Album Notes

Pianist/songwriter Mel White's latest CD sprang from a difficult time -- beginning with Sept. 11 and including major surgery, a quadruple bypass for her husband, the acquisition of her 1st pet ever (Barker, a Shih Tzu puppy), and primarily the unexpected loss of her 12-year job as Director of Music at a New Thought church. Hey, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger! The cover work by Jimmy Leff and the first 7 songs on the 2nd CD of this double album (plus the last cut, "Stars") speak to the 9/11 connection and the ways to come through it with new purpose. Many of the other songs address gratitude, service and the various kinds of love. "Holding Me" is the song that Mel demanded of the Universe at the depths of her sadness over all these events, and it has given her and countless others the strength to go on after challenges. The variety of singers and types of music on this double CD makes it a wonderful introduction to Mel's music so if this is your first look --go for it! Featured artists include Jenny Giering, Michael Stuart and Amanda Satchell from the cabaret community -- Jeremy Koch, Denene Mulay and Antoan Towe -- John Bigelow, Elaine Silver and Heidi Muller -- and 3 lovely children, Lucy, Evelyn and Charlotte. Soon-to-be Rev. Steve Worthing provides the reading on "Stars", and Don White plays flute on "Back to my Kerry Home".