Fires still Burning
Muirsical Conversation with Kevin Chalfant
For three decades Kevin Chalfant has been one of the signature vocalists in Melodic Rock and although he doesn't like to categorize his style of singing that form of rock music, along with the word melodic, defines his voice.
Indeed, for many, Kevin Chalfant is one of the singers currently defining Melodic Rock.
In September, Two Fires, the band fronted by Chalfant, released their third album. Shortly after its release the singer spoke to FabricationsHQ and we discussed the album, some of the highlights from his career, the Journey connection and what keeps him Burning Bright...
Ross Muir: Kevin, hard to believe but it’s been over two years since we last spoke at any length. Turns out it’s a good time to catch back up though as the third Two Fires album, ‘Burning Bright,' has just been released and for me it's the best of the three. You’re very happy with the results, presumably?
Kevin Chalfant: Yes I am very happy with 'Burning Bright,' Ross. It took me the better part of one and one half year to complete. I wrote 23 songs and we chose the best 11 for the release that fit best together as a designed project.
RM: The album contains very strong ballads and the more up-tempo numbers, such as ‘Lost in the Song,’ are great feel-good tunes. The album also features what is primarily your live band, giving you an immediate familiarity and chemistry with the other musicians.
KC: I did want to feature my live band this time around. Some of these guys have been performing with me for nearly sixteen years now. That's longer than any time I have spent with any group in the past. They know that I want the band sound to be a specific chemistry and I always get the final say. I have a one rule plan with this group. It is a rule that I learned from Gregg Rolie actually...
That rule is just this: If we ever have to call a band meeting, the band is done.
I have never had to call a band meeting to this date. It’s not that we don’t disagree about things, but I can’t tolerate idiots anymore in my life. No compromises and no jerks in the band. Life is too short. These guys have learned my music and they make my songs their own. Since they already play my songs, why not let them adopt my sound to the new material as well. For the most part, that is what we have done. In some cases they listened to my melodies that I need to have featured, and built the sound around them. My voice sets the sound apart from a lot of the competitive groups in this genre. That is what I design the songs to do. Build the sound around my voice instead of trying to create a melody around a given set of chords handed to me on a disc.
Lost in the Song (excerpt)
Muirsical Conversation with Kevin Chalfant
For three decades Kevin Chalfant has been one of the signature vocalists in Melodic Rock and although he doesn't like to categorize his style of singing that form of rock music, along with the word melodic, defines his voice.
Indeed, for many, Kevin Chalfant is one of the singers currently defining Melodic Rock.
In September, Two Fires, the band fronted by Chalfant, released their third album. Shortly after its release the singer spoke to FabricationsHQ and we discussed the album, some of the highlights from his career, the Journey connection and what keeps him Burning Bright...
Ross Muir: Kevin, hard to believe but it’s been over two years since we last spoke at any length. Turns out it’s a good time to catch back up though as the third Two Fires album, ‘Burning Bright,' has just been released and for me it's the best of the three. You’re very happy with the results, presumably?
Kevin Chalfant: Yes I am very happy with 'Burning Bright,' Ross. It took me the better part of one and one half year to complete. I wrote 23 songs and we chose the best 11 for the release that fit best together as a designed project.
RM: The album contains very strong ballads and the more up-tempo numbers, such as ‘Lost in the Song,’ are great feel-good tunes. The album also features what is primarily your live band, giving you an immediate familiarity and chemistry with the other musicians.
KC: I did want to feature my live band this time around. Some of these guys have been performing with me for nearly sixteen years now. That's longer than any time I have spent with any group in the past. They know that I want the band sound to be a specific chemistry and I always get the final say. I have a one rule plan with this group. It is a rule that I learned from Gregg Rolie actually...
That rule is just this: If we ever have to call a band meeting, the band is done.
I have never had to call a band meeting to this date. It’s not that we don’t disagree about things, but I can’t tolerate idiots anymore in my life. No compromises and no jerks in the band. Life is too short. These guys have learned my music and they make my songs their own. Since they already play my songs, why not let them adopt my sound to the new material as well. For the most part, that is what we have done. In some cases they listened to my melodies that I need to have featured, and built the sound around them. My voice sets the sound apart from a lot of the competitive groups in this genre. That is what I design the songs to do. Build the sound around my voice instead of trying to create a melody around a given set of chords handed to me on a disc.
Lost in the Song (excerpt)
RM: The most noticeable difference between ‘Burning Bright’ and the first two albums released under the Two Fires banner is the absence of guitarist Josh Ramos, with Michael ‘Ralph’ Gardner the featured guitarist this time around.
Ralph is certainly a great guitarist in his own right. There are a number of lovely little six-string flourishes and some great solos on 'Burning Bright'...
KC: I didn’t set Two Fires on course as a dual solo project. Two Fires has always been my solo project with a band title. Now, it truly is my band sound with my live group reinforcing the songs with the dynamics of an actual band live and on the CD's. Josh was invited in to perform with me and he always did a fantastic job. However on this project it wasn’t feasible to do that. I had spent so much time writing and recording in between other projects I had been producing that it would have taken way too much to have Josh sitting around in Illinois. Not a good time for a west coast guy like Josh. I needed to have the guitars weaved into the sound better than before and Ralph is the guitarist now. I wanted Ralph to rise to the occasion and he did in my opinion. Alby Odum also performed some very tasty guitar work throughout the recordings. I love Josh and it was never intended to be a bad thing not having him in the mix. It was just time to let Ralph have his space to shine. Josh is doing just fine as a solo artist and with the many groups he enjoys working with. We have no bitter feelings, well, I don’t anyway.
RM: The Two Fires name was originally seen by many as a reference to both yourself and Josh – ‘Chalfant & Ramos’ if you will. Playing Devil's Advocate for a moment, is there an argument for this latest release to be credited as ‘One Fire and Friends’?
KC: Actually, No! If you must know the truth... The name was agreed upon between Serafino Perugino and myself as a reference for him and myself.
He wanted me to make records for Frontiers Records and I wanted to, but I expressed my reservation for him having an exclusive on my personal name of Kevin Chalfant. We agreed that we would work together as a team to achieve a successful completion of our efforts. In that, we made the name Two Fires to reflect his and my best efforts as a team. It was just coincidence that Josh Ramos was in the mix with me and that we had some success together prior.
The contracts have my name on them in the artist line. Frontiers approached me and signed me as their first American artist. Since then I have been somewhat responsible for many other artists, meeting and working with them.
RM: Appreciate the thorough and definitive answer, Kevin. Bottom line is Two Fires has become synonymous with the melodic rock voice of Kevin Chalfant and is the band vehicle for just that. It’s unarguably become a very strong marker for your voice, song-craft and melodic rock sensibilities over the last ten years...
KC: Thank you. You actually answered your own question in a round-about way!
Ralph is certainly a great guitarist in his own right. There are a number of lovely little six-string flourishes and some great solos on 'Burning Bright'...
KC: I didn’t set Two Fires on course as a dual solo project. Two Fires has always been my solo project with a band title. Now, it truly is my band sound with my live group reinforcing the songs with the dynamics of an actual band live and on the CD's. Josh was invited in to perform with me and he always did a fantastic job. However on this project it wasn’t feasible to do that. I had spent so much time writing and recording in between other projects I had been producing that it would have taken way too much to have Josh sitting around in Illinois. Not a good time for a west coast guy like Josh. I needed to have the guitars weaved into the sound better than before and Ralph is the guitarist now. I wanted Ralph to rise to the occasion and he did in my opinion. Alby Odum also performed some very tasty guitar work throughout the recordings. I love Josh and it was never intended to be a bad thing not having him in the mix. It was just time to let Ralph have his space to shine. Josh is doing just fine as a solo artist and with the many groups he enjoys working with. We have no bitter feelings, well, I don’t anyway.
RM: The Two Fires name was originally seen by many as a reference to both yourself and Josh – ‘Chalfant & Ramos’ if you will. Playing Devil's Advocate for a moment, is there an argument for this latest release to be credited as ‘One Fire and Friends’?
KC: Actually, No! If you must know the truth... The name was agreed upon between Serafino Perugino and myself as a reference for him and myself.
He wanted me to make records for Frontiers Records and I wanted to, but I expressed my reservation for him having an exclusive on my personal name of Kevin Chalfant. We agreed that we would work together as a team to achieve a successful completion of our efforts. In that, we made the name Two Fires to reflect his and my best efforts as a team. It was just coincidence that Josh Ramos was in the mix with me and that we had some success together prior.
The contracts have my name on them in the artist line. Frontiers approached me and signed me as their first American artist. Since then I have been somewhat responsible for many other artists, meeting and working with them.
RM: Appreciate the thorough and definitive answer, Kevin. Bottom line is Two Fires has become synonymous with the melodic rock voice of Kevin Chalfant and is the band vehicle for just that. It’s unarguably become a very strong marker for your voice, song-craft and melodic rock sensibilities over the last ten years...
KC: Thank you. You actually answered your own question in a round-about way!
Kevin Chalfant - still Burning Bright as a signature voice in Melodic Rock
RM: Two Fires is just one of the musical vehicles for your voice and songs over the last decade and for nigh on thirty years you have been a very distinct and admired voice in the world of AOR and Melodic Rock.
When you joined 707 in 1982 the song ‘Mega force’ quickly become a melodic rock anthem and firm fan favourite. That song and the ‘Mega Force’ album certainly helped to put you on the musical map.
KC: Yes it did and I have never looked back since. I have always been grateful to God and the many He has brought into my life to elevate my platform of music.
I don’t like to categorize my style of singing as much as others do. I just like to look at my music as an emotional venture with my musicians and my listeners.
I know I have inspired many young singers and as many older ones, they tell me all the time. And I don't regret any of my work. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I just didn’t know then what I know now. Now I own a recording studio, before I just rushed through everything to save money. Now, I spend money just getting the sound better and better. I am not a gearhead like many guys.
I have nice gear in limited amounts. I have an Amek Angela (British Mixer) and some vintage Neve 1073’s. I love my Avalon 737 pre-amp and my 1970s Neumann U87. I collect guitars and amps and keyboards and whatever comes along cheap enough and makes things sound fresh.
RM: Prior to Two Fires, of the many other projects you have been involved in, The Storm albums are the records you are most associated with. Both albums released by that band were very strong musically but Gregg Rolie later stated he felt the early nineties were just too late for the band to catch the melodic rock trend from the decade before. Would you agree with that summation?
KC: Absolutely not! I love and respect Gregg tremendously, however, Carlos Santana continues to evolve and reinvent himself constantly and continually.
He surrounds himself with incredible talent and works at keeping himself new.
The problem came when labels had to find new ways to make new money.
In doing that, younger people coming up the ranks stepped in to prove themselves and did not want the same music their parents listened to. They changed the game. I constantly work on changing the game... I have to! Where would I be if I didn’t. Gregg is already in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall Of Fame... I am not.
I still have a lot of work to do to get there. That takes creative thinking and a fearless attitude. I will never settle for “we missed the boat”.
I didn’t miss the boat, I just took a later one is all...
RM: ...and there's still a full wind in that boat's sails. Talking of Gregg, when schedules permit or overlap you guest on stage with the Gregg Rolie Band. There seems to be a natural musical chemistry and mutual respect there.
KC: I have only worked with several artists I respect as much as I respect Gregg Rolie, a few being Alan Parsons, Keith Olsen, George Tutko, Beau Hill, Jim Peterik, Herbie Herbert, Bob Buziak, Dennis DeYoung, Steve Smith and there are a few more... This is a select group of very special individuals in my life.
Not because of their success but instead... in spite of it!
RM: The Storm albums were critically acclaimed and well received and in 2002 you toured as Kevin Chalfant & The Storm. The shows primarily featured songs by The Storm but also included Two Fires numbers and solo songs.
Those tours sounded like a lot of fun and a great way to play a great set of songs...
KC: ...and the fun continues even today. I will admit it is a little harder to get the news out there, but we work hard to let people know what a great time we want fans to have and what they can expect to take home with them from a Kevin Chalfant & Two Fires show.
RM: In the last few years you have been involved in a number of projects and I’d like to touch on a couple of them:
In 2007 you provided backing vocals on Dennis DeYoung’s album ‘One Hundred Years From Now’ with Dennis humorously referring to the backing vocals supplied by the pair of you as “White guys singing high” (laughs). How did that association come about ?
KC: Dennis and I had a real blast recording together on his new CD. Dennis and his wife Suzanne are truly great people. A fan sent his manager/partner an email with my website and suggested that Dennis and I meet and work together.
Well, one day, as I was recording some vocals, Tim Orchard contacted me by phone and asked “Are you Kevin Chalfant the singer”? I said "well yes I am, why do you ask"? He said to me "Do you know who Dennis DeYoung is? I said "I sure do, why"? "Because he is going to call you in five minutes". I said, "Great, I can’t wait to hear his voice". That is how we met and I went to his home studio.
He threw the hardest song at me first. I sang it and he said "ok, you’re in. That was the hardest thing you’ll have to sing, the rest is all down hill from here".
We laughed and sang and talked. He was gracious and took my criticsm and I took his masterful direction and all was well and good. I look forward to the next call from him.
RM: 2007 also saw the release of your ‘Fly 2 Freedom’ solo album, a collection of Journey covers. This was done not only in homage to the band, but also as a response to fan-requests for you to do just such an album?
KC: Actually it is spelled Fly2Fr33dom like 35C4P3 (Escape). Kinda. You have a canny knack for answering your own questions don't you? Yes, that is correct.
RM: Thanks, I think (laughs). It turned out to be a fitting album for you to put your voice to as you are known to be a huge fan of the band and the classic songs.
And I believe the track selection was based on fan vote/ selection?
KC: Once again, you nailed it Ross. One to add is I also asked my band their favourites to play.
RM: On the subject of Journey, in 1993/94 you replaced Steve Perry, albeit temporarily as it turned out. Prior to the release of The Storm’s second album, you fronted a version of Journey at a one-off show in October 1993 and writing sessions followed. ‘Some Things are Better Left Unsaid’, one of the stand-outs on ‘Burning Bright’, came from those sessions...
KC: This is also very true. Neal, Gregg and I constructed that masterpiece. I have sat on that song for many years. I felt that it was time to bring it to the light of day.
Some Things are Better Left Unsaid (excerpt)
RM: Two Fires is just one of the musical vehicles for your voice and songs over the last decade and for nigh on thirty years you have been a very distinct and admired voice in the world of AOR and Melodic Rock.
When you joined 707 in 1982 the song ‘Mega force’ quickly become a melodic rock anthem and firm fan favourite. That song and the ‘Mega Force’ album certainly helped to put you on the musical map.
KC: Yes it did and I have never looked back since. I have always been grateful to God and the many He has brought into my life to elevate my platform of music.
I don’t like to categorize my style of singing as much as others do. I just like to look at my music as an emotional venture with my musicians and my listeners.
I know I have inspired many young singers and as many older ones, they tell me all the time. And I don't regret any of my work. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I just didn’t know then what I know now. Now I own a recording studio, before I just rushed through everything to save money. Now, I spend money just getting the sound better and better. I am not a gearhead like many guys.
I have nice gear in limited amounts. I have an Amek Angela (British Mixer) and some vintage Neve 1073’s. I love my Avalon 737 pre-amp and my 1970s Neumann U87. I collect guitars and amps and keyboards and whatever comes along cheap enough and makes things sound fresh.
RM: Prior to Two Fires, of the many other projects you have been involved in, The Storm albums are the records you are most associated with. Both albums released by that band were very strong musically but Gregg Rolie later stated he felt the early nineties were just too late for the band to catch the melodic rock trend from the decade before. Would you agree with that summation?
KC: Absolutely not! I love and respect Gregg tremendously, however, Carlos Santana continues to evolve and reinvent himself constantly and continually.
He surrounds himself with incredible talent and works at keeping himself new.
The problem came when labels had to find new ways to make new money.
In doing that, younger people coming up the ranks stepped in to prove themselves and did not want the same music their parents listened to. They changed the game. I constantly work on changing the game... I have to! Where would I be if I didn’t. Gregg is already in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall Of Fame... I am not.
I still have a lot of work to do to get there. That takes creative thinking and a fearless attitude. I will never settle for “we missed the boat”.
I didn’t miss the boat, I just took a later one is all...
RM: ...and there's still a full wind in that boat's sails. Talking of Gregg, when schedules permit or overlap you guest on stage with the Gregg Rolie Band. There seems to be a natural musical chemistry and mutual respect there.
KC: I have only worked with several artists I respect as much as I respect Gregg Rolie, a few being Alan Parsons, Keith Olsen, George Tutko, Beau Hill, Jim Peterik, Herbie Herbert, Bob Buziak, Dennis DeYoung, Steve Smith and there are a few more... This is a select group of very special individuals in my life.
Not because of their success but instead... in spite of it!
RM: The Storm albums were critically acclaimed and well received and in 2002 you toured as Kevin Chalfant & The Storm. The shows primarily featured songs by The Storm but also included Two Fires numbers and solo songs.
Those tours sounded like a lot of fun and a great way to play a great set of songs...
KC: ...and the fun continues even today. I will admit it is a little harder to get the news out there, but we work hard to let people know what a great time we want fans to have and what they can expect to take home with them from a Kevin Chalfant & Two Fires show.
RM: In the last few years you have been involved in a number of projects and I’d like to touch on a couple of them:
In 2007 you provided backing vocals on Dennis DeYoung’s album ‘One Hundred Years From Now’ with Dennis humorously referring to the backing vocals supplied by the pair of you as “White guys singing high” (laughs). How did that association come about ?
KC: Dennis and I had a real blast recording together on his new CD. Dennis and his wife Suzanne are truly great people. A fan sent his manager/partner an email with my website and suggested that Dennis and I meet and work together.
Well, one day, as I was recording some vocals, Tim Orchard contacted me by phone and asked “Are you Kevin Chalfant the singer”? I said "well yes I am, why do you ask"? He said to me "Do you know who Dennis DeYoung is? I said "I sure do, why"? "Because he is going to call you in five minutes". I said, "Great, I can’t wait to hear his voice". That is how we met and I went to his home studio.
He threw the hardest song at me first. I sang it and he said "ok, you’re in. That was the hardest thing you’ll have to sing, the rest is all down hill from here".
We laughed and sang and talked. He was gracious and took my criticsm and I took his masterful direction and all was well and good. I look forward to the next call from him.
RM: 2007 also saw the release of your ‘Fly 2 Freedom’ solo album, a collection of Journey covers. This was done not only in homage to the band, but also as a response to fan-requests for you to do just such an album?
KC: Actually it is spelled Fly2Fr33dom like 35C4P3 (Escape). Kinda. You have a canny knack for answering your own questions don't you? Yes, that is correct.
RM: Thanks, I think (laughs). It turned out to be a fitting album for you to put your voice to as you are known to be a huge fan of the band and the classic songs.
And I believe the track selection was based on fan vote/ selection?
KC: Once again, you nailed it Ross. One to add is I also asked my band their favourites to play.
RM: On the subject of Journey, in 1993/94 you replaced Steve Perry, albeit temporarily as it turned out. Prior to the release of The Storm’s second album, you fronted a version of Journey at a one-off show in October 1993 and writing sessions followed. ‘Some Things are Better Left Unsaid’, one of the stand-outs on ‘Burning Bright’, came from those sessions...
KC: This is also very true. Neal, Gregg and I constructed that masterpiece. I have sat on that song for many years. I felt that it was time to bring it to the light of day.
Some Things are Better Left Unsaid (excerpt)
RM: I believe there are others songs from that period that you may dust down in the future?
KC: Yes, there are many other songs and I will now begin the polishing process.
RM: Fourteen years after that brief association with Journey your name was mentioned again after the band dropped Jeff Scott Soto. The band looked at singers such as Jeremey Hunsicker before finding Arnel Pineda, but was there ever any solid discussion with you?
KC: That is very bold of you to ask such a pointed question. Journey members and I are close friends. Those type of discussions have never stopped since 1993 and that was long before Steve Augeri or Jeff Scott Soto ever stepped onto their enormous stage. I could have possibly filled in at any time, but that decision was never made. I kept myself ready at all times. Arnel Pineda is a strong singer as you once stated. You also stated that he was a far stronger singer than I am.
I am not so sure that strength is as important to Journey’s success as finesse and stylistics in their love ladened sound. I will agree with you though. Arnel is the best man for that job now. Herbie Herbert always like telling me how he would have bet on my horse with that band. I love Herbie like a brother and I laugh because it really doesn’t matter does it? Journey will survive regardless of who they have singing because of their songs. It would take a complete effort of stupidity to spoil that successful venture. I am just happy to be able to grab food from their deli trays and toast them with an expresso prior to a great show now.
My dream of performing with Journey has already been fulfilled. It’s now time to move on in my life. Thanks for asking though... what was the question again?
RM: (laughs). Actually, within your answer you touched on something I was going to bring up next - vocal strength. For me, the truly great singers don’t necessarily need the strongest pipes, but they certainly need to be ’intelligent vocalists.’
By that I mean they need the smarts to use what range they have to best effect, have great lyrical phrasing, never over-sing parts yet know when to hit those money-shot notes for maximum impact. I believe you to be one of the best in that regard. So, what’s your secret and can we bottle it? (laughs).
KC: Thank you so much for that precise description of what it is I try to master.
I am still working on it, my friend. Give us a few more years and we’ll have completed our work on the Kevin Chalfant 'maximum impact' plug-in (laughs).
RM: Returning to current musical events and ‘Burning Bright’, I mentioned earlier there are some strong ballads. ‘All for One’ is a great example. It's a very anthemic piece and many music fans will pick up on its sentiment. A song you are particularly fond, and proud, of?
KC: I am very proud of 'All For One'... probably because it truly is heartfelt for me.
I am unhappy with the socialistic avenue our current president is steering our great nation towards. What made the USA so strong is freedom to be creative and you will solve problems and be richly rewarded for your efforts. Now, people do not hear that message any longer. If I have anything to do with making a difference in peoples lives, I will continue to encourage young people to follow their dreams and claim them as their own. Give whatever effort it takes to reach their goals and change the world. Life is short, too short to waste on mediocrity and sleep. Wake up world! Wake up America! Be the gentle leader you have always been, no matter what they say on the evening news. Polish your dreams and make a difference in the world in a great and noble way.
Recently I sang for a rally at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, with Glenn Beck as the main speaker. Glenn Beck is very controversial and much of what he has to say sticks to me and hits me right in the gut. He inspired me to get up and do something, so I wrote 'All For One' with my co-writer Chuck Giacinto.
All For One (excerpt)
KC: Yes, there are many other songs and I will now begin the polishing process.
RM: Fourteen years after that brief association with Journey your name was mentioned again after the band dropped Jeff Scott Soto. The band looked at singers such as Jeremey Hunsicker before finding Arnel Pineda, but was there ever any solid discussion with you?
KC: That is very bold of you to ask such a pointed question. Journey members and I are close friends. Those type of discussions have never stopped since 1993 and that was long before Steve Augeri or Jeff Scott Soto ever stepped onto their enormous stage. I could have possibly filled in at any time, but that decision was never made. I kept myself ready at all times. Arnel Pineda is a strong singer as you once stated. You also stated that he was a far stronger singer than I am.
I am not so sure that strength is as important to Journey’s success as finesse and stylistics in their love ladened sound. I will agree with you though. Arnel is the best man for that job now. Herbie Herbert always like telling me how he would have bet on my horse with that band. I love Herbie like a brother and I laugh because it really doesn’t matter does it? Journey will survive regardless of who they have singing because of their songs. It would take a complete effort of stupidity to spoil that successful venture. I am just happy to be able to grab food from their deli trays and toast them with an expresso prior to a great show now.
My dream of performing with Journey has already been fulfilled. It’s now time to move on in my life. Thanks for asking though... what was the question again?
RM: (laughs). Actually, within your answer you touched on something I was going to bring up next - vocal strength. For me, the truly great singers don’t necessarily need the strongest pipes, but they certainly need to be ’intelligent vocalists.’
By that I mean they need the smarts to use what range they have to best effect, have great lyrical phrasing, never over-sing parts yet know when to hit those money-shot notes for maximum impact. I believe you to be one of the best in that regard. So, what’s your secret and can we bottle it? (laughs).
KC: Thank you so much for that precise description of what it is I try to master.
I am still working on it, my friend. Give us a few more years and we’ll have completed our work on the Kevin Chalfant 'maximum impact' plug-in (laughs).
RM: Returning to current musical events and ‘Burning Bright’, I mentioned earlier there are some strong ballads. ‘All for One’ is a great example. It's a very anthemic piece and many music fans will pick up on its sentiment. A song you are particularly fond, and proud, of?
KC: I am very proud of 'All For One'... probably because it truly is heartfelt for me.
I am unhappy with the socialistic avenue our current president is steering our great nation towards. What made the USA so strong is freedom to be creative and you will solve problems and be richly rewarded for your efforts. Now, people do not hear that message any longer. If I have anything to do with making a difference in peoples lives, I will continue to encourage young people to follow their dreams and claim them as their own. Give whatever effort it takes to reach their goals and change the world. Life is short, too short to waste on mediocrity and sleep. Wake up world! Wake up America! Be the gentle leader you have always been, no matter what they say on the evening news. Polish your dreams and make a difference in the world in a great and noble way.
Recently I sang for a rally at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, with Glenn Beck as the main speaker. Glenn Beck is very controversial and much of what he has to say sticks to me and hits me right in the gut. He inspired me to get up and do something, so I wrote 'All For One' with my co-writer Chuck Giacinto.
All For One (excerpt)
RM: Finally, Kevin, I would repeat something I have said and written many times.
I would rather listen to a great singer performing an average song than an average singer performing a truly great one.
Any release that features the voice of Kevin Chalfant I always check out – because it features the voice of Kevin Chalfant. Long may that continue...
KC: God bless you Ross Muir. I hope I can someday combine all of what you have mentioned and make it finally to the real top... the rest of these tops are not far enough up. God is good and He gives me everything I need and in abundance at that. The answer to the world's success is just this: Don’t wait for someone else to do for you what you have the power to do for yourself, oh yeah and why you’re at it, help a brother out too. The old Indian verse goes like this “Lift as you climb!” People expect too much from others these days. Get the fire in your belly and do it for yourself and make the world a stronger place and keep the fires of freedom Burning Bright!
RM: Thanks for your time Kevin, and all the best with ‘Burning Bright’ and your future musical endeavours.
KC: Thank you Ross. Keep trying to make a positive difference in the world. One person to another.
Ross Muir
Muirsical Conversation with Kevin Chalfant
October 2010
Audio excerpts presented to accompany the Muirsical Conversation article by kind permission of Kevin Chalfant. No infringement of copyright is intended.
'Burning Bright' is available from Frontiers Records: http://www.frontiers.it/ and at Amazon, iTunes and other music sites.
Learn more about 'All for One' at the official site: www.allforonesong.com
Kevin Chalfant on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/kevinchalfant
'Fly2Fr33dom' available from Clique Records: www.cliquerecords.com
I would rather listen to a great singer performing an average song than an average singer performing a truly great one.
Any release that features the voice of Kevin Chalfant I always check out – because it features the voice of Kevin Chalfant. Long may that continue...
KC: God bless you Ross Muir. I hope I can someday combine all of what you have mentioned and make it finally to the real top... the rest of these tops are not far enough up. God is good and He gives me everything I need and in abundance at that. The answer to the world's success is just this: Don’t wait for someone else to do for you what you have the power to do for yourself, oh yeah and why you’re at it, help a brother out too. The old Indian verse goes like this “Lift as you climb!” People expect too much from others these days. Get the fire in your belly and do it for yourself and make the world a stronger place and keep the fires of freedom Burning Bright!
RM: Thanks for your time Kevin, and all the best with ‘Burning Bright’ and your future musical endeavours.
KC: Thank you Ross. Keep trying to make a positive difference in the world. One person to another.
Ross Muir
Muirsical Conversation with Kevin Chalfant
October 2010
Audio excerpts presented to accompany the Muirsical Conversation article by kind permission of Kevin Chalfant. No infringement of copyright is intended.
'Burning Bright' is available from Frontiers Records: http://www.frontiers.it/ and at Amazon, iTunes and other music sites.
Learn more about 'All for One' at the official site: www.allforonesong.com
Kevin Chalfant on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/kevinchalfant
'Fly2Fr33dom' available from Clique Records: www.cliquerecords.com
