SOMETHING TO REMEMBERTHE ORCHESTRAL DREAM TOUR
by Donny O’Bryan
Donny: Hello Inco.
Inco: Hello Donny, how are you?
D: A bit tired these days, but life is good for the most part.
I: I’m glad you agreed to another interview.
D: Always happy to be a part of a Holiday Share interview, Inco.
I: Thank you, friend. Today, we’re going to talk about the “Dream Tour” concert series – specifically the newest one that promotes Madonna’s “Something To Remember” compilation. First of all, tell people that may not know about the series.
D: Sure! A long time ago, I started thinking that there were plenty of songs from Madonna’s albums that she’s never performed on any tour. That gave me the idea to make my own personal dream tour for each album. On each specific dream tour, I envisioned Madonna singing every song from that album, in track listing order. On the Frist Album Dream Tour, the word DREAM had periods (as in D.R.E.A.M.) because it was my own personal project for me and nobody else, and the letters stood for “Donny’s Reimagining Every Album of Madonna” Tour.
I. So you had no intention of releasing these dream tours to the public?
D: Not originally. But then friends told me the idea was fantastic, and should be shared with the fans. So I agreed to release them, one at a time. The fans liked them and I’ve been making them regularly since then. They finally have the chance to hear every Madonna song in concert.
I: But – and correct me if I’m wrong – it’s more than just adding applause over the tracks. Correct?
D: That’s right. If the song was already available in a “live” version by Madonna, I would use those versions but edit them when possible to be something a little different.
I: What about the songs she’s never sung live before?
D: For those songs, I had to be creative. Most times, I would layer Madonna’s vocals onto other music and restructure the entire song. I’d layer applause and cheers subtly as well. In the end, the final “concert” sounded exactly like I imagined.
I: I know you play some musical instruments, like piano, and guitar. There were times I suspect you added a personal flare to a track by playing these instruments on top of the new versions.
D: Yes, sometimes, but not often. I knew that I had to keep my “flare” (as you worded it) very subtle. If you could tell I was playing, then I discarded my efforts. Really, I’m not that good, lol. I’m okay. But just to be clear: I did not play instruments in the new orchestral dream tour.
I: What I’ve heard so far has been amazing. And this new dream tour took a very long time to put together.
D: Correct. Generally, I like to release every 3 to 4 months apart. But this new “orchestral” tour was much more difficult than I realized. In fact, there was a time I regretted offering to turn each song into a symphonic orchestra version.
I: Why did you decide to make this one orchestral?
D: Because I love an orchestra, and the official orchestral version of “I Want You” is just amazing. I thought, why not?
I: Tell me briefly about the process to turn each song orchestral.
D: Well, the first one (I Want You) was already done for me. I just extended it when the music stems that leaked years ago, and played around with her vocals a bit. Then came “Forbidden Love.” I found music that was so reminiscent of I Want You Orchestral – and it fit perfect with Madonna’s vocals. Unfortunately, it was not so easy with the remaining songs. I discarded many versions – feeling they were not correct. It upset me so much, I literally gave up, and wished I hadn’t promised to do the project.
I: I’ve had a chance to hear the entire concert – and the studio versions too – and the end result is perfection.
D: Thank you. I found that if I just slowed down, avoid rushing, and eliminate the release date I originally had (Valentine’s Day), I could take my time.
I: Like I said: perfection.
D: I wish I could agree with you. Re-listening to the final product I hear flaws. And one BIG flaw in “Oh Father.” I needed an vocal ending for the song because the original fades out, which would not happen in a concert. So I meant to copy her singing the words “about myself” from the end of the second chorus (right before the “oh father” section). But I accidentally cut the words instead of copying them. I didn’t catch that before it was released. I have since fixed it on the studio version, but unfortunately, the live version is flawed just before the “oh father” bridge. There’s nothing I can do about it now. I will forever hear it, judge me, and negatively criticize myself.
I: I’m not sure I would have noticed had you not pointed it out. Regardless, I love the entire concert. Classy. “Classic.” Atmospheric. A near perfect concert.
D: I should take the time to say thank you to my team. Tommy made the artwork (he’s done every one since the first tour). Mary always promotes, as you do – and I am grateful. Driekus often helps out with facebook banners and posters to promote the concert – but he’s a bit busy these days. I know he will help out in a future concert.
I: And I’m releasing the studio versions of each song – without the audience applause or cheers.
D: Yes, I wanted to give you an exclusive release. I very much appreciate you, Inco, as I have for so many years.
I: Is the Evita soundtrack Dream Tour next?
D: Unfortunately, no. It was supposed to be next. But now it will have to wait.
I: Why?
D: My original idea was to release Something To Remember Orchestral Dream Tour on Valentine’s Day. Then, after that, I could release the Evita Dream Tour in June. But now I can’t because we’re already in June.
I: I’m confused. Why not? Does it have to be June?
D: Because the Evita concert should be released in June, and be called “The Rainbow Tour.” (This is a great reference to the song in Evita, as well as the rainbow being a symbol for gay pride in June).
I: Ah! I understand now.
D: So things got shifted around. I’m going to do the Ray of Light Dream Tour around Christmas, and then the Evita Rainbow Tour in June 2026.
I: We’ll be looking forward to it. What projects do you have before the next dream tour at Christmas?
D: I’d like to surprise everyone. It’s better to surprise the releases than make promise dates that could change. But regardless, the fans will be happy with any release I have coming up.
I: Thank you, Donny, for this interview. I look forward to the next release – and perhaps another interview?
D: Lol, sure thing, Inco. I’m always happy to do interviews with you.
