Publications & Recordings

Publications

This is where I'll list my publication credits...ummm...just as soon as I have some. Make no mistake, I'm working on it!

Recordings

They Slice The Air

Even while writing They Slice The Air, I knew this poem was a gift from the Ancestors, given to me to give away. Commissioned by The Spirituals Project, the work was first performed on May 16, 2006 at a special reception for the founders of the Arthur C. Jones Balm in Gilead Society. Later that year, Dr. Arthur Jones ~ a man who has become a mentor and a dear friend ~ asked if I would share the poem again as part of The Spirituals Project Annual Gala concert event. On November 4, 2006, I stood on the stage of the Newman Center for Performing Arts. And when I opened my mouth that night, it was NOT my voice that came out: the Ancestors were with me, and it was their collective voice that flowed through me to reach out to each person in that auditorium. To this day I am so very humbled, honored, and grateful to have had such an experience.

Furthering the gift of this poem, I was honored when Dr. Jones asked if my poem could be included on The Spirituals Project Choir's newest CD. In August of 2007 in the Sawtelle Studio at the Swallow Hill Music Association we recorded They Slice The Air for posterity. It was not just included on the CD, it became the title cut on the CD! The entire album is a stunning compilation of the different expressions and traditions of the spirituals, and I am beyond proud to be associated with it. I believe the Ancestors are pleased!

You can get this CD through CD Baby:

• Click here to order They Slice the Air ($15)

EarthTones II

(and the gift of They Slice The Air continues!)

My friend pianist/composer Pamela Weng created an exquisite musical framework for They Slice the Air entitled African Amber. She dressed my humble poem in a stunning new outfit that truly enhances its beauty. The piece is included on her new CD, Earthtones II, and on April 24, 2008 we performed the entire CD live in concert with an array of amazing musicians ~ another magical evening! You'll find a brief clip of African Amber on my playlist.

You should, no, you must ~ purchase both of these CDs, as they are each completely distinct experiences of the poem, and the music is incredible. You should also visit Pamela's personal website, as well as her site on MySpace Music, where you'll fall in love with her rich musical tapestries.

You can get this CD through CD Baby:

• Click here to order EarthTones II ($20)
  

Spirit Rising

I am ever grateful that Dr. Bob Boyle found me twiddling my thumbs in a retail paper store one day. Just a few months later, he came across Pamela Weng wandering lost in the woods near Conifer. That was almost 9 years ago and I think Pamela would agree that our lives have never been the same since. This was the first CD borne of the amazing co-creative energy that erupts when Pamela, Bob, and I get together. Most precious to me is the very first poem I wrote to go with Pamela's music, Metamorphosis. The music is exquisite, the poem is lovely, and the two of them together are nothing less than magical!

• Click here to order Spirit Rising ($15) directly from me

Solace: A Journey on the Path of Grief

Pamela, Bob and I created this CD to help comfort those who have experienced losses of any kind. Pamela's ability to paint beauty and healing with her music never ceases to amaze me, so with her permission, I have included her piece Grief Angel in my playlist. Without Pamela's skills as a motivator and a producer, Bob and I would probably still be sitting around fantasizing about making a CD someday.

• Click here to order Solace ($15) directly from me