This week, my friend and collaborator, and brilliant composer Alexander Sage Oyen released a new album, Drafts, Volume II. I had listened to some early mixes of these tunes, but today I listened to the album as a whole, and it was like taking a trip down memory lane. Its amazing how many moments these tunes flash me back to - from having a perfect run-through of Funny with Jason Gotay after teaching in Bay Ridge before heading to Alexs first 54 Below gig, to coaching vocal takes with Corey Michael at Charlie Rosens apartment in my opening night suit for Pippin just before I headed to the theater. I remember plunking If We Meet Again with Remy Zaken for the first time, and hearing how beautifully Alex had tailored the melody and style to her gifts. I remember Ben Fankhauser walking into rehearsal at Shetler Studios and reading Belief for the first time while Alex played the piano and being completely shocked and blown away at how strong and smart his musical instincts are. And thoroughly relived that I wasnt going to have to bring down the key. One of the greatest gifts I have been given is the ability to be a part of Alexs musical history. In the past two and a half years working together, I have gotten to watch him grow as a writer and human being ENORMOUSLY, and I like to think that we have grown together. May we continue to collaborate for the ages, and may you all open your iTunes right now and download this record! I promise you will love it as much as I do!
Posted on: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 19:51:39 +0000