Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Dynamic Duo Pioneering in Audiophile World, Highlighted by WomanBizLife


New music is released everyday, but not much of it is recorded in a hi-resolution format by two women to offer to the testosterone-heavy and affluent audiophile world.  Today, such a feat was recognized by Woman Business Life, which was appreciated greatly by pianist/composer Fiona Joy and renowned producer/engineer Cookie Marenco.  

"I'm thrilled that a women's business site would promote us.  Musically, I love that fact that the audiophile market understands the integrity of a single note, and can hear and appreciate the intervening silence as much as the note choices," Fiona said, adding a bit of girl power with, "I also love working with Cookie Marenco, a woman who is breaking new ground in an industry dominated by men."

More and more young women are pursuing music careers, not as performers, but as producers and engineers at every stage of production. Public recognition like this is encouraging to them, says Fiona, who is also a producer; her 2014 project with Jennifer DeFrayne was produced at Will Ackerman's Imaginary Road Studios, and won DeFrayne a Best New Artist nomination in the ZMR Awards race.

SIGNATURE - SOLO was released today by Marenco's new label, Tiny Island Music / a division of Blue Coast Music Group, and is also available in various hi-res and "regular" formats...read the complete piece at WomanBizLife for details, or listen and purchase music at https://tinyislandmusic.bandcamp.com/   

Fiona Joy, an Australian resident, will perform at the esteemed audiophile event T.H.E. SHOW in Newport Beach, CA this coming May, following a tour in China and an appearance at the ZMR Music Awards Show in New Orleans, LA.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Jennifer DeFrayne, Best New Artist Nominee!



Recently nominated as Best New Artist in the broadcaster-chosen ZMR Awards run (to be awarded live in New Orleans this May), self-taught pianist and composer Jennifer DeFrayne is enjoying renewed interest in her debut album that many have likened to a cross between George Winston and Liz Story, much to her delight.  Below, a new review, just in...

RajMan Reviews: CD Review – By a Wire, by Jennifer DeFrayneThe masterful composing and performing by pianist Jennifer DeFrayne on this exquisite album is all the more impressive considering that this is her recording debut. 
Of course, it doesn't hurt that her producers are Grammy Award-winning guitarist and Windham Hill Records founder Will Ackerman and popular recording artist and pianist Fiona Joy Hawkins, who herself is fresh off the success of the Grammy win of an album she contributed to,Winds of Samsara by Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman, and who released DeFrayne's album on her Little Hartley Music label....

Read full review

Friday, February 20, 2015

Fantastic Covers of Themes from "Downton" and "Thrones" on INAMORATA


Three-time GRAMMY®-nominee David Arkenstone and enchanting vocalist Charlee Brooks crossover to Pop with INAMORATA

One of the most anticipated music releases of 2015 is a gorgeous collection featuring multi-Grammy nominated musician/composer David Arkenstone and enchanting vocalist Charlee Brooks. Arkenstone’s incomparable music joins spectacular lyrics and vocals by Brooks, who last teamed up on their Mermaid-themed album Loveren.  

Speaking from his Laguna Beach home, Arkenstone talked excitedly about this new album of love songs. “There are eight original songs in addition to the themes from Downton Abbey and Game of Thrones, Zedd’s ‘Clarity’ and Sarah Brightman’s ‘Harem.' This time out, we wanted to craft some songs that were more pop/crossover tunes, and we chose a few cover songs that we felt we could bring something fresh to; the lullaby is for my niece, who was born during the recording.”

David Arkenstone & Charlee Brooks
Often compared to Sarah Brightman and Enya, Charlee Brooks made her debut on their first collaboration, Lovéren, followed by Celtic Garden, and she performs many of their songs with Arkenstone in the epic live concert event David Arkenstone’s Symphonic Adventure currently a popular public television special.
  
“We usually start with the music…a melody or theme, then Charlee comes up with some evocative lyrics that complete the musical thought I have,” says Arkenstone.

Adds Brooks, “Overall, this record is very sweet, of course, with its deeper moments. The lush strings and arranging that David did on both the originals and covers really move it to another level. When he writes, the lyrics are almost unnecessary as the music itself evokes so much on its own. The additional strings added by David Davidson complemented the tracks so well, he is an amazing violinist. Many of these songs are written from the female's perspective, especially the main title, ‘Inamorata.' This piece in particular is written from a place of longing to be somebody's everything. A reassurance to them that they will be there forever.”

“ ‘Inamorata’ was the first track we wrote and it set the tone for the rest of the album,” says Arkenstone. Brooks continues, “Inamorata is an Italian term for a person's female lover. Lyrically and melodically, this album takes you through many emotional journeys. I feel that everyone has experienced some interpretation of love, whether it was great or just a passing moment.”


Celebrating the 25th year of his impressive recording career that includes more than 40 albums, 20 Billboard hits, film & TV soundtracks and game scores, three-time GRAMMY®-nominee David Arkenstone has established himself as one of the best contemporary instrumental musicians of our time. This visionary continues to create distinctive tracks that inspire the imagination. A musical storyteller, Arkenstone is passionate about taking his listeners on a journey, creating sonic tapestries that evoke every emotion. “I envision a place where I would like to go, or an adventure I would like to take, and let my imagination run free,” says Arkenstone.

Drawn to music and the arts at a very young age, Brooks began singing and dancing at age 3, accompanied by her father on his guitar and other instruments that her grandfather carved by hand. Raised in a small Pennsylvania town, Brooks’ parents encouraged her to participate in all live theater productions, which led to a guest appearance on Carnival Cruise lines at age 11.  At 17, Brooks moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams. A gifted audio engineer, she met Arkenstone while recording his tracks for Blizzard Entertainment’s World of Warcraft Cataclysm expansion. This chance meeting led to their collaboration on numerous songs and ultimately their epic orchestral album, Lovéren. 

Enjoy behind the scenes videos, and discussion about Inamorata, whici is available on Amazon and iTunes


Thursday, December 18, 2014

Consciousness & Technology

Derby the dog: Running on 3D Printed Prosthetics

The story of Derby the dog is uplifting all who see it, and positive comments abound beneath the YouTube video that shares the pup's tale.

Watch the video to see how unique, custom 3D printed
 prosthetics allow Derby the dog to run for the first time!

While watching this touching video about a handicap foster dog named Derby and the quest to give him better mobility, I was immediately taken back to the saddest day in my early childhood, when I would have given anything for technology like this.  That was the day when my dog, Wendy (aka my Best Friend), succumbed to the duel hip dysplasia that strikes many German Shepherds, and was simply unable to stand up. 

My brothers and I wept as our Dad told us that we had to "put her down" rather than let her suffer, and my world collapsed. I begged him not to take her away.  "I'll build a cart," I pleaded, seeing in her eyes that she was still very present and happy to be with me; that cart would have looked like a makeshift version of the one Derby used before he got his 3D legs.  With my panic growing, bionic solutions flew through my young mind, inspired by the #1 TV drama of the time The Six Million Dollar Man...and quickly fell away as I realized we had no money to spend on extras for our big family, let alone animals.   Being from sturdy farm stock, my Dad was raised to never let animals suffer, and so he asked if I wanted to go along to the vet.  I simply couldn't, at age 8, accompany my best friend to her end and spent the rest of my day under the covers.  Today, I'd choose differently, of course. 

To me, this video is a hopeful sign that we've come a long way...bionics aren't sci-fi anymore, they're more affordable than ever, and they're also not just for people. What's most exciting, is that we are merging industry and inspiration with our creative applications for technology. Showing this uplifting, real world, money-saving use of the 3D technology with Derby will surely benefit this company in the long run, and that's okay with me...I call it conscious capitalism.

Watch the video to see how unique, custom 3D printed prosthetics allow Derby the dog to run for the first time.  I couldn't agree more with one viewer's pithy comment under the video, which simply says "Human beings can be awesome."  Yes, we can.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

FILMS OF SUBSTANCE, A FAMILY OF CHANGE


The LIFE CHANGES NETWORK, has released its choices for the Top 10 Independent Films That Could Change The World.  It's encouraging to think of the people who were so inspired to tackle the difficulty indie filmmaking process - from idea, to script, to production, to post, to premiere - to bring us these positive and transformational films. 

I love the number one film, "Stand With Me" and your kids probably will, too. All of the proceeds of this movie are donated to help end child slavery worldwide.

If you'd like to "live better" in 2015, then carve out an afternoon to watch one of these films with your family and follow it up with positive action.  Discuss what the positive change in your life might be: it could be as simple as clearing the pantry of nutritionless foods, or, selling cookies and lemonade for a worthy cause. Nevermind the initial griping that might ensue with your kids, just keep in mind that is simply their way of trying to gain some control in their lives, and carry on.  Stay strong, encouraging and positive throughout the process, and let them take the lead on some of the project. In doing so, you'll be fostering young leaders while also sharing a positive example of parenting and community empowerment.  They'll feel good about you, and, hopefully, be happy with their own contribution.  


What better gift can any of us give to future generations than to care and to take action?

For more about Life Changes Network, go to: www.lifechangesnetwork.com