“Forgotten Songs”

September 30, 2008 · Leave a Comment 

Play clip Forgotten Songs

The deep, crooning baritone you hear at the beginning and end of “Forgotten Songs” is actually a 1993 recording of my father, Philip Brourman singing one of his own tunes, “Gambler’s Blues”; a song he wrote during his time as a P.O.W. in Germany during World War II. (He is accompanied by my sister, Michele Brourman, a brilliant songwriter herself). Daddy used to say that songwriting was only one of several strategies he and his buddies came up with to keep their sanity during that awful time. (They also formed a men’s chorus and gambled trading cigarettes and Red Cross rations. Daddy was an avid card player throughout his life). [Read the full story]

Michael Ruff - Love Never Fades

July 23, 2008 · Leave a Comment 

In case you haven’t heard of Michael Ruff, you may have heard of some of the artists he has worked with over the years. Michael has played keyboards for the likes of Chaka Khan, Vonda Shepard and Brenda Russell. His beautiful ballad, “Cry On My Shoulder”, was recorded by Bonnie Raitt. He has also penned songs for the likes of Huey Lewis, Bebe Winans, David Sanborn, the Doobie Brothers and Natalie Cole. This could be my favorite Michael Ruff album, which is saying a lot, since he has such an astonishing... [Read the full story]

Crimes Of Passion

October 4, 2008 · Leave a Comment 

Play or download here.

Abusive relationships, sadly, exist everywhere. Love can turn into something very different given the toxic recipe of passion, insecurity, and rage. The victim in this song fights back in the only way she can, with her words, and ultimately, by walking away. Although the subject matter itself may not be uplifting, the courage to speak out from the heart is always liberating, both to the victim and to the listener. I hope that this song may be encouraging to someone who can relate to this woman’s plight.
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LOTTO

July 27, 2008 · 2 Comments 

“Matthew, our paper got soaked last night. I’m going down to the liquor store to get another one. You want anything?” “No, thanks, hon. I’m gonna take a shower. Care to join me?” “Thanks. But my mother warned me about boys like you. First thing you know you’ll be soaping me up. Then where’ll we be?” It was a beautiful early April day in Los Angeles; just slightly brisk at eight a.m., and the smog hadn’t had a chance to roll into the hills yet. The freak... [Read the full story]

Gear lust!

July 25, 2008 · Leave a Comment 

From time to time I thought I would offer up some recoding tips and share what kinds of gear I use. I certainly do not have the highest end equipment (see picture) but I’ve never been one to be swayed by all the fancy hype that goes along with spending tons of money to make music. It really is all about the music and that next piece of expensive software or hardware will not make you famous! I rather enjoy the challenge of trying to make do with minimal gear. That being said I’m certainly not immune to opening... [Read the full story]

WHEN THE TRUTH HURTS

February 11, 2005 · Leave a Comment 

WHEN THE TRUTH HURTS Yesterday I got a call from a life-long friend. I had asked her to read the first draft of a screenplay – the first screenplay I had ever written. I knew that she had lots of experience with this sort of thing, so I knew that her opinion would be valuable. I didn’t know that it would be painful. She started out by saying that this was only her opinion, so I knew I was in for trouble. She said it was a “good first draft”. Then she proceeded to point out every flaw, every faux pas, every area... [Read the full story]

Windy Wagner

July 26, 2008 · Leave a Comment 

My first Web Pick for our new site is Windy Wagner at www.windywagner.com.

About a year or so ago I wanted to update a couple of older songs I had written with Artie Wayne and Molly Ann Leikin. Molly gave me Windy’s name and what a joy to work with. She was fast, nice, professional and has a terrific voice! You can hear what she did for me here. Windy’s worked with some amazing people. Here are just a few: [Read the full story]