Elevation
I was kind of in the cross-hairs of life. Really finding myself in a position of much unhappiness, distraction and disappointment. Most of this was coming from external sources and as life tends to do, kept hammering away. I sat down one night and thought, I wish I could leave this all behind. I asked myself where I would go, what would I do. I realized just by allowing myself to entertain this thought as if it COULD really happen, that I had a whole other perspective about my life that was much more positive, pro-active and empowering. I let my mind runaway and fly high.
Elevation was born.
Stories Behind The Journey
This Will Not Be The Way (That This Will Go Down)
I had read earlier this one particular day some disturbing environmental news in Yahoo News about polar bears really struggling due to the melting of polar ice. There was a report that a home owner living in this region found a polar bear on his front lawn, obviously searching for food. After reaching the recording studio to work on a different song, I told Michael about the article and how messed up the environment is. He agreed and said the Earth is trying to get rid of us...you know what...the Earth will win. I then saw a program on Nova about how the Earth's activity in the last 10-20 years has been equal to the destructive forces present when the planet was forming. Another story I read was of the first recorded act of cannibalism of a polar bear eating another polar bear. They will kill for territory or over food, but not in making the other bear a food source. One polar bear followed a mother polar bear and her cubs into her den. It attacked, killed and ate the mother polar bear in front of the untouched cubs.
I asked myself if I could channel Mother Earth and have her chime in about what we, mankind, are doing to the planet and the environment what would she say... (see song title above...)
I had read earlier this one particular day some disturbing environmental news in Yahoo News about polar bears really struggling due to the melting of polar ice. There was a report that a home owner living in this region found a polar bear on his front lawn, obviously searching for food. After reaching the recording studio to work on a different song, I told Michael about the article and how messed up the environment is. He agreed and said the Earth is trying to get rid of us...you know what...the Earth will win. I then saw a program on Nova about how the Earth's activity in the last 10-20 years has been equal to the destructive forces present when the planet was forming. Another story I read was of the first recorded act of cannibalism of a polar bear eating another polar bear. They will kill for territory or over food, but not in making the other bear a food source. One polar bear followed a mother polar bear and her cubs into her den. It attacked, killed and ate the mother polar bear in front of the untouched cubs.
I asked myself if I could channel Mother Earth and have her chime in about what we, mankind, are doing to the planet and the environment what would she say... (see song title above...)
You Don't Wanna Step To This
I am blessed with many good friends and funny people in my life. One such great friend is Kyle Zaemisch. He is the life of the party and when he's there, you know a good time is to be had. Lots of laughs, great energy, drinks all around and a very positive soul. Kyle had a phrase that he would often say which is the title of this song. I had heard it enough during a performing contract with him as my roommate, and it just kind of stuck. I challenged myself to write a song around Kyle's phrase. The feedback thus far is that many, many people like this song a lot! Listen close to this cut on the CD and you'll hear Kyle who left his 'lil catch phrase gem on my voicemail and we tagged it into the song itself.
I am blessed with many good friends and funny people in my life. One such great friend is Kyle Zaemisch. He is the life of the party and when he's there, you know a good time is to be had. Lots of laughs, great energy, drinks all around and a very positive soul. Kyle had a phrase that he would often say which is the title of this song. I had heard it enough during a performing contract with him as my roommate, and it just kind of stuck. I challenged myself to write a song around Kyle's phrase. The feedback thus far is that many, many people like this song a lot! Listen close to this cut on the CD and you'll hear Kyle who left his 'lil catch phrase gem on my voicemail and we tagged it into the song itself.
Slither
This song came about because I wanted to work in a more rock guitar rooted way. I was also intrigued by Christina Aguilera's song, Fighter. There were also some composition structures I wanted to implement as well in this song. It came together nicely and Michael does some killer guitar playing on this cut. I have to say of the 3 bonus tracks, this remix by Aaron-Carl is my hands down favorite. Come hell or high water and Visa or MasterCard, there WILL be a video shot for this. Slither is about desire and cravings of a physical kind. And well, male or female, we all have that.
This song came about because I wanted to work in a more rock guitar rooted way. I was also intrigued by Christina Aguilera's song, Fighter. There were also some composition structures I wanted to implement as well in this song. It came together nicely and Michael does some killer guitar playing on this cut. I have to say of the 3 bonus tracks, this remix by Aaron-Carl is my hands down favorite. Come hell or high water and Visa or MasterCard, there WILL be a video shot for this. Slither is about desire and cravings of a physical kind. And well, male or female, we all have that.
Tell Me Tell Me
This was one of the earlier songs I wrote after my debut CD, Take Another Look. It was during the time of the release for Take Another Look that I realized I had some people...shall we say "alleged" friends in my circle that were more about being around me for what they could get from me. They wanted to be friends for my resources and until I realized this, I gave endlessly. Then there were the "ah-ha" moments of when I asked something of them, they were put off, gave me fever, put out, too busy or just didn't care. Needless to say, I woke up, did a huge house cleaning of "those 'type' of friends" and don't have them around anymore. When wanting to channel that experience I realized that it was great fuel for a "relationship" based song. Who hasn't experienced some of those elements in the game of love?
Lessons learned, song written.
This was one of the earlier songs I wrote after my debut CD, Take Another Look. It was during the time of the release for Take Another Look that I realized I had some people...shall we say "alleged" friends in my circle that were more about being around me for what they could get from me. They wanted to be friends for my resources and until I realized this, I gave endlessly. Then there were the "ah-ha" moments of when I asked something of them, they were put off, gave me fever, put out, too busy or just didn't care. Needless to say, I woke up, did a huge house cleaning of "those 'type' of friends" and don't have them around anymore. When wanting to channel that experience I realized that it was great fuel for a "relationship" based song. Who hasn't experienced some of those elements in the game of love?
Lessons learned, song written.
Tears In The Dirt
I had caught this title in the passing lyric of a song. The image was jarring to me for whatever reason. I could really see and sense that phrase. Just the two words of Tears and Dirt seem to conjure up the sadder side of the human condition. I was able to go back to past experiences in my life's journey, moments of pain, unrequited love, heartache...the kind that keeps you up at night, jumping for the phone, eating very little, and sleeping away the pain. I re-visited a stop at that painful place from years ago and thought, let me see if I can connect the dots. This song is also written a certain way for a particular effect in terms of the melody line and the relief that finally comes, when it comes as it always does in matters of the heart. Early ears have said that they had a certain feeling about the song up until a particular point and then the song turns. Those ears had NO IDEA that by saying what they had, they had actually ridden through the song just as I had hoped.
I had caught this title in the passing lyric of a song. The image was jarring to me for whatever reason. I could really see and sense that phrase. Just the two words of Tears and Dirt seem to conjure up the sadder side of the human condition. I was able to go back to past experiences in my life's journey, moments of pain, unrequited love, heartache...the kind that keeps you up at night, jumping for the phone, eating very little, and sleeping away the pain. I re-visited a stop at that painful place from years ago and thought, let me see if I can connect the dots. This song is also written a certain way for a particular effect in terms of the melody line and the relief that finally comes, when it comes as it always does in matters of the heart. Early ears have said that they had a certain feeling about the song up until a particular point and then the song turns. Those ears had NO IDEA that by saying what they had, they had actually ridden through the song just as I had hoped.
Get it Gone
It's about one thing and one thing only folks, and for adult ears.
It's about one thing and one thing only folks, and for adult ears.
Green Bottle Blues
This was (I believe) the first post Take Another Look song, I wrote. I was coming home from my friend Tracy's home in the D.C. area and the Amtrak train was packed. There wasn't a seat to be found. I managed to get to the dining car which much to my surprise, but not for long, was relatively empty. I grabbed a table as we pulled into the next stop. This much older and long-weathered soul of a man came down and sat at the table with me and across from me with two fresh, opened bottles of Heineken. He smelled of beer, a lot of it. In my self absorbed 'why me' arrogance, I pulled out my iPod, stuffed in my ear buds and threw on a song. I got settled back down and glanced across the table and this poor guy looked so sad, like I had just shot his dog. I felt like and ASS! I took off the headphones and pulled out my lyric journal which I carry everywhere to work on some evolving lyrics. He perked up and started a conversation that was one of such stellar importance, that I wrote down nearly verbatim what was going on. Pearls of wisdom about the happiness of ones life, making choices, chasing down dreams from a man who clearly had lived, seen much of what he was talking about and perhaps had some regrets. I would have missed this tune if I had tuned him out. You never know how, when, or where the messages during the Journey are gonna come, but come they will.
This was (I believe) the first post Take Another Look song, I wrote. I was coming home from my friend Tracy's home in the D.C. area and the Amtrak train was packed. There wasn't a seat to be found. I managed to get to the dining car which much to my surprise, but not for long, was relatively empty. I grabbed a table as we pulled into the next stop. This much older and long-weathered soul of a man came down and sat at the table with me and across from me with two fresh, opened bottles of Heineken. He smelled of beer, a lot of it. In my self absorbed 'why me' arrogance, I pulled out my iPod, stuffed in my ear buds and threw on a song. I got settled back down and glanced across the table and this poor guy looked so sad, like I had just shot his dog. I felt like and ASS! I took off the headphones and pulled out my lyric journal which I carry everywhere to work on some evolving lyrics. He perked up and started a conversation that was one of such stellar importance, that I wrote down nearly verbatim what was going on. Pearls of wisdom about the happiness of ones life, making choices, chasing down dreams from a man who clearly had lived, seen much of what he was talking about and perhaps had some regrets. I would have missed this tune if I had tuned him out. You never know how, when, or where the messages during the Journey are gonna come, but come they will.
Torch
I was still out on contract with Barry Manilow's production company, and we had just worked with this incredible vocal coach that came out to work with the singers while in Rome. We worked with Doug for 5 days and sang our faces off. He really honed in on each vocal style of each singer and nailed me for Pop/Blues/Rock. He took my vocal production in a completely different direction with a few simple images and kind words. With this new approach, I wanted to write something applying what we had worked on. I had this title in my head, Torch. I wanted to write about first love and how it always is in your memory. Not many people say...oh I forgot my first love. Mine was at age 18 after having just moved from Vegas and while going to Emerson College in Boston. I remember that amazing experience like it was yesterday. I think somewhere in our souls we always carry a flame or Torch for our first love. I know I do and this song is the result.
I was still out on contract with Barry Manilow's production company, and we had just worked with this incredible vocal coach that came out to work with the singers while in Rome. We worked with Doug for 5 days and sang our faces off. He really honed in on each vocal style of each singer and nailed me for Pop/Blues/Rock. He took my vocal production in a completely different direction with a few simple images and kind words. With this new approach, I wanted to write something applying what we had worked on. I had this title in my head, Torch. I wanted to write about first love and how it always is in your memory. Not many people say...oh I forgot my first love. Mine was at age 18 after having just moved from Vegas and while going to Emerson College in Boston. I remember that amazing experience like it was yesterday. I think somewhere in our souls we always carry a flame or Torch for our first love. I know I do and this song is the result.
Breathless
I had a wicked little crush going on and wrapped it up in a song that I wanted to kind of throw back to some 70's bass/funk roots. There use to be a time in NYC where cruisin' or flirting was nearly a full time job as you'd walk down the streets. One most certainly didn't mind walking as much when chance encounters lead to steamy moments. But the song is anchored in more than just being about a quick slap & tickle. It's rooted in that moment that you see someone and the chemistry is undeniable to where they make you giddy, dizzy and well, breathless.
I had a wicked little crush going on and wrapped it up in a song that I wanted to kind of throw back to some 70's bass/funk roots. There use to be a time in NYC where cruisin' or flirting was nearly a full time job as you'd walk down the streets. One most certainly didn't mind walking as much when chance encounters lead to steamy moments. But the song is anchored in more than just being about a quick slap & tickle. It's rooted in that moment that you see someone and the chemistry is undeniable to where they make you giddy, dizzy and well, breathless.
Brothers In Arms & Sister Soldiers
This cut has been called the first Gay Rock Anthem. I can't argue if that is in fact accurate, but I was flattered by the compliment. I get bits and pieces of these kind of compliments/sound-offs after playing gigs, open mics what have you. I wrote the first draft of this lyric in the summer of '03. There seemed to be so much positive visibility of the GLBT community in mainstream society that it made one feel like perhaps the days of Matthew Sheppard type incidents were going to be behind us. I don't live under a rock or in a cave, so I don't believe simplistically that a few TV programs were going to change peoples' fear, misunderstandings, or outlandish hate towards my community. It did seem promising that perhaps a new day was beginning though. There was of course backlash. But the GLBT community is a community of fighters. We have fought our way through our schools from early ages of being teased, harassed, taunted and getting our butts kicked sometimes. We have fought our way through discrimination, hate crimes, and injustices of all kinds. We came through, though at a mighty cost, being the epicenter of the AIDS crisis when those that had the most power and influence to assist did absolutely nothing. We have come through much, sometimes coming out exhausted, tattered, and bruised. We are a community of strength, endurance, and of prideful resources like no other. We will not go away. We will not be scared off. We may be pushed to the outside of our "free society" but we will fight our way back in for the rights we were born to have just like everyone else. The Bible says that the meek shall inherit the Earth. If that's true and the GLBT community is the recipient, I will you tell you this...it will be one glorious party filled with laughter, love and light like no one has ever seen; but some of you will have hell to pay. March on my Brothers & Sisters, this one is for US!
This cut has been called the first Gay Rock Anthem. I can't argue if that is in fact accurate, but I was flattered by the compliment. I get bits and pieces of these kind of compliments/sound-offs after playing gigs, open mics what have you. I wrote the first draft of this lyric in the summer of '03. There seemed to be so much positive visibility of the GLBT community in mainstream society that it made one feel like perhaps the days of Matthew Sheppard type incidents were going to be behind us. I don't live under a rock or in a cave, so I don't believe simplistically that a few TV programs were going to change peoples' fear, misunderstandings, or outlandish hate towards my community. It did seem promising that perhaps a new day was beginning though. There was of course backlash. But the GLBT community is a community of fighters. We have fought our way through our schools from early ages of being teased, harassed, taunted and getting our butts kicked sometimes. We have fought our way through discrimination, hate crimes, and injustices of all kinds. We came through, though at a mighty cost, being the epicenter of the AIDS crisis when those that had the most power and influence to assist did absolutely nothing. We have come through much, sometimes coming out exhausted, tattered, and bruised. We are a community of strength, endurance, and of prideful resources like no other. We will not go away. We will not be scared off. We may be pushed to the outside of our "free society" but we will fight our way back in for the rights we were born to have just like everyone else. The Bible says that the meek shall inherit the Earth. If that's true and the GLBT community is the recipient, I will you tell you this...it will be one glorious party filled with laughter, love and light like no one has ever seen; but some of you will have hell to pay. March on my Brothers & Sisters, this one is for US!
One True Friend
This was the first of a 5 song suite that was too accompany my very creative friend's animation storyboards to several animation houses and T.V. production companies. I shared with Bill this song in rough cut form and we both thought it was perfect as the "buddy" song for the two main characters, who were best friends. After listening to the song, Bill told me to go ahead and write the remaining 4 songs and then I got a call no one ever wants to get when working on a project that has so much potential. The concept which Bill had shopped around in the 90's and had been "PASSED" on, was now 3/4's of the way through production and slated to come out in a year or so. I won't say who ended up doing it, without Bill, but they are known for using the skills of a Mouse, a Duck, and a Dog. Can you say devastated? Michael and I believe in this song and we decided to put it on the album with a bit more of an edge to it than it would have had for a kids feature animation project. I am sure it will be labeled sappy, too this or too that. Whatever to that. It's about a true balanced friendship standing the test of time, through the ups and downs of life and celebrating getting through all of it together. If we're 'too beyond' needing to remember and recognize that theme on each of our own Journey's, then we should all throw in the towel now.
This was the first of a 5 song suite that was too accompany my very creative friend's animation storyboards to several animation houses and T.V. production companies. I shared with Bill this song in rough cut form and we both thought it was perfect as the "buddy" song for the two main characters, who were best friends. After listening to the song, Bill told me to go ahead and write the remaining 4 songs and then I got a call no one ever wants to get when working on a project that has so much potential. The concept which Bill had shopped around in the 90's and had been "PASSED" on, was now 3/4's of the way through production and slated to come out in a year or so. I won't say who ended up doing it, without Bill, but they are known for using the skills of a Mouse, a Duck, and a Dog. Can you say devastated? Michael and I believe in this song and we decided to put it on the album with a bit more of an edge to it than it would have had for a kids feature animation project. I am sure it will be labeled sappy, too this or too that. Whatever to that. It's about a true balanced friendship standing the test of time, through the ups and downs of life and celebrating getting through all of it together. If we're 'too beyond' needing to remember and recognize that theme on each of our own Journey's, then we should all throw in the towel now.
PUBLISHED REVIEWS
Dan Manjovi (Helium)
Roger Kuhn (Reviewcentre)
Robin Renee (Reviewcentre)
Mary Edwards (Reviewcentre)
Katie Sawicki (Reviewcentre)
