Will Downing Interview Page 4

Smitty:  Yes, and the other case in point is Kirk on “You Just Can’t Smile It Away.”

WD:  Oh, yeah, believe me.

Smitty:  Mmm.

WD:  Yeah, that’s a song that was written by Bill Withers and not many people would know it because it’s more of an album cut, but I’ve always loved the song and I think the timing was right to record it.

Smitty:  Yes indeed.  Will, this is a fantastic record, you have just outdone yourself once again, and if I had been on another planet—and some people accuse me of that every now and then (laughs)—

WD:  That’s okay.

Smitty:  But if I had been on another planet and just came back, picked up this record, I would not have known what you had gone through these past few months.

WD:  Well, that’s the way it should be.  I mean, this is one of those records where—I’ve always tried to—one of the things that a lot of interviewers always ask me, and it’s kind of a trick question but it’s a way for you to really be sincere about what you’re listening to, that’s if you were stranded on an island and you only had the opportunity to bring—or you only had ten records with you, what would they be?  Or if you’re going away and you’re never coming back, you know what I mean?  What ten records would you bring with you? 

And I always wanted to hear someone say “Will Downing’s After Tonight, Sensual Journey, Soul Symphony,” whatever, “Moods.”  I always want to be in that top ten list.  I know it’s a little strange thinking that way, but I’ve always kind of like thought of it like listen, make this record the best it could be so that people will remember it the way I remember Marvin Gaye or Songs in the Key of Life, Stevie Wonder, you know what I mean?  I always want to make a classic record so I always put my best foot forward.  I’m really proud of this piece of work.

Smitty:  Well, I must say you have done just that, my friend, and I would imagine that there would be a lot of these on some of those secluded islands.  (Laughs.)

WD:  I hope so.

Smitty:  Yes indeed.  Now, release date for this record?

WD:  October 30th.

Smitty:  Man, you know, not only do I anticipate so many people lining up for this record, but I also anticipate just an outpouring of emotion when they see you once again on stage.  It’s gonna be a night!

WD:  Well, you know what?  It’s funny, man.  I have that thought at least once a day, man, you know, getting back to the stage and doing what I do, and hopefully in 2008 I’ll be able to come back and perform again.

Smitty:  Well, we’re waiting patiently but we’re anxious as well, my friend.

WD:  Thank you.

Smitty:  Yes indeed.  Will, thank you so much for recovered health and for this fantastic record that is such a signature of your recovered health and what you’ve gone through, for your great inspiration and I certainly look forward to seeing you soon, especially on stage, and just to walk up and give you a man hug, you know what I mean?

WD:  Hey, man, I’ll take it, bro.

Smitty:  (Laughs.)

WD:  Thank you so much.

Smitty:  Oh, you’re so welcome.  We’ve been talking with the fantastic and amazing Will Downing.  His great new record is called After Tonight, one that I certainly highly recommend, and I certainly look forward to him out on stage again and I know you do as well.  Will, thanks again, best of everything, my friend, and look forward to seeing you soon.

WD:  Thank you, sir, and look forward to seeing you too.

Baldwin “Smitty” Smith

For More Information Visit www.willdowning.com.  www.peak-records.com