About the Song
Ah, The Carpenters. Their music evokes a certain nostalgia, doesn’t it? A time when melodies were lush, harmonies were tight, and emotions were laid bare with a gentle sincerity. This was certainly the case when Richard and Karen Carpenter graced the stage of The Ed Sullivan Show in 1970 to perform their Bacharach Medley, a tribute to the songwriting genius of Burt Bacharach and his lyricist Hal David.
This wasn’t just a medley; it was a masterclass in weaving together seemingly disparate songs into a seamless, evocative tapestry. The Carpenters took six classic Bacharach/David compositions – “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” “Knowing When to Leave,” “Making It Easy on Yourself,” “(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me,” “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” “Walk On By,” and “Do You Know the Way to San Jose” – and transformed them into a poignant reflection on the complexities of love and longing.
What makes this medley so captivating, even decades later? It’s the way The Carpenters capture the essence of Bacharach’s sophisticated melodies and David’s insightful lyrics. Karen’s voice, a marvel of warmth and vulnerability, glides effortlessly through the emotional nuances of each song. Richard’s masterful arrangements, a blend of orchestral strings and his own signature piano playing, provide the perfect backdrop for Karen’s expressive vocals.
The transitions between the songs are particularly striking, showcasing Richard’s ingenuity as an arranger. He creates musical bridges that seamlessly connect these iconic tunes, allowing the medley to flow organically from one emotional landscape to the next. It’s a testament to the enduring power of Bacharach and David’s songwriting that these songs, originally written for different artists and contexts, blend so beautifully together.
But ultimately, it’s Karen’s performance that elevates this medley to the sublime. Her voice, imbued with both innocence and wisdom, seems to embody the bittersweet experiences woven into the lyrics. She sings of love found and lost, of hope and heartbreak, with a sincerity that resonates deeply with listeners.
Join me as we revisit this timeless performance, a testament to the enduring legacy of The Carpenters and the brilliance of Burt Bacharach and Hal David.
Barbara Desetto