A melody that sparked a lifelong passion in a Cleveland dining room in 1967 comes full circle as Bo Menart, the singer-songwriter-guitarist, prepares to release his stirring rendition of WHEN I LIVE MY DREAM on the 30th of May, 2025. This pop gem, a cover from David Bowie’s 1967 debut album, is a deeply personal milestone for Menart, who has spent nearly five decades crafting an arrangement that captures the song’s timeless allure.
The journey began when a teenage Menart, dining at the home of a British radio host, discovered a promotional LP of Bowie’s debut on Deram Records. Entranced, he played it repeatedly, unable to part with the music that would shape his artistic path. Unable to take the record home, he special-ordered his own copy the next day, cementing a lifelong connection to the song. Now, with WHEN I LIVE MY DREAM, Menart delivers a version that’s both a tribute and a reinvention, backed by his core ensemble: bassist-vocalist Larry Antonino, drummer Darren Elpant, and guitarist Craig T Fall, whose orchestral arrangement brings Menart’s vision to life with breathtaking precision.
This single is a standout track from Menart’s latest album, The Trane Mob, the follow-up to his 2019 debut Out of the Woodshed. A Cleveland native with a storied career, Menart has engineered for legends like Phil Spector and contributed to iconic projects like The Warriors soundtrack. His roots-based rock resonates with authenticity, blending seven original tracks, a collaboration with former bandmate Fred Guerra, and four carefully chosen covers. The Trane Mob features a stellar lineup of L.A. talent, including Antonino, keyboardist Arlan Schierbaum, and drummer Darren Elpant, alongside contributions from heavyweights like Fall, Nick Kirgo, Taras Prodaniuk, Chad Watson, and vocalist Pam Loe.
Menart moved to Los Angeles right after high school and worked his way into the music industry. First as a recording engineer and producer, later getting involved in management and publishing. Finally he helmed an independent record label, Terra Nova Records, through the 90’s into the 21st century. Then, after spending his life developing other artists, he decided to focus on his own music.
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Menart’s vision for The Trane Mob flourished through remote recording, with tracks built meticulously from his Sunland home studio. The result is a tight, vibrant collection, with WHEN I LIVE MY DREAM as its emotional capstone. Co-produced by Menart and Fall, the song’s lush arrangement fulfills a dream Menart once imagined recording with a 30-piece orchestra at Capitol Studios. Instead, Fall’s masterful touch delivers the same grandeur, proving that sometimes the stars align closer to home.
Influences
The Beatles, Byrds, Love, Hollies, Bowie, Rolling Stones
Support Bo Menart on Social Media
Listen to more of Bo Menart
For music submission click here
