Album Notes

New CD Release: Morning Face Jay Mankita's new CD features Jay on acoustic guitar and vocals, joined by Barry Kornhauser (cello), Katy Taylor (concertina), Steve Bernstein (mandolin and guitar), and Karen Mal and Stephanie Corby (vocal harmonies). Jay co-produced the album with Steve Burgh, who also engineered and mixed most of the album, (production credits include David Bromberg, Steve Goodman, Steve Forbert, Phoebe Snow) with additional engineering by Skytop Sound's Robert Bard (engineering credits include: Chris Smither, Suzzy Roche, Eric Anderson, and Jeff Muldaur). The CD was mastered by friend Malcolm Cecil, (Grammy award winning engineer and co-producer for Stevie Wonder, with engineering credits on 21 gold and 5 platinum records). Production credits aside, this remains a truly acoustic album, simple and clean, highlighting not the recording process, but the songs themselves. Eight of the ten original songs are lyric based, woven through the rich woody fabric of the acoustic instruments. The musical themes provide texture for the songs, while running through them as musical statements of their own. Two beautiful instrumental pieces extend these themes, and highlight Jay's fascination for, and study of World folk music and composition. The CD's title; 'Morning Face,' refers to the authentic self. These songs explore personal courage and authenticity; less humorous and political than some of Jay's earlier projects, this recording moves more deeply into heart and soul territory.