Flirting With Brazil

Air Supply have been flirting with the Brazilian audience since early 90’s when they first landed on Brazilian ground to perform in Rio de Janeiro (Canecão) and São Paulo (Olympia) during their The Vanishing Race Tour which promoted their brand new album with the same title. The duo were topping the world charts thanks to their hit Goodbye and in Brazil, a country which always loved and regarded them as one of its most all time beloved bands, that success could not be differently.

The duo would include the country again in their promo trips for their News From Nowhere album as they already had a new song topping the charts again. That time a courageous and successful re-recording of the cult ballad Unchained Melody, known worldwide through the original vocals of the American duo The Righteous Brothers. The song had been this duo’s greatest hit all over the world just three years before when it was chosen to be the romantic theme for Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in “Ghost” the movie soundtrack, a very successful film also starred by Whoopi Goldberg.

Air Supply had not come that time to tour the country yet. They were here to promote their new album and single on some Brazilian TV shows only. The duo was still touring across Asia where they always had a huge number of devoted fans. Firstly, the duo performed Unchained Melody and Goodbye in “Domingão do Faustão” (TV Globo). Then they appeared in “Hebe Camargo” (SBT) when they sang Unchained Melody again and finally they were at Jô Soares Onze E Meia (TV Globo) but that time they performed Unchained Melody live! Russell didn’t wear his long blue jacket used on their Asian tour. Instead he had a T-shirt on which could reveal part of his big tattoo.

Graham and Russell, as fans know, love the atmosphere in the Brazilian shows. Graham says there is something different about the fans in the country which is different from the Europeans, Americans and Asians. As they say, fans in Brazil use to show easily their emotions naturally. Still related to the duo’s old memories, Graham also remembers when they were here back in 1993, he was fully amazing about the sight from the window in his hotel room in Rio de Janeiro. He could see Copacabana then and it was a night with a full moon. The inspiration that made him write Always (only released in 1995 on their album News From Nowhere) came up in 20 minutes only!

In 2008, after lots of expectation and postponed dates for new shows in Brazil, they finally landed again in the country in January for a 4-show tour in four cities. They firstly performed in Fortaleza, where they played for a huge audience (the same would happen in the other three cities) a great number of their biggest hits, including two new songs, Let Me Be The One and A Little Bit of Everything. The audience sang their songs along in just one voice, taking the guys by surprise who were not able to hide their emotions. Then they left for Recife, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, where their fans celebrated that moment and paid homage to the band (See picture above. The band surrounded by fans in the Airport, São Paulo).

Air Supply left Brazil, but with a promise they’d be back soon and as a matter of fact, they are returning now for a 4-show tour across the country again in April, 2009 and possibly they will include one more new city, Porto Alegre. They are very welcome to make the Brazilian fans dream away again and fill the passionate hearts of these such eternal romantic people with songs.

(English translation by Tony - March, 2009)

Biography (English)

With their heavily orchestrated, sweet ballads, the Australian soft rock group Air Supply became a staple of early-'80s radio, scoring a string of seven straight US Top Five singles. Air Supply, for most intents and purposes, was the duo of vocalists Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell; other members came through the group over the years, yet they only functioned as backing musicians and added little to the group's sound.

Hitchcock and Russell met while performing in a Sydney, Australia, production of Jesus Christ Superstar in 1976. The two singers formed a partnership and with the addition of four supporting musicians -- keyboardist Frank Esler-Smith, guitarist David Moyse, bassist David Green, and drummer Ralph Cooper -- Air Supply was born.

Love And Other Bruises and If You Knew Me, the first demos of Graham’s compositions were recorded on a tiny tape deck in a theatre orchestra pit. Everyone turned them down, but one - CBS Records who admired their unique style. They made a single in one afternoon and it shot to number one on the National charts. The duo found help from Frank Esler-Smith, Superstar’s musical director, and Air Supply’s future keyboardist. Graham and Russell settled on the named Air Supply, because it held several meanings: Air is the term used in classical music, meaning melody. At the time, it seemed as though everyone else in Australia was doing heavy metal. Ballads were a breath of fresh air. Astrologically speaking, Graham and Russell are both Geminis, which is an ‘air’ sign. In the mid-seventies,"the star sign bit was really hip, you know", laughs Graham.

For several years, the group gained no attention outside of Australia, earning one significant hit single, Love and Other Bruises (1976). Their first international exposure came in the late '70s, when Rod Stewart had them as his opening act on a North American tour. Air Supply signed a record contract with Arista in 1980, releasing their first album by the end of the year. Lost in Love, their debut album, was a major success in the U.S., selling over two million copies and spawning the hit singles Lost in Love, All Out of Love and Every Woman in the World. The following year they released their second album, The One That You Love. The title track became their only number one hit and it also featured two other Top Ten hits, Here I Am (Just When I Thought I Was Over You) and Sweet Dreams. With their third album, 1982's Now and Forever, their popularity dipped slightly -- it only had one Top Ten hit, Even the Nights Are Better and the other two singles, Young Love and Two Less Lonely People in the World, scraped the bottom of the Top 40. Air Supply released a Greatest Hits collection in 1983, featuring a new single, Making Love Out of Nothing at All. The single spent two weeks at number two while the album peaked at number seven and eventually sold over four million copies.

Two years later, they released Air Supply (1985), their fourth album. It featured the number 19 single Just As I Am, but it was clear that their audience was shrinking -- the album was their first not to go platinum. Hearts in Motion (1986) was even less successful, peaking at number 84 and spending only nine weeks on the charts. The duo still released their Christmas Album (1987) and after its disappointing performance, Air Supply decided to break up. Russell started a solo career without any participation of Graham and released his first solo album, Russell Hitchcock (1987). The cover song Someone Who Believes in You (previously recorded by Carole King) was a hit in several countries.

Hitchcock and Russell reunited in 1991, releasing Earth Is..., but the album failed to make the charts, although its tracks Without You and Stronger Than The Night were being played in several countries. Two years later, they released The Vanishing Race (1993), whose single was a smash hit worldwide, except in the States. The duo released News From Nowhere (1995) and topped the world charts with Unchained Melody, another cover songs recorded previously by the American duo The Righteous Brothers. That same year, Air Supply recorded a live album during their successful tour in Asia, Now And Forever... Greatest Hits Live and More which featured a brand new studio song "The Way I Feel" and a re-recording of their old hit Now And Forever. The album was released worldwide followed by the releasings of a VCD, VHS tape and a laser disc which would offer their fans anywhere the chance of seeing the band performing live during their famous Asian tour. An interactive CD-rom called As Closes As This (1996) was also available featuring videos, music and much more about that tour. Still in the end of the decade, the due released The Book of Love (1997), which featured woman's backing vocal and a new rhythm and instruments on some songs. The same year, they also released a new compilation album called Air Supply The Ultimate Collection. Two new studio songs were included, Longer (a new cover) and The Scene, which would be released later on Yours Truly.

The new millennium marked the band's first studio album in four years, and a summer tour in support of Yours Truly (2001). Their single You Are The Reason (duet with Manhaz) had a minor hit. That would be their last studio album for Arista (BMG). The next ones would all be released by their new recording company, A Nice Pear: Celestine Travelers , The Heart of the Rose (both in 2002), The Future (2007, all Graham's solo recordings), Across The Concret Sky (2003) and their last studio album The Singer and the Song (2005). Still in 2005, the band released It Was 30 Years Ago Today (recorded live during their tour in Canada) and Love Songs, featuring their last studio recording Miracles.

The band keeps on the road, touring live across several countries, performing their greatest hits ever. They also have included some Graham's solo songs from his last album The Future and some brand new Air Supply songs which will hopefully be included on their next studio album, Zed as The River and Me, Faith in Love, Let Me Be The One and A Little Bit of Everything. They promise to release a new studio album during 2009.

Written by Stephen Thomas Erlewine for All Music Guide

Additional text by Tony

Sources:

http://ca.music.yahoo.com/ar-303724-bio--Air-Supply

www.airsupplymusic.com

Biography (English)

Graham Russell was born June 11, 1950 in Sherwood, England. As a boy, he would venture into Nottingham’s legendary Sherwood Forest and play all day. Sometimes he would prefer to sit under a tree and lose himself in the fantasy of Charles Dickens or D.H. Lawrence books. Young Graham was a very shy lad who found it difficult to share his emotions, except to express them on paper with a pen. So he found that the solitude of the forest would give him ample opportunity to privately record his personal feelings and thoughts in rhythmic verses. He wrote his first song, That Rockin' Feeling, when he was only 11 eleven years.

His mother passed away when he was only ten, and three years later, Graham’s father and new stepmother announced that the family was moving to Melbourne, Australia. Unwilling to leave the only life he had known, Graham ran away from home the night before they were to leave for Down Under. No longer able to keep the ship from sailing, the distraught Russell family had no choice but to leave for Australia..minus Graham.

The rebel ended up safely with his uncle. Like most pensive teens, he reached a point when he began to worry about his future. He thought that his fate would surely be to work in a factory like those around him. Graham attended Carlton-Le-Willows highschool and Gedling, Nottingham, where his love for Literature and the greatest British poets only grew stronger. The young man started to be interested in parapsychology and ocultism subjects which led him to be fond of writers like Shelly, Tom Byron and Keats.

In 1963, Graham was introduced to the music of an exciting new band out of Liverpool. As the rest of the world, he was swept up in Beatlemania. Sometimes he would creep down to the cellar of his house, and fancy himself performing before a wild screaming audience, just like his idols. This fantasy gave him such a rush, that he knew he belonged in show business, chiefly right after attending a concert of the band in 1964. Graham was a music self-taught and learned how to play the guitar and percussion by himself. In 1965, he joined a local rock band called Union Blues as their drummer. He continued to write songs, but no matter how much he pleaded with the band to sing his material, they still refused to play his music. In 1964, Graham married to Linda, a schoolmate and Simon, their first son was born in the following year. Nowadays, his son helps him to organize the Air Supply shows and in their fan club affairs.

By now, four years had passed since his family left England. Following the advice of his sister, Graham rejoined his family in Melbourne. Graham also had a daughter in 1972. Samanta was born in March. Then he found a job in a kleenex factory. His job was to load 400-pound rolls of tissue onto a trolley, to be evenly distributed into little boxes.
In his spare time, he joined a local band. However, his new bandmates sang the same tune as Graham’s former band: the songs he had written were unsuitable for their sound. The frustrated composer sold his drum kit, then took his acoustic guitar and head full of songs to entertain patrons at local coffeehouses.

Graham also audictioned for Jesus Christ Superstar, the Australian version for the American musical and also made into the cast. Not only did his musical ability secure his role, but his height also became an advantage. Being 6’5" made Graham one of the only people at auditions able to fit a costume left over from the last Superstar production. Graham’s good fortunes held out, until the first rehearsal. He was quite unnerved at the thought of dancing, and was so self conscious that he tripped up and twisted his ankle. Two of the other apostles were nearby to carry him to the side of the stage, while practice continued. He remained on the cast.

While taking a break, Graham and a friend were singing in a ticket booth. As Graham sang and strummed his guitar, it caught the attention of one of the other cast members. The music attracted Russell right to the booth, where he introduced himself. He was impressed and fascinated with his new acquaintance, especially upon learning that he penned his own music. Over the next few weeks, Graham and Russell became friends. As they got to know one another, they decided to begin performing together at local clubs and universities, when they had spare time away from the "Superstar" production. The young men remained in the musical for 18 months. Then they continued their musical career as Air Supply.


Sources:

http://www.geocities.com/airsupply_as/
http://www.airsupplymusic.com
http://www.pt.wikipedia.org

Biografia (Portuguese)

Graham Russell nasceu no dia 11 de junho de 1950 em Sherwood, Inglaterra. Quando garoto, ele se aventura pela lendária floresta de Sherwood de Nottingham e brincava o dia todo. Às vezes, ele preferia sentar-se embaixo de uma árvore e perder-se nas fantasias dos livros de Charles Dickens ou D.H. Lawrence. O jovem Graham era um rapaz muito tímido, que encontrava dificuldades em compartilhar suas emoções, exceto que ele gostava de expressa-las no papel com a caneta. Então ele descobriu que a solidão da floresta lhe dava ampla privacidade para gravar seus pensamentos e sentimentos em forma de versos com rimas. Em 1961, aos 11 anos, o jovem escreveu sua primeira canção, That Rockin' Feeling.

Sua mãe morreu quando ele tinha apenas 10 anos e em 1963, três anos depois, seu pai e sua nova madrasta anunciavam que a família estava se mudando para Melbourne, Austrália. Sem querer abandonar a única vida que ele tinha conhecido, Graham fugiu de casa uma noite antes da viagem. Sem poder mais impedir o navio de partir, atônita, a família Russell não teve outra escolha, a não ser partir para Austrália sem Graham.

O rebelde terminou ficando em segurança com seu tio. Como a maioria dos adolescentes pensativos, ele chegou a uma conclusão quando começou a pensar sobre o seu futuro. Ele achou que seu destino seria trabalhar certamente em uma fábrica, como aquelas na sua área. Graham estudou no Colégio Carlton-Le-Willows, fez escola técnica em Gedling, Nottingham, onde seu amor pela Literatura e os grandes poetas ingleses apenas cresceu ainda mais, alimentado pelo estudo e um interesse que também se desenvolveu pelas artes da paranormalidade e ciências ocultas, realçados pelos trabalhos dos escritores Shelly, Keats e Tom Byron.

Ainda em 1963, Graham foi introduzido à musica de uma banda nova e excitante de Liverpool. Assim como o resto do mundo, ele foi seduzido pela 'Beatlemania'. Algumas vezes, ele sorrateiramente ia até o porão de sua casa e se imaginava cantando diante de um público enlouquecido, assim como seus ídolos. Esta fantasia lhe causou tanto impacto que ele sabia que seu lugar era no show business, principalmente após assistir a um show da banda em 1964. Graham era um autodidata na música, tendo aprendido a tocar violão e percursão sozinho. Em 1965, tornou-se baterista de uma banda local chamada Union Blues. Ele continuou a escrever canções, mas de nada adiantava pedir aos integrantes que cantassem seu material, pois eles continuavam se recusando a tocar sua música.
Em 1967, Graham casou-se com sua namorada de colégio, Linda. Simon, o filho do casal, nasceu no ano seguinte. Atualmente o rapaz trabalha ao lado do pai na organização de shows e do fã-clube.

Quatro anos se passaram então desde que sua família deixou a Inglaterra. Seguindo o conselho de sua irmã, Graham juntou-se a família em Melbourne. O jovem foi pai novamente aos 22 anos. Samanta nasceu em março de 1972. Já na Austrália, ele encontrou emprego em uma fábrica de kleenex*. Sua função era abastecer um carro com cerca de 170 quilos de papel, para que depois fossem redistribuídos em pequenas caixas. Nas horas vagas, ele tocava com uma banda local, mas que também não queria tocar suas canções por achar que não se encaixavam com o seu som. Então o compositor frustrado vendeu sua bateria, pegou seu violão acústico com a cabeça cheia de canções e foi entreter os clientes nos bares locais.

Em 1975, aconteceram então os ensaios para a versão australiana de Jesus Cristo Superstar e Graham decidiu participar também dos testes. Não somente suas habilidades musicais, mas também a sua altura contribuiram para que ele fosse aceito no elenco. Graças a ela, o artista foi um dos únicos rapazes que participaram dos testes que se encaixou perfeitamente em um figurino que restou da última produção do musical. A sorte estava com ele até que veio o primeiro ensaio! Ele estava bastante nervoso com a idéia de ter que dançar e no momento do ensaio, ele acabou caindo e machucando seu tornozelo. Dois dos apóstolos ajudaram-no, enquanto o ensaio continuava. Mesmo assim, Graham continuou no musical.

Quando faziam uma pausa, Graham e um amigo cantavam em um box de venda de ingressos. Ele tocava algo no seu violão, quando atraiu a atenção de um outro membro do elenco. Era Russell Hitchcock que tinha sido atraído pela sua música até o box, onde ele se apresentou. Graham ficou impressionado com sua nova conquista, especialmente porque tinha acontecido graças a sua música. Nas próximas semanas, Graham e Russell se tornaram grandes amigos. Enquanto se conheciam mais ainda, decidiram se apresentar juntos nos clubes, bares e universidades locais quando tinham tempo livre do musical. Os rapazes permaneceram no musical durante 18 meses e depois continuaram sua carreira musical como Air Supply.

*Lenços de papel

Fontes:

www.airsupplymusic.com

www.geocities.com/airsupply_as
www.pt.wikipedia.org

Tradução: Tony

Biography (English)

The Beatles were also a great influence on Russell Hitchcock. Russell would play their records over and over, singing aloud and pretending to strum a guitar. Russell was born in state of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia in June 15, 1949. While growing up in the industrial section of town, he was sure that he would grow up to be a school teacher. Aside from his Beatlemania days, he had never seriously considered a career in music.

Years later, Russell’s previously unnoticed talent was revealed. One day, while he was crooning in the shower, his roommate overheard the singing was astounded by Russell’s vocal ability. She complimented him on his voice and told him that he should really try and do something with all of that potential talent. Russ modestly replied that he wasn’t nearly good enough, although he was secretly flattered by her comment.

Russell is the second of two children (sister Gail is three years older). He attended secondary school at South Brunswick State School. when he was teenager, he used to play basketball and used to play bowling very well (he still does). He attended high school at Princes Hill High School for five years and dropped out. He didn't like being told what to do and he still doesn't. At age of 16, he started to work in a small Men's Wear store in Melbourne.

By the time he was twenty, Russell was singing in a band. Feeling the pressures of young adulthood, Russell decided to settle down and get married. The budding music career had to be pushed aside to make way for more stable employment. He took a job selling suitcases and also found work in the parts department of a computer firm. But in the back of Russell’s mind, he knew that there had to be more for him than a 9-to-5 factory life existence. So convinced by Karen, his girlfriend, he audictioned Sydney for Jesus Christ Superstar musical in Sydney and was accepted into the cast. Finally he met Graham Russell. It was just a matter of time before fate would bring the guys together.

His full name is Russell Charles Hitchcock. His middle name was taken after his grandfather. When he is asked why the name of the band is Air Supply, he gladly says, "Ask Graham". His favorite bands are The Beatles, Queen, Eagles, AC/DC and Air Supply, of course. Russell loves Elton John, Whitney Houston, Billy Joel, Celine Dion, Freddie Mercury, Bonnie Raitt, Paul McCartney, Annie Lennox and Steve Perry. His favorite colors are blue, red and black. His favorite movie stars are Anthony Hopkins, Gary Oldman, Robin Williams, Michelle Pfeiffer, Glenn Close and Meryl Streep. In relation to foods, he enjoys eating anything!

Souces:

http://www.geocities.com/airsupply_as/
http://wapedia.mobi/en/Russell_Hitchcock

Biografia (Portuguese)

Os Beatles sempre foram uma grande influência musical em Russell Hitchcock. Russell tocava seus discos repetidas vezes, cantando alto e fingindo tocar violão. Ele nasceu em Melbourne, estado de Victoria, Austrália, no dia 15 de junho de 1949. Enquanto crescia na seção industrial de sua cidade, ele estava convicto que seria professor. Apesar dos seus dias de 'beatlemaníaco", ele nunca pensou seriamente em seguir uma carreira musical.

Anos mais tarde, o talento musical ainda escondido de Russell foi revelado. Um dia, enquanto ele estava cantarolando no chuveiro, sua colega de quarto ouviu seu canto e ficou impressionada com a habilidade vocal de Russell. Ela elogiou sua voz e disse que ele deveria realmente tentar fazer alguma coisa com todo aquele talento em potencial. Russ, modestiamente, respondeu que ele não era bom o bastante - apesar de que ele se sentiu lisonjeado em segredo com seu comentário.

Bem, Russell é o segundo de dois filhos (sua irmã Gail é quatro anos mais velha). Estudou em Brusnswick, um subúrbio de Melbourne. Seu ensino fundamental foi feito em South Brunswick State School. Quando adolescente, jogou basquetebol e também boliche, inclusive sendo um ótimo jogador. No ensino médio, estudou em Princes Hill High School durante cinco anos e desistiu. Ele não gostava que lhe dissessem o que fazer (como ainda não gosta!). Começou a trabalhar em uma pequena loja de roupas masculinas em uma loja de departamentos aos 16 anos em Melbourne. Quando estava com 20 anos, Russell já cantava em uma banda.

Sentindo as pressões da jovem maturidade, ele então decidiu dá um tempo para sua vida e casar. A carreira musical teve que ser posta de lado em função da busca por um emprego mais estável. Ele trabalhou como vendedor de malas e também em um departamento de peças de uma empresa de computador, na qual ficou por três anos, sendo promovido e transferido para Sydney. Entretanto, lá no fundo de sua mente, Russell sabia que tinha que existir mais para ele do que uma vida em um emprego de 9h-5h em uma fábrica. Em 1975, convencido pela namorada Karen, participou de uma audição para a montagem australiana de Jesus Christ Superstar. Ele foi aceito no elenco e finalmente conheceu Graham Russell. Foi apenas uma questão de tempo até que o destino reunisse os dois rapazes.

O nome completo do artista é Russell Charles Hitchcock. O nome do meio veio de seu avô. Quando perguntam a ele por que escolheram o nome da banda "Air Supply", ele responde divertidamente: "Pergunta ao Graham". Suas bandas favoritas são os Beatles, Queen, Eagles, Bee Gees, AC/DC e Air Supply, claro. Russell adora Elton john, Whitney Houston, Billy Joel, Celine Dion, Freddie Mercury, Bonnie Raitt, Paul McCartney, Annie Lennox e Steve Perry. Sua cores favoritas são azul, vermelho e preto. Adora os atores Anthony Hopkins, Gary Oldman, Robin Williams e as atrizes Michelle Pfieffer, Glenn Close, Meryl Streep e em relação à culinária, o rapaz come de tudo!


Fontes:
www.geocities.com/airsupply_as
www.wapedia.mobi/en/russell_hitchcock

Tradução: Tony

Fan Review - "The Future" (Graham Russell Solo Album, 2007)

Graham Russell released his first solo CD since forming Air Supply with Russell Hitchcock 31 years ago. Aptly titled The Future, the CD offers a glimpse into what Air Supply fans can expect to see from Graham in the coming months and years. Graham, now 56, shows no sign of slowing down, as evidenced by the number of projects he is currently working on. In addition to The Future, Graham continues his work to bring to the stage The Heart of the Rose, a rock opera he first conceived some 30 years ago; has plans to produce and release a new Air Supply CD in 2007; and continues to tour internationally, performing more than 100 shows annually. 

A departure from songs ‘sounding’ like Air Supply, The Future re-introduces listeners to a side of Graham’s creativity not seen for many years. While this is Graham's first 'solo' CD, Air Supply fans, having enjoyed Graham's talents for more than three decades, will feel right at home listening to The Future. The CD, consisting of 10 songs, is an eclectic mix of sounds and textures ranging from tender ballads to techno and dance rhythms.

The 10 tracks on The Future are: Let Yourself Go, Love Is Warm, Lace & Leather, Our Love, Make You Mine, Save The World, This Time, Restless, Fall With You and The Future.

*Let Yourself Go, The Future’s opening track, explores Graham's love of techno and dance music. Open a bottle of wine, sit back, close your eyes, tap your toe and get lost and let yourself go... (Graham Russell, Jonni Lightfoot, Stina, Billy Sherwood).

*Love Is Warm is an upbeat love song with a beautiful melody and chorus. It would be fun to see this turned into a club dance mix. (Graham Russell, Jonni Lightfoot, Stina).

*Lace & Leather, one of Graham’s favorites on the CD, is another beautiful love song. Graham’s soulful arrangement of his voice, guitar and keys has an unexpected purity. Graham’s decision to not include percussion or other sounds is spot on. (Graham Russell).

*Our Love, according to Graham, is The Future’s only power ballad. Everything from the vocals to the piano to the string arrangement is gorgeous. It’s not difficult to imagine hearing this song in a movie. (Graham Russell, Mike Zerbe, Jonni Lightfoot, Jed Moss, Jeff Allman, Stina, Louis Clarke, Billy Sherwood).

*Make You Mine is another love song featuring Graham on the acoustic guitar throughout the song. Again, this song is not cluttered with additional instruments and sounds and its chorus is catchy. (Graham Russell, Jonni Lightfoot, Stina).

*Save The World is a great upbeat, modern and a bit techno tune. The lyrics are plentiful and its 400+ words will be a challenge for anyone to master! (Graham Russell, Jonni Lightfoot, Russell Hitchcock).

*This Time was introduced by Graham to audiences in 2006. A beautiful story about a man falling in love with a woman, it is a true ballad. (Graham Russell, Mike Zerbe, Jonni Lightfoot).

*Restless reminds me of music that might be associated with the Renaissance period, although Graham attributes the song to an event in 1st century A.D. Britain. I can only describe the song as hauntingly beautiful. (Graham Russell, Mark Williams, Alec Milstein, Jonni Lightfoot, Meagan Olson).

*Fall With You is a very soft love song that could easily have been added to Air Supply’s repertoire. Imagining Russell Hitchock harmonizing with Graham on this song is easy. The song is very heartwarming and loving and is another that could easily be heard on a soundtrack. (Graham Russell, Jonni Lightfoot).

*The Future speaks of a man finding himself and then the love of a woman with whom to share his future. Louis Clarke’s string arrangement is understated yet powerful and essential to the beauty of the song. (Graham Russell, Louis Clarke).

A solo CD is never a solo endeavor and while many instruments were played by Graham himself, Air Supply fans will be pleased to learn that Russell, Jonni Lightfoot, Jed Moss and Mike Zerbe each lent their considerable talent to Graham in support of The Future. In addition, Stina, who has worked with Graham and Air Supply in the past, sings on Let Yourself Go, Love Is Warm, Our Love, and Make You Mine. It would be difficult to say which song on The Future is my favorite. I love Let Yourself Go, but Restless and Fall With You are two beautiful songs that are hard to keep from that top spot. With so many sounds to choose from, I imagine listeners will struggle with finding their own favorite! Graham takes listeners on an amazing journey with The Future. Our own future may be uncertain, but Graham's Future is inspired.

 

Betsy Hijazi

For musicalley.com (2007)