entertainers, and I believe thats a lost art now.
Bubl honed his skills as a showman through years of performing in hotel lounges and smoky bars gigs his grandfather, a plumber, helped the underage singer secure by trading his plumbing services. By the time Foster met him 2000, Bubl already knew exactly what he brought to the table a warm, engaging voice and unassailable taste in music. His debut album was an international smash, going Top Ten in the U.K. and Canada, and earning him his first Juno award for Best New Talent in 2004. The follow-up, Its Time, sold more than 5.5 million copies, and has remained on the Billboard Traditional Jazz charts for a staggering two years, and in the Number 1 slot for more than 80 weeks, an all-time record.
But along with his passion for creating great music in the studio, performing on stage is pure paradise for Michael Bubl. I just love getting in front of people, he says. Its so important to be in touch with your audience. Theyve paid their money. I want them to be entertained. If they want to cry or laugh or dance or sing or yell, they can do whatever they want. My responsibility is just to take them away.
