I met David Bowie back in 1973. He had just left the Spiders from Mars and he was coming to America.
Bowie was producing tracks for LULU. A great R&B Soul singing white Brit with a voice like an angel. I remember seeing and hearing her sing on the movie “To Sir, With Love” starring Sidney Poitier.
I do appreciatie the fact that you’ve paid your contribution to David huis succes. Thanks for that. Wish you all the best in the future.
Brgds
Peter Been
Hi Carlos, really like your blog. Yesterday was a very sad day, since one of my biggest heroes passed away. I grew up with Bowie via my six year older brother, I kept stealing his LP records, which he obviously did not like 😉 Station to Station, Low, Stage, Lodger, Scary Monsters and not in the least Young Americans marked my youth. I received an email from a dear friend today saying ‘remember the tapes we listened to’, ‘seeing the serious moonlight tour’? Very much ‘let’s buy some drugs and watch a band, jump in the river holding hands’. She and I instantly remembered and got in contact! You guys gave me that; for me, Brian Eno, Adrian Belew, Earl Slick and you (!!!) are an integral part of this very very important mark in pop/rock history! So thanks very much Carlos!!!! All the best for your current work and thanks for making my youth a great time !!!!! Robert (Netherlands)
I hope my message finds you well. I hope this does not show up on your blog, since it is not my intention to disturb you too much with this, which I guess I am doing in a way:-) I am visiting NY with my family in August and wondered if I could visit Stevens (SSRC) with my daughter. She is only 14 years old, very passionate about music (piano, singer), and I wanted to show her some possibilities for studying in that field abroad. She is currently attending the International School of Florence, Italy, an International Baccalaureate school with a very broad orientation. Again, my apologies for disturbing you. I wish you all the best.
Hi Carlos! I was just watching some Bowie videos on Youtube and was wondering what that incredible-looking double guitar that you played in the late 70s-early 80s. It looks kind of like an Alembic but the headstock suggested something else. Thanks for all the great music!
Hey Carlos..when is ‘Dancing with the Big Boys’ going to be released/published? Its definately on my Xmas pressie list!.Btw Dancing with the big boys as a track, what do you think about it , what the heck is it about?
Hey Robtear,
I guess when it’s ready, these things take a while to get them right. Plus, the odyssey continues. Am I suppose to include the Mark Ronson Tracks “Uptown Funk” or Alicia Keys, which I’m presently recording. The book is really about My wife Robin and I and our love story….it’s not about Bowie, although he plays a great part. Concerning “DWTBB” Talk to David about the lyrical meaning…Concerning the Music…Aggression, Disgust, Disappointment and protest….. what are your thoughts?
Hi Carlos,
First off, thanks for the reply to my question about DWTBB (book and track)
As regards your musical odyssey, it is obviously continuing, and going from strength to strength!(still) and from your work with Mark Ronson and the recent 1 billion views of Uptown Funk on You Tube, your musical legacy is only growing! I know you realise that I’ve mostly followed you through your work with David Bowie, but its great to see (on here) the range of artists you’ve worked with, and helped,to create, musical works that multi millions of people recognise worldwide,and are influenced by themselves..
And of course…your life and love story with Robin.. a fantastic love story/achievement..in any environment! (Cue a standing ovation!!)MASSIVE!
Regarding DWTBB the track, my thoughts?
Quoting David Bowie “This could be embarrassing”
I remember first listening to the ‘Tonight’ album and coming to DWTBB and loving the power of the track, mostly from the guitar chord changes/riff? but also thinking the track didn’t achieve its full potential, as if it were an improvised jam session without an ending. Loved the power(aggression?) Borneo Horns everywhere, Iggy Pop oozing out of nearly every pore!
Lyrically I took your advice and sent a message, through Twitter, to ask David about the meaning..he didn’t get back yet! (maybe you could get him to answer that message ,or follow me on Twitter?) haha! some chance!
My own thoughts.. lyrically..that’s one of the best things about Bowie, there’s just enough detail to paint your own picture/story..you find your own way..
BTW I’ve been trying to practice your Powerline Barr chord theory..obviously my hands aren’t quite as flexible as yours..or my timing and rhythm! But thanks for the advice!
Thanks Carlos
Rob
Only just got here ‘belatedly’ thru twitter, but love your page ‘Carlos’ hope that’s not too personal? Loved all your guitar works on all the David Bowie recordings and tours you were involved in.I’m know those recordings and tours wouldn’t have got to their finished works without ‘All’ the superb musicians input..THANK YOU! ps always love your smile in interviews 🙂
Brilliant..I’m gonna go and watch The Glass Spider Tour intro again 🙂 hey if your ever in town and need a T-Bone steak just message me! I’m not even joking!
I was lucky to catch the, under the moonlight the’Serious Moonlight’ tour at Birmingham/Paris/Milton Keynes..and the Glass Spider tour at Manchester/Cardiff/Sunderland?/Paris..always had great fun obviously!Great shows, massive audiences, super sounds! With ‘Glass Spider’ i loved the way the British audience were given some of the classic Bowie ‘set pieces’ ie the ropes..the catwalks..the theatre aspect of ‘Time’..I wonder if this was an up-dated version of the’ Diamond Dogs’ tour for them.or just David using his gorgeous tried tested and loved formula movements..if there is any such thing…sorry Carlos..what do you think? Btw i obviously love the way you look up at the expanse above the stage…”Shut Up” 4 teensgers in a car..did you hear me.?
Carlos, I love all your work on Bowie’s albums! Your contributions to Station to Station, Low, Heroes and Lodger alone should put you in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!! ~John
Thx Steve, I’ve yet to hear the full album, but I’m thus far very happy with the singles. I’m also glad to hear that David has refer back to our gold ole days of hit making as inspiration for his current albums. Can’t wait to hear it for myself to make up my mind. Carlos
Dear Carlos, what means “additionnal production” on “Tumble & twirl” sleeve ? (Fantastic single with amazing horns arrangements which I love so much)
Thank you,
Jeff
(I hope my english makes sense)
Additional production means that I worked so well with the producers that they felt my input and direction in their production was worth a mention and due credit. It happens often when there is a rapport with the artist or producers. It’s an attitude of “what’s best for the song” if it works out due credit is granted and acknowledge, even after the fact.
Carlos
Hi Carlos, Great website. I was delighted to read in some of the interviews for ‘The Next Day’ album (Tony Visconti, Zachary Alford), that some out-takes from the Scary Monsters and Lodger sessions were listened to in ‘preparation’ for those sessions and indeed at least 1 song from the Lodger sessions was updated for the new album it seems. What are your memories of the sessions from the Lodger and Scary Monsters albums and do you think there was alot of music from those sessions which should see the light of day? I have read in Q magazine this month that they are looking to issue an updated version of Lodger as David Bowie was not happy with the mix at the time and he and Tony Visconti want to rectify that. Thanks for all the great music and memories. Steve
Bowie was producing tracks for LULU. A great R&B Soul singing white Brit with a voice like an angel. I remember seeing and hearing her sing on the movie “To Sir, With Love” starring Sidney Poitier.
The Official Carlos Alomar Blog 
I do appreciatie the fact that you’ve paid your contribution to David huis succes. Thanks for that. Wish you all the best in the future.
Brgds
Peter Been
Hi Carlos, really like your blog. Yesterday was a very sad day, since one of my biggest heroes passed away. I grew up with Bowie via my six year older brother, I kept stealing his LP records, which he obviously did not like 😉 Station to Station, Low, Stage, Lodger, Scary Monsters and not in the least Young Americans marked my youth. I received an email from a dear friend today saying ‘remember the tapes we listened to’, ‘seeing the serious moonlight tour’? Very much ‘let’s buy some drugs and watch a band, jump in the river holding hands’. She and I instantly remembered and got in contact! You guys gave me that; for me, Brian Eno, Adrian Belew, Earl Slick and you (!!!) are an integral part of this very very important mark in pop/rock history! So thanks very much Carlos!!!! All the best for your current work and thanks for making my youth a great time !!!!! Robert (Netherlands)
Thanks for sharing a major part of your life and the know that we were both lucky to have lived in the same epoch as David.
Dear Carlos,
I hope my message finds you well. I hope this does not show up on your blog, since it is not my intention to disturb you too much with this, which I guess I am doing in a way:-) I am visiting NY with my family in August and wondered if I could visit Stevens (SSRC) with my daughter. She is only 14 years old, very passionate about music (piano, singer), and I wanted to show her some possibilities for studying in that field abroad. She is currently attending the International School of Florence, Italy, an International Baccalaureate school with a very broad orientation. Again, my apologies for disturbing you. I wish you all the best.
Kind regards,
Robert
Hi Carlos! I was just watching some Bowie videos on Youtube and was wondering what that incredible-looking double guitar that you played in the late 70s-early 80s. It looks kind of like an Alembic but the headstock suggested something else. Thanks for all the great music!
It was a B.C.Rich “bitch”
Hey Carlos..when is ‘Dancing with the Big Boys’ going to be released/published? Its definately on my Xmas pressie list!.Btw Dancing with the big boys as a track, what do you think about it , what the heck is it about?
Hey Robtear,
I guess when it’s ready, these things take a while to get them right. Plus, the odyssey continues. Am I suppose to include the Mark Ronson Tracks “Uptown Funk” or Alicia Keys, which I’m presently recording. The book is really about My wife Robin and I and our love story….it’s not about Bowie, although he plays a great part. Concerning “DWTBB” Talk to David about the lyrical meaning…Concerning the Music…Aggression, Disgust, Disappointment and protest….. what are your thoughts?
Hi Carlos,
First off, thanks for the reply to my question about DWTBB (book and track)
As regards your musical odyssey, it is obviously continuing, and going from strength to strength!(still) and from your work with Mark Ronson and the recent 1 billion views of Uptown Funk on You Tube, your musical legacy is only growing! I know you realise that I’ve mostly followed you through your work with David Bowie, but its great to see (on here) the range of artists you’ve worked with, and helped,to create, musical works that multi millions of people recognise worldwide,and are influenced by themselves..
And of course…your life and love story with Robin.. a fantastic love story/achievement..in any environment! (Cue a standing ovation!!)MASSIVE!
Regarding DWTBB the track, my thoughts?
Quoting David Bowie “This could be embarrassing”
I remember first listening to the ‘Tonight’ album and coming to DWTBB and loving the power of the track, mostly from the guitar chord changes/riff? but also thinking the track didn’t achieve its full potential, as if it were an improvised jam session without an ending. Loved the power(aggression?) Borneo Horns everywhere, Iggy Pop oozing out of nearly every pore!
Lyrically I took your advice and sent a message, through Twitter, to ask David about the meaning..he didn’t get back yet! (maybe you could get him to answer that message ,or follow me on Twitter?) haha! some chance!
My own thoughts.. lyrically..that’s one of the best things about Bowie, there’s just enough detail to paint your own picture/story..you find your own way..
BTW I’ve been trying to practice your Powerline Barr chord theory..obviously my hands aren’t quite as flexible as yours..or my timing and rhythm! But thanks for the advice!
Thanks Carlos
Rob
Lol… Good luck with that.
Just try and basic E… Then E7… Then Em7.. Em6…. Em7b5
If you can do this…. Try living the Alien
Only just got here ‘belatedly’ thru twitter, but love your page ‘Carlos’ hope that’s not too personal? Loved all your guitar works on all the David Bowie recordings and tours you were involved in.I’m know those recordings and tours wouldn’t have got to their finished works without ‘All’ the superb musicians input..THANK YOU! ps always love your smile in interviews 🙂
Thanks Robert… the smile is there because I’m glad as hell to be here and there…plus I’m still having the time of my life…
Brilliant..I’m gonna go and watch The Glass Spider Tour intro again 🙂 hey if your ever in town and need a T-Bone steak just message me! I’m not even joking!
I was lucky to catch the, under the moonlight the’Serious Moonlight’ tour at Birmingham/Paris/Milton Keynes..and the Glass Spider tour at Manchester/Cardiff/Sunderland?/Paris..always had great fun obviously!Great shows, massive audiences, super sounds! With ‘Glass Spider’ i loved the way the British audience were given some of the classic Bowie ‘set pieces’ ie the ropes..the catwalks..the theatre aspect of ‘Time’..I wonder if this was an up-dated version of the’ Diamond Dogs’ tour for them.or just David using his gorgeous tried tested and loved formula movements..if there is any such thing…sorry Carlos..what do you think? Btw i obviously love the way you look up at the expanse above the stage…”Shut Up” 4 teensgers in a car..did you hear me.?
Ditto…nuff said
Carlos, I love all your work on Bowie’s albums! Your contributions to Station to Station, Low, Heroes and Lodger alone should put you in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!! ~John
Thank john,
I only wish they had a MVP award for the Grammys.hmmm, maybe I’ll propose one. Lol
Carlos
Thx Steve, I’ve yet to hear the full album, but I’m thus far very happy with the singles. I’m also glad to hear that David has refer back to our gold ole days of hit making as inspiration for his current albums. Can’t wait to hear it for myself to make up my mind. Carlos
Dear Carlos, what means “additionnal production” on “Tumble & twirl” sleeve ? (Fantastic single with amazing horns arrangements which I love so much)
Thank you,
Jeff
(I hope my english makes sense)
Additional production means that I worked so well with the producers that they felt my input and direction in their production was worth a mention and due credit. It happens often when there is a rapport with the artist or producers. It’s an attitude of “what’s best for the song” if it works out due credit is granted and acknowledge, even after the fact.
Carlos
Hello Carlos, many thanks for your answer. It’s a real pleasure to play “Q&A” with you . Thank you for your opened mind and cool attitude 🙂
Hi Carlos, Great website. I was delighted to read in some of the interviews for ‘The Next Day’ album (Tony Visconti, Zachary Alford), that some out-takes from the Scary Monsters and Lodger sessions were listened to in ‘preparation’ for those sessions and indeed at least 1 song from the Lodger sessions was updated for the new album it seems. What are your memories of the sessions from the Lodger and Scary Monsters albums and do you think there was alot of music from those sessions which should see the light of day? I have read in Q magazine this month that they are looking to issue an updated version of Lodger as David Bowie was not happy with the mix at the time and he and Tony Visconti want to rectify that. Thanks for all the great music and memories. Steve