Even though Julian Lennon often spends significant amounts of time between his own album releases, he stays active as he continues to make music collaborating with a multitude of other artists. I love Julian’s contributions to many of these recordings and I would like to take the opportunity to highlight a few excellent examples on this blog entry. Julian’s musical legacy is far greater than just the albums he has personally released as his contributions to other people’s work is often superb and outstanding!
Here is a link to Julian Lennon’s website which features many of the collaborations Julian has been involved with over the years:
Collaborations – Julian Lennon
The first collaboration I want to mention here is a composition written by Julian Lennon, his good friend, the late Mark Spiro along with his wife Leslie. It is the environmental classic entitled “Saltwater.” Mark Spiro sadly passed away on his birthday in March of 2024 after a long illness. He has collaborated on several numbers over the years with Julian and he will be missed!
Julian Lennon – Saltwater (1991, Official Music Video) – YouTube
Mark’s solo rendition of the song:
Mark Spiro – Saltwater – YouTube
As a special tribute to the late Mark Spiro, here is Julian and Mark performing the song Someday in 2013 at the NightBird Recording Studios:
Julian Lennon – “Someday” Live Acoustic Performance @ NightBird Recording Studios – YouTube
Julian Lennon and a few collaborative highlights:
Here is a recording of a song that Julian is listed as a co-writer on that is posted on Youtube
That is followed by the orchestral scoring for the song published by the White Feather Foundation
Phil Naro, Julian Lennon, Brian May: ” Falling in Love” – YouTube
This is another song featuring Julian as a co-writer and one in which he is featured as lead singer
Let You Go (feat. Julian Lennon) – YouTube
Handwritten lyrics are followed to the song with Julian signing the lyric sheet that is framed
Here are a few more favorites of my favorite Julian collaborations
“Hope”
1) “Hope”- a song written by Nick Wood and co-sung with Julian about a tsunami that hit Japan:
HOPE(HD) – Nick Wood feat. Julian Lennon, Tetsuya Komuro, and BEYOND Tomorrow Students – YouTube
“Rain in England”
2) “Rain in England”- a wonderful song co-sung by Tony Mortimer and Julian Lennon. I can picture being pelted by a soft rain in the UK as this song is playing:
Rain in England (Radio Mix) – YouTube
“Sleep Now”
3) A beautiful tune co-sung by Kristina Train and Julian called “Sleep Now.” which features a tune written by Brian Byrne and words by literary great James Joyce:
Sleep Now (feat. Kristina Train & Julian Lennon) – YouTube
“The High Road”
4) Another beautiful duet. This wonderful song was written by Brent Bourgeois and Julian alternates singing the verses with Brent: “The High Road”
“December Sky”
5) Another example to be cited here in this post is a song entitled “December Sky.” This is the rehearsal of the song written by Tomi Swick which features harmony vocals by Julian. It is not a coincidence that this rehearsal was recorded on Dec 8, 2010.
I know Julian focuses primarily on his photography because it is far more relaxing for him not being compared with his dad. However, he has a golden voice and I would love to see more frequent musical releases by him. I know that I am not alone in that desire!!!
“Cole’s Song”
Appearing in the closing credits of Mr. Holland’s Opus – this is a beautiful number written by Michael Kamen with lyrical contributions from Julian along with a splendid vocal performance by Jules. This movie must have been an emotional and poignant moment for Julian to come to grips with. If you remember the plot of the film, you will know what I am referring to!
Hope you have enjoyed some of the Julian Lennon collaborations that have been highlighted in this post!
Do you have a favorite? If so, what is it and why? Let me know in the comments below.
Buzz
this is wonderful way to post a great work from Julian Lennon
thanks for posting!
Tracy-you are welcome. Hope you enjoyed some of the collaborations! It was so sad to hear that Julian lost his dear friend, Mark Spiro! Mark was a very talented person and musician!
“The Other Side Of Town” with Paul Buchanan of the Blue Nile is achingly lovely.