Album Notes

Mel White spends a lot of time being grateful -- for having found her spiritual path; for the support of so many friends, family members, vocalists and musicians on that path, not to mention ministers, church members, engineers, techies, groupies, and fans in general; and with respect to this CD in particular, for the awesome ways that the Universe sends whatever is needed, often in magical, synchronistic ways. This double CD is Mel's 7th, and her most ambitious project to date. "Sea of Grace" is an interfaith CD that applies to everyone, and the focus is on starting over, trusting the process, and finding the strength to make changes. She has done plenty of that, as we all do. Mel started playing piano at 3 -- lessons at 5 -- writing songs in 4th grade -- and making CDs in 1997 (the first one was released just after she turned 50). Now that both of her sons are married and on their own, and now that Barker and Piper (her Shih Tzus) are old enough not to need to be taken out every hour or two, Mel has committed to spending more time than usual on getting this music and this CD out into the world, where it's supposed to be. The world in 2006 needs positive, upbeat music that helps people focus on the bigger picture, and find their own inner strength. "A Quiet Joy", the 2nd disc, contains all of Mel's original holiday music (but all new versions, for those of you who have the first six CDs) and some beautiful arrangements of traditional holiday music including "Silent Night", "Bring A Torch", "What Child Is This," "Dona Nobis Pacem", "The Holly and the Ivy", "The First Noel" and "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear". The Christmas season is special in the White household -- only holiday music plays from the day after Thanksgiving until January 2. It would probably play longer than that, but Don (Mel's husband) just can't stand any more by then! The focus on these songs is on the quiet beauty of the holiday season and the mystery and awe of the Christmas story. As a Woodstock attendee who still wears her peace signs and buttons, Mel's hope and belief is that there is something to touch every heart on this CD, and that when hearts are touched, the ripple effect can bring a more loving, peaceful, compassionate world. Since she now is a grandmother, this is important to this composer who, in response to being congratulated on her "prolific work", says that it's Spirit who is prolific -- she just holds the pen. See what happens when that pen and these singers and musicians connect.