Michael Bublé
About
Working with Paul McCartney on your version of his 2012 song “My Valentine” had to be a career highlight.
He is the most famous, maybe the greatest – truly – musician on the planet. When we talk about equals, is it Mozart? Beethoven? And so normal. So unaffected. So kind and humble and easygoing. When I got the message from him saying, I understand you’re working on a record and there’s a song that’s really special to me and I think you could really do this song justice, I was just really happy that I was on his radar. I made sure to convey to Paul that I didn’t want Paul to work on the song with me for what he’s done. I wanted to work with Sir Paul McCartney for all the things he can do. He is who we think he is. He is a masterful musician who has the ability – not only musically – to lift people up.
Michael Bublé – From Michael Buble enlists Paul McCartney, son Noah for new album ‘Higher’ (usatoday.com), March 23, 2022
The highlight of the record is a broodingly magnificent version of Paul McCartney’s romantic ballad My Valentine (from 2012 album Kisses on the Bottom). It was McCartney’s idea that Bublé record it, and he agreed to produce the session.
“This is one of the greatest musicians in history, man, I mean, we’re talking Mozart, and he was beautiful, he has the ability to walk into a room and lift everyone up.” Bublé pulls out his phone again, to show me footage filmed in a vast studio, with a full orchestra spread around him in a small sound booth.
“It was a long day, we were playing live, and he was really calm and patient with me. He helped me to make sure that I told the story the right way. Less was more for him. I’m dramatic, so I have the urge to go over the top. I was taking liberties, and he didn’t like that. He had to make a long walk from the control room to come down and put me right a few times.” When Bublé sang the line “I’m waiting on a sign”, McCartney called a halt and arrived in the booth.
“Can you explain to me what you’re waiting on?” he asked. “Yes. I’m waiting on a sign,” trilled Bublé enthusiastically. “So are you actually on the sign, waiting?” asked McCartney, “or are you waiting for a sign?”
Recounting the tale, Bublé hangs his head like a defeated schoolboy. “I’m waiting for a sign, Sir Paul.” He laughs. Bublé’s revived love for his craft is endearing.
“I’m one of the lucky ones who get to continue the legacy of my heroes. I’m so protective of the music, and the writers, arrangers, artists and styles. Because it deserves to be protected. I think that – along with cinema – this songbook is the greatest gift America ever gave to the arts. And I’m here to help keep this music alive for future generations. That’s a joy. That’s a privilege.”
Interview with Michael Bublé – From telegraph.co.uk, April 3, 2022
Last updated on July 29, 2022