I grew up with American Songs - from films and stage musicals to popular songs, which featured on commercial radio and television. The Songbook era did not end with Roack and Roll. It is a continuum and many modern rock songs were influenced by 'The Songbook' from the 1920s through to the 1960s. The surge of beat and small combo rock from England in the 1060s did not cause me to abandon my love of American music. I still marvel at the wonderful construction and positive energy these songs generate. It's been something of a privilege to revisit the words and music and together, to craft an arrangement style we think is both familiar and enduring - David Billings “A.J. Leonard has teamed with David Billings to produce the American Songbook and what is a great collection of songs from Americana ……. This latest work is a winner. He and David Billings have arranged an intricate tapestry of music that is sure to get your toes tapping ..….. a beautiful collection of songs” [Ukulele Player Issue 16, 2010] Arranged and produced by David Billings & A. J. Leonard

 

 

 

What a privilege it was to have been a teenager in the 1960s. Not only did we have American Rock ‘n’ Roll, but great sounds and songs coming out of the UK. It was only a matter of time before Australia would follow the music trends and the new bands would invade the local halls, replacing the ubiquitous Trad Jazz combos that provided our Saturday night entertainment. Electric musical instruments, particularly guitars and bases, were top of the young musician’s ‘most desired’ list. The popular bands were playing and recording great original songs that we all wanted to play. This collection of songs epitomises the variation of styles in Australian popular music. The songs are not necessarily the best known of Australian songs, but they were inspirational because of the style, or the way they were recorded, or simply because of what they were saying - David Billings “……. The lads return with an Australian feast of acoustic charmers. From the tribal and rustic reinvention of Russell Morris’s The Real Thing to another No. 1 smash of yesteryear, Ooh La La, there’s a gentle and respectful spin on timeless melodies and lyrics that simply make you smile” [Scott Podmore, Sunday Herald – Sun, 2013] Arranged and Produced by David Billings & A. J. Leonard

 

 

 

		Eleven new songs penned by David Billings and Rob Fairbairn and one song by the famous Lennon/McCartney team make up the tracks on the new MFB album, enhanced by the playing and singing talents of several guests. The project began as a tribute to the songs and influences of The Beatles, but evolved to be quite an eclectic mix from Dave and Rob. All in all, the recording and production was completed over some time aided by nourishing food and mouth-smacking but palate-pleasing beverages. Arranged and produced by David Billings & Rob Fairbairn

 

 

 

As Australian teenagers at this time, we could see that the influences of British Rock in the 1960s were profound. Four and five piece combos sprung up across the suburbs and the pop mags sold in abundance at the local newsagents and milk bars. Record sales boomed and fashions evolved. English Musical Comedy also flourished and composers like John Barry, Lionel Bart and Anthony Newley had avenues for their work. The influence of the music from the James Bond films (seen, of course, at the Drive-In) can be heard on this album, in fact in just about every arrangement if you listen for it - David Billings.

 

 

If you would prefer a disc to be mailed, send a message via the Contact page and I will let you know how it can be done.
*If you have any other enquiries about Theatre, Songwriting, Arranging, Publishing, etc, please see the Contact page with how to get in touch.