Yessian & Detroit Musicians Remake “Pure Imagination”

Dan Yessian and Ohad Wilner worked diligently weaving together their latest creative project in a Farmington Hills studio at Yessian Music, an international music house renowned for bringing imagination to life by composing original music for television, movies and theme parks.

Yessian and Wilner teamed up with award-winning Detroit musicians to recreate “Pure Imagination” a theme song written by British composer Anthony Newly for the 1971 classic movie Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

“Pure Imagination” was released in 1971, the same year Yessian started his commercial music production business in Michigan. Over 50 years later, his sons Michael and Brian lead the business.

Dan Yessian Creative has been working with other artists to create meaningful projects like documentary and classical composition An Armenian Trilogy.

“I consider An Armenian Trilogy my legacy. It is work I am proud of,” he said. “I am working on projects that are meaningful to me now.”

Yessian believes “Pure Imagination” carries a meaningful and inspirational message for those seeking to follow their dreams.

Actor Gene Wilder, not originally a vocalist, sang “Pure Imagination” in his lead character role as Willy Wonka. Decades later, Wilder’s performance in both the movie and song is considered iconic.

A versatile musician and composer, “Pure Imagination” is Yessian’s singing debut. Much like Wilder, he never fancied himself a singer, but presents an honest and personal delivery to the song.

Described as a lush arrangement, the musical remake features Yessian on vocals
and a solo performance on saxophone.

Wilner, an audio engineer and Dan’s producer, possesses numerous skills from playing guitar to editing video and audio projects.

Keen-eared musicians may note Yessian’s unique spin on the song.

“The time signature of the song was done in a 3/4 or waltz rhythm which is rare compared to most all the covers in past performances of the song,” Yessian said.

Yessian said people and experiences fuel creative ideas. “The musicians we work with have been a catalyst for my ability to imagine beyond reality,” Yessian said. “And praying comes in quite handy too.”

He expressed gratitude for many blessings in life and the wisdom and inspiration gained from teachers and friends.

Yessian relates to the message and meaning of “Pure Imagination.” Music was always his passion, but early years in business were challenging.

Money was tight the first ten years, but he worked hard and marched on with dreams much grander than money alone.

“I wanted a career to be happy with,” he said. “It was love for making good music I could share with the world. If you love what you do, the money comes later in spite of yourself.”

Musical artists featured in the tune include Dan Yessian, Ohad Wilner, Takashi Iio, Dave Taylor, Kurt Schreitrmuller and Liz Larin.

Yessian’s studio locations include New York, Detroit, Los Angeles and Europe.
Visit:
www.yessian.com
www.danyessian.com