About the album
Producer
Denis Stanley Sorenson
Arrangements
Denis Stanley Sorenson
and Sherisse Coombs
Bassist
Gary Eaton
Percussion
Lee Richan
Guitar, etcetera
Denis Sorenson
Additional Vocals
Sherisse Coombs,
Peggy Grimes,
and Generation Gap
Recording and Mastering
Engineer
Lee Richan
Cover Art
Darin Anderson
|
Whether it be for family or fool, pauper or prince, poet or prophet, music can gratify the taste and bring joy to anyone. We have found uplifting fulfillment in sharing our own and the words and music of others in this collection. The scheme we have followed is to include music which speaks of things that bring lasting joy and peace in a world where these elude so many. We hope our efforts will, in a measure, provide them for you.
This is a family album, the creation of which has helped us bridge generation gaps. Denis Stanley Sorenson, writer, composer, and lead vocalist of most of these songs, is a husband, father, and grandfather--in that priority. The "icing" on this album's "cake" is to include some of his children in its performances. Sherisse Coombs, who has the solo on "Man With a Light" is a married daughter, with children of her own. It is both surprising and gratifying to find that, despite the so-called "Generation Gap" their voices blend and their souls combine in these remarkable arrangements. Sherisse's sister, Peggy Grimes, also adds her vocal flavorings to the generational mix.
We trust that you will find savor for your literary, poetic, and musical tastes in the contents of this first solo album--by a family man whose clear tenor voice you may have enjoyed when he performed with a trio of Capitol recording artists, "The 3D's."
Click here for information on obtaining copies of "The Three D's" earlier works.
Special thanks for yoemanry in performance go to Gary and Sarah Eaton; he for his remarkable bass and guitar work, and she for her unfailing support of her husband's gifts to this project.
For Sherisse Coombs, there is not enough that can be said about her quick-study memorization, and the transformations she made with songs already recorded, but lacking the perfections of her obligatos and harmony parts.
For Peggy Grimes, thank you for your harmonies, life-long attention to musical excellence, and lively support. None of this would have come together as it has without your special contributions. -- DSS January 2001
|
Special note
This release is a truly glorious, unbelievable flow of songs, talent, profound meaning and presentation. Denis claims I was the one who carried this baby to term, but truly it was his talent which made partnership possible. Privately, I consider this an achievement . . . and a gift to all others who hear and appreciate.
For me as engineer, producer, friend, commiserator, this project required a good part of five years of my life. The story may come out elsewhere, but each song salved marriage wounds, consoled despair and cheered my heartbreak. Now, we offer this mix of musical balm for all the others who may listen.
When we finished the audio master's fifteenth and final song, the tears flowed freely--and not just mine. I fairly shouted out the words, "Bravo, Denis! Bravo!!" (And for Sherisse, Peggy and Gary, too). It was at that moment that all our work was worth it. We hope you think so, too.
Thanks foremost to Catherine for building a new home in my heart. Thanks to my wonderful children, Monika, EJ, Stuart, and Cerina, endlessly patient whilst I was behind the mixing board. So, too, I thank Masako, who for many years maintained family peace as my microphones, and I turned our attention to the musicians an the music.
Forty years in the making and a miracle has finally unfolded: for you.
R. Lee Richan, January 2001
|
|
Denis: Joy