Current Events:
Don's most recent projects include a high energy country girl named Jessica Ridley (www.jessicaridley.com) coupled with an aggressive pop/rock offering from a new Canadian band called "Harmon"(www.myspace.com/harmonband)
Don served as executive producer for both projects - co-producing two sides on Jessica's record. Some new Somerville co-writes are showcased on both projects, including the first single "Hit and Run" which was released to Country radio in September.
Don also looks forward to the release of his power ballad - co-written with Jim Sells - called "Natural Beauty" from pop diva Joelle this quarter along with an accompanying video.
Currently, Don is in the studio with two new female artists from opposite extremes on the musical genre scale. Michala Todd - an energetic and vibrant young pop star from the Toronto area is cutting three sides with Don and Michael Lee, while the same writing and production team are working with classical pop sensation Melanie Wenngatz on her debut project. Somerville and Lee co-wrote brand new material with both artists.
Expect to hear much more about both of them as the year progresses!!
Award winning crossover artist Kevin Pauls is in the studio with Mark Masri putting the finishing touches on what promises to be a pop masterpiece, if the first single released was any indication. Somerville penned the critically acclaimed song "Make Forever Stay" with multi-platinum producer/songwriter David Foster.
Steve Archer's lastest record "Call It Grace" was produced by Don back in 2005 and showcases the amazing talents of top shelf players and singers including Bill Champlin (Chicago), Carmen Grillo (Tower of Power), Michael Omartian (Rod Stewart, Donna Summer, Steely Dan) Bob Birch (Elton John) and Chris Rodriguez (Kenny Loggins, Keith Urban).
Don states, "It was such a treat to be able to work with a voice that I grew up listening to. There is no voice - outside of my own that I am more familiar with!! And to have the opportunity to update the sound and potentially bring four Archers classics to a whole new generation - that was just the iceing on the cake from my standpoint!! What an honor!!"
Over the past two decades, Don has not only worked with various artists in the Pop, Country and CCM formats - but has also enjoyed the opportunity to write and produce instrumental underscores. A couple of highlights in this department would be his work on videos for the National Hockey League and the National Basketball Association respectively.
Songwriting:
As an award winning songwriter, Don brings to the table a creative diversity that’s reflected in a sampling of his co-writers over the years. He’s found himself locking pens over the years with Grammy Award - winning writers David Paich (Toto) and Bill Champlin (Chicago) in addition to Dann Huff (Giant) and Canadian country star Paul Brandt.
On the contemporary Christian side of things he has successfully collaborated with Chris Eaton (Amy Grant, Rachel Lampa), Dwight Liles (David Meece, Steve Green) and Boh Cooper (Michael English, Sandi Patty).
Don has recently signed an exclusive staff writer deal with Austratlian based Bell Hughes Music Group (div. of Parasongs Corp)and is enjoying the benefits of more international exposure than ever before. He has two Korean cuts and one Japanese cut to speak of across the pond.
As both a songwriter and an artist, Don is a firm believer in sharing music
that touches the very core of the human soul. Judging by the audience
reactions in recent years, it definitely seems he’s struck a chord!
Playing Around:
Thirteen years of classical piano training has served Don well when he's called upon frequently to read or write charts for a session, or perform with the likes of the world renowned ABBA tribute band BJORN AGAIN, Grammy winner Steve Archer or Gaither Homecoming artist Kevin Pauls.
"Every night is a new adventure and I never tire of the unique nuances that make every concert performance something special. My job is to simply support the artist I'm sharing the stage with, and attempt to bring a live dimension that simply augments what it is they're already doing."
Don's keyboard skills have been flavoured by the influence of David Foster, Elton John and Michael W. Smith. Always a lover of a beautiful melody, Don quickly gravitates toward music that is magically memorable.
Quickly and easily shifting gears between classical, pop and country genres further demonstrates Don's versatility. This has helped him to function as musical director for numerous stage productions, EMI recording artist Amanda Stott - as well as two special events featuring best selling author, speaker and Presidential advisor Bill Hybels .
Always an energetic performer and fun to watch, Don gives the same "over the top" effort every night he's on stage - always striving to leave the audience "caring less" about what time it is and "wanting more" music - from a man that embodies passion with every note he plays.
You can share in some of that excitement by viewing a copy of "The Beginnings Concert" (www.thebeginningsconcert.com) where Don plays piano with a stellar band behind Steve Archer on three songs.Free MySpace Layouts by Iron Spider
