DAVID A SAYLOR – City Of Angels (2012) Out Of Print
DAVID A. SAYLOR (RIP) had a solid musical background as professional songwriter, vocal arranger and session vocalist besides a successful career as a solo artist in some Spanish speaking territories. He was a co-funder of the brilliant ’80s British AOR band Push, who finally released their lovely album ‘Strange World’ in 2010.
The following year, Saylor ventured into the studio to record the tracks for this solo comeback CD “City Of Angels“. Despite the years having rolled on, David has not lost any quality around his voice. He’s sounding as fine as ever here, and the material on this disc is pure AOR of the finest pedigree.
Saylor’s voice and musical direction has similarities to guys like Jim Jidhed (Alien) or Chris Irvine, while there are musical references to AORsters icons FM and Heartland.
We get underway with the title track “City Of Angels”, a classic AOR tune full of wonderful Eighties keyboards. It’s a FM meets Heartland track in style, though played at a more sedate pace. However, it is THAT voice which wins me over every time.
“Let Your Spirit Soar” has a Heartland feel as well, and is hooked into a mid-tempo roll with a constant keyboard motif ticking away in the background. “Hands To Heaven” is a cover of the 1988 hit single from UK pop duo Breathe. Saylor’s version is a hi-tech with a layered arrangement which sounds as if it was recorded in the ’80s. His vocal is just sublime here, and this version of course is less pop and more AOR than the original.
“Give It All” is another timelocked into the mid to late Eighties. The big produced drums comes from the era of Linn and Alesis drum machines, as well as the heavy synth backbone which populated albums from all and sundry during that era.
“In Our Dreams” is a touching ballad with poignant music matching the vocals and lyrics. Saylor and friends kick into rock mode for “Mystery Girl”, a track that could be FM during their early 90s bluesy phase.
AOR trainspotters will recognise the track “Inside Love”, which was first heard by UK outfit Seven back around 1990. This new version is pretty cool too, though not as dramatic as Seven’s classic rendition. “Think Of What You’re Thinking” is a storming AOR song full of fire, one of the best tracks on the CD without doubt.
You will love the version of The Tubes hit “I Don’t Wanna Wait Anymore”, and David could quite easily have stepped into Fee Waybill’s shoes when they recorded that song way back when.
The last “Where Do We Go From Here” features a duet with Suzie Ashby, a nice tune featuring two excellent voices in tandem. And no, just in case you were wondering.. this is not a cover of the classic Strangeways track.
“City Of Angels” is a beauty of an album that not a single AOR fan would want to miss.
The songwriting, the atmosphere, the delicious melodies come straight from the classic ’80s AOR book. The sound and production is top notch and easily holds its own amongst bigger budget projects these days.
Kudos to David A. Saylor for this lovely sonic trip back to the glorious Eighties.
Highly Recommended
01. City Of angels
02. Let Your Spirit Soar
03. Hands To heaven
04. Give It All
05. In Our Dreams
06. Mistery Girl
07. Inside Love
08. Think Of What Your Thinking
09. I Dont Want To Wait Anymore
10. Where Do We Go From Here
David A Saylor – vocals
Jon Dewsbury – musical arrangements
Suzie Ashby – female lead vocal on ‘Where Do We Go From Here’
Sarah Leaman, Rob Hewins, Brad Henshaw, Suzie Ashby – backing vocals
TRY HERE:
www.amazon.com/City-Angels-David-Saylor/dp/B007XRX9KQ
