Sad-Dead-Alive-Happy, is the latest collection of original songs by NYC's own Rachelle Garniez. Her signature blend of humor, heartbreak and philosophical musing addresses the constant balancing act we all perform on a daily basis in order to deal with the opposing forces of life and death, strengths and weaknesses, satisfaction and longing, living in the past and/or the present. Just the basics.
Trading in her accordion for piano and keyboards, Rachelle is accompanied by downtown fixtures Dave Hofstra on acoustic bass and Ben Perowsky on drums. The sonic palette of the recording is classic and warm; American grooves off-set lyrical focus.
The opening song,"Jean-Claude Van Damme", speaks about the issue of coping with bipolar disorder and finding strength by breaking silence.
The album features Rachelle's own versions of her songs "My House of Peace", produced by Jack White and released as a single by Third Man Records in 2009, "Lunasa", recorded by singer Karen Elson, and "Just Because You Can", recorded by jazz vocalist Catherine Russell.
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The album features special guest appearances by Matt Munisteri (guitar), Doug Wieselman (clarinet, guitar), Steve Elson, and Palmyra Delran (percussion).
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