The Legendary David de Alba: LIVE! at Finocchio Club
1971 - 1987 Volume 2
Review by Billy Tweedie from    billytweedie.com

"This CD got my heartstrings and wrung them out to dry!" ~ Billy Tweedie

Well it came!   Volume 2 that I was waiting on as I was playing to death Volume One in the meantime!   A disc that lifted my sprits during a friend's illness, this CD got my heartstrings and wrung them out to dry!

Volume 2 continues David's backstage memoirs from Volume 1 including anecdotes from his run at Finocchio's in San Francisco.   David de Alba is the only artist from the world famous Finocchio Club to record and release to the public any material from that club.

I cannot praise either this album or David de Alba enough.   Listening to the first track alone, "I'm Gonna Live Until I Die'" is enough to tell you that this man knows and expresses everything there is to know about love.   What's more, he does it with sublime subtlety: a wink and a sly smile as opposed to a modern so-called "Diva" like Mariah Carey, who I cannot stand, who'd bash you over the head.   True style as opposed to gaudy excess.   There's not a bad song on the album, and several true classics, like a wonderful selection from "South Pacific", and "Getting To Know You/He Loves Me".

But listen to it several times before you form a judgement: that subtlety needs time to work its magic and insinuate itself into your soul.   I always thought "If Love Were All" was dreary oldies's MUZAK until I heard David's masterly epic version.   And no matter how many times I hear it, chills go up my spine when he sings the words!   Hell, nobody can sing these songs and express as many emotions through it as David does.

I rarely use the word "sublime" to describe anything, but it seems a perfect word for this album.   In light of today's top 40 radio (which I'm sure leaves so much to be desired), it sounds insulting to label this album as pop music.   But knowing that pop culture has the capability of being creative, meaningful, and even powerful, this album collection has to be one of the absolute pinnacles of popular music.   Volume 1 is also available.

The songs on this album are fantastic, and David has one of the greatest voices to ever grace American/Cuban pop music.   His voice is so soft and mellow, yet can grab and just galvanize you.   He knows exactly when and how to emote, something today's pop singers seem completely clueless about.   So warm and loving--wow.   When he sings "I'm Gonna Live Until I Die", well, heck, you can feel it.

But I don't want to overemphasize David, though.   The arrangements and song selection on this record are as important as David's gorgeous voice.   It's really amazing that this stuff passed as mainstream pop music; it beats the pants off of anything ever put out by Celine, Whitney, etc., etc., etc.   This is the kind of record they DREAM of having their names on (and always miss it by a huge longshot).   Did we really have to drop horns and real instruments in order to make songs consumable to the general public nowadays???   It's so sad!   But I digress...

Don't even think of buying anything less than these two Volumes!

If I could only say one great thing about this record (I can say a lot), it would be that this album showcases "Once In A Lifetime"--which is undoubtedly one of the greatest songs ever recorded.   The buildup to this song is so tremendous, and the controlled release is just glorious.   But that's really how this whole album works.

For once---BELIEVE THE HYPE!!!

Contact Alba/Ryner Ltd. to order CD(s) at   david-heri@earthlink.net    David will personally autograph your CD upon request.

Billy Tweedie, Billy's Entertainment World.



What people are saying about David's new CD
FI Lavern Cummings from Nevada
David de Alba's CD brings back so many memories, as I had worked with David until 1982.   Some of the songs, especially the medleys, I had never heard before.  [David performed many new songs after Lavern retired from Finocchio's].   Arranger Bill Bullard who had done many charts for me also did some for David.   Bill wrote for the trio and made them sound much fuller.   One of my favorite songs is "If Love Were All".   "Happy Trails" is a hoot and his Latin numbers are spirited.   This is a walk down memory lane.
Fashion Designer Laura Ryner from New York
I received the CDs with no problems.   I'm enjoying them very much.   I'm very impressed with all the care and work you put into them.   I like the narration and stories in between songs.   It makes me feel that I'm right there and easy to imagine you singing up on the stage!   I sent the second set to my mother this week.
Entertainer Thomas Lynch aka Anita Mann from New Jersey
"A Loving Tribute to Olga & Tony"
The loving tribute CD is a step ahead for the dance enthusiast of today and tomorrow.   An enjoyable CD.

"Live at Finocchio's 1971-1987"
Volume one and two of the backstage Memoirs & Rare Recordings is a first.   A look back at a talented, gifted performer, and his fond memories of his associates.   I listened as if I was there at Finocchio's taking a front row seat.   I applaud and tell David to accept his accolades.   A beautiful reflection of time.   Bravo!!!

"Then and Now"
A rare look back to the characters David brings to the stage....beautifully orchestrated and delivered.

The four CDs should be boxed together and sold as a set.   One performer's dream has been born.   David, much success to you!   I enjoyed the CDs and will listen to them time and again.
Entertainer Ron Paradis aka Miss Kitty from Maine
I am Ron Paradis and was a female impersonator and entertainer for many years from the mid-60's thru the 90's.  I worked under the name of Miss Kitty and worked in places like Finocchio's, The 82 Club in New York, Merry-Go-Round & Ledo de Paris in Paris, Punch Bowl in Boston, Le Girls in Australia, Caberia in Germany, just to name a few.   I have never had the pleasure of working with David but because of his hard work, we the people can hear the recordings of days gone by behind stage and enjoy the real live performances of David as Judy and Liza and the most important as David [as Boy-Chic].   You can hear the sounds and almost smell the make-up and if you close your eyes see the glitter and feathers of a time gone by.   This is a once in a lifetime chance to do and hear something that will never return.   I have enjoyed all four of the CDs over and over and I am sure you will too.
Thanks David for bringing back so many lost pleasures and memories. Jacques Du Rand, Theatrical Entrepreneur, South Africa

How would one describe this?   Well, I would surely start with the words integrity, realness, and passion.   It’s like a moment of fantasy when you listen to David singing Judy, and you think that for those few moments she is alive again.   The great Barbra Streisand was quoted saying that she is not a singer, but an actress that sings.   It is this quality that I found in David’s music.   He becomes the persona that is telling you the story, and David disappears.   You are taken away on the journey and start believing in OZ again.   This is for sure not a performance for someone who wishes to remain in Kansas, but rather the traveler that wants to explore the magic of art and the never ending story behind the music.

I surely won’t listen to David’s CDs while cooking, because I will end up burning my food and having a pizza delivered.   It's much safer to take the phone off the hook, put off all your appliances, close your eyes and journey with the artist within.
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