Worlds Apart

Spend a little time with Soleil Moon's Larry King and John Blasucci, and it soon becomes clear that the Chicago-based duo have abundant confidence in themselves and the music they make together. And why shouldn't they? Though as different in musical temperament as...well...as the sun and the moon, King and Blasucci nevertheless have joined forces in one of those happy accidents of fate, and the results will certainly make for a page in the history of 21st century popular music. 'He's from jazz,' says Larry of John, 'and I'm from pop. He's an Aries, I'm a Leo. We are completely and utterly opposite, but together we created this sophisticated form of contemporary music.' Produced and arranged entirely by Larry and John (who also wrote or co-wrote all twelve tracks), Worlds Apart blends singer Larry King's epic rock instincts with John's sleek jazz-flavored approach. The fusion has already paid off with their 1999 Top 25 A/C hit 'World's Apart,' now the album's title track. 'With the success of that song, we realized just what we could do,' notes John. Taking it to the next level, the pair enlisted the aid of world-class musicians like saxophonist Warren Hill, guitarists Michael Thompson and Paul Jackson Jr., organist Ricky Peterson, drummer Kenny Aronoff, percussionist Lenny Castro, and the London Symphony Orchestra, all of whom contributed to the lush Soleil Moon sound. 'These major players helped make the record come alive,' says Larry, 'and they pushed us to sound the best that we possibly could.' Worlds Apart kicks off with the single 'Willingly,' a tender ballad about love's eternal devotion, sung by Larry with uncompromising power. Uptempo tracks like the evocative 'Never Say Goodbye' (a stirring call-to-arms to take better care of a fragile planet) and the soulful waltz 'I Need You Close To Me' contrast with the powerful 'Ohio' and the bittersweet 'Warm Summer Rain (Kayla's Song)' which recounts the sorrow and ultimate redemption of a father who sees in his young child the joy of life he once knew in his late wife. Other songs, like the reflective 'Worlds Apart,' 'I'd Die For You' (with it's orchestral introduction composed by John) and the passionate 'You And Me' each depict a subtle facet of love, while the edgy harder-rock 'Calling On the World' offers a stinging rebuke of racism. 'I Need You Close To Me' typifies Soleil Moon's elegant neo-soul style, while the prayerful 'Love Me Like You Used To,' performed as a duet by Larry and John, showcases the remarkable music symmetry between these two master musicians. The album ends with John's exquisite orchestral piece 'What Are You Dreaming,' a wordless coda to an album that cannot help but touch the heart and soul. Though Larry and John met only six years ago, both look back on a lifetime of musical passions and pursuits. A native of Chicago, Larry was active in musical theater as a kid and young adult (including a stint as Bobby Kennedy in 'One Shining Moment' at Chicago's Drury Lane Theater). until his love of rock music led him in a different direction. 'I became a screaming 80's leather pants glam guy,' he recalls of his days with the Caliber/Warner Bros. Band Human Factor. Yet somehow, the theatrical instincts of his youth remained alive and well. 'I kept writing epic pop ballads,' adds Larry. 'That music was always in my heart.' The same could be said of John Blasucci, the son of a jazz pianist, and an early disciple of such masters as Bill Evans, Chick Corea, and Herbie Hancock. But John had a love for jazz-inflected pop music as well, and counts the music of Al Jarreau among the influential. A jazz piano major at Northern Illinois University, John was often chastised by some classmates (he calls them 'jazz priests') for having a Kenny Loggins album among his collection. He found ample work after college, working in the studio and jazz scene, with such luminaries as Steve Turre, Ed Thigpen and Louis Bellson. In the early 90's, Larry had branched into other realms, including writing the rock opera 'Sins Of The Father,' which was staged by the Winston-Salem Repertory Company in North Carolina. He also became one of the most familiar singing voices in American advertising, with a burgeoning career that included national spots for such advertisers as Coca-Cola, Pizza Hut, Lemonhead Candies and Atomic Fireballs. Larry is also lead male musical voice on the enormously popular interactive online game site, 'You Don't Know Jack.' Meanwhile, John had built a thriving career as a session player and sideman when he was introduced to Larry in 1994. 'From the get-go, Larry was the visionary,' recalls John. 'He always had great ideas and tons of energy. We each liked what the other brought to the table.' Larry similarly felt he had found in John the perfect musical partner. 'When we first met it was a tough battle,' says Larry. 'I had to prove to him I had what it took. Once we had a hit with 'Worlds Apart,' did a 10-city promotional tour, and saw how well people reacted to the music, we figured we had something special.' Now, as founder of MFO Records, Larry is in the driver's seat, and is looking forward to sharing the music of Soleil Moon with the world. 'I know what it takes to make it,' he says. 'You gotta charge like a bull.' To that end, Soleil Moon is aiming for a coast-to-coast touring schedule and putting on a spectacle not often seen in the realm of adult contemporary pop. 'We're setting ourselves up for largeness,' says Larry with his customary laugh. Given the scope of their ambitions and the scale of their music, largeness is pretty much the only way for Soleil Moon to go. Listen to Worlds Apart, and you'll agree: Soleil Moon opens the window to a new world.