Posted March 4, 2011 at 7:27 am

almost there

I can't believe how long it has been since we started making this record. I also can't believe it's almost finished. We are on the final stretch, with mastering to be done first week of next month. I am so proud of this record. It is, in fact, everything I had hoped for it to be.

Tonight it is raining. Spring rain, ushering in a new season. My head is a little too busy today. Tomorrow should be better. It is the dark of the moon, and so I am a little dark myself, for no particular reason.

I hope when I get old, I won't become bitter or disillusioned. What is the point of living and having this time on Earth, if you can't rise above the challenges and find something beautiful in each day?

I know people who have not spoken to their family for years because of disagreements. They suffer, even if they deny it, and then when it's too late and they've lost their chance to forgive and be forgiven, they suffer again – now because they realize that they have, indeed, lost something, and now it is too late.

Why do we take life and others for granted? Perhaps because it is human nature and when you are *given* something, you do not appreciate it as much as you would if you paid or sweated and toiled in exchange for it?

The making of the record is almost over. Another month. Another phase of my life begins. I can't wait. And yet, I am also sitting here, tonight, breathing in and out, listening to the rain, and realizing that I am, by far, not the same person I was last September, when I walked into the studio. Perhaps I am not even the person I was Saturday afternoon – before I walked into the studio in Glendale and saw the orchestra assembled to play on my songs.

Next week Sen – the beautiful Chinese artist who is featured on my blog below – will be coming to Los Angeles, and we will congregate to write some Chinese lyrics for the songs on the record. How fantastically marvelous is that?

Posted February 27, 2011 at 2:47 am

Orchestra!

Right now it is 2:30 am and I can't sleep, because I am still processing yesterday afternoon. We were in the most beautiful, newly built studio, recording the 20-piece orchestra for my record.

The players were all from the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and some of the best ones in the world. Being in that control room, hearing my songs playing through the speakers, and then that beautiful orchestra – it had a definite dreamlike quality to the experience. Because the players were so amazing, and also thanks to the genius of the composer/arranger Joel McNeely, the orchestra actually sounded bigger than it was – at times it was more like a 40-piece.

When I walked in there, and there were 20 people about to perform my songs – plus Greg Wells and Joel McNeely, who I admire so much – and then all the studio people, the orchestra contractor… Probably around 26 people there, just working to make this happen. It was such an incredible experience. I had to sit there, through the first song, and although I did not pinch myself, it was a little bit difficult to believe it was real.

But once we got into it, there was work to be done, comments to be made and we had to keep moving and get it done.

So we are almost there. A few more bits and pieces, mixing and then mastering.

Oh and another piece of news: I am opening for Seth MacFarlane and his 40-piece orchestra March 26th at the Club Nokia. The event will be filmed to be televised, as he is launching his big band/orchestra record. He has Sara Bareilles performing with him as a special guest. I will post a link to buy tickets shortly.

What a month!

OK, starting to get sleepy now… There are plenty of photos of the orchestra session coming, plus some footage!

Joel McNeely & the orchestra at The Bridge, February 26th.

Posted February 15, 2011 at 8:30 am

Yes!!!

February 26th is when we are recording the orchestra. Then mix, master and we're… done??

We will take some photographs, of course.

In the meantime, how about some ground rules for the rest of 2011?

(via Artemis Dreaming via Mystic Medusa.com)

Posted January 29, 2011 at 5:38 am

I love walking around Venice, CA streets. Right now so many flowers are in full bloom, and it's like walking through gardens, of sorts. I always stop to appreciate.. Flowers are so fragile, but so strong, if you think about it. Their beautiful vulnerability is completely natural: they expose themselves unselfconsciously to the world. I think sometimes that is really how an artist – a true artist – must be..

Posted January 27, 2011 at 11:44 am

oh really?

Elizaveta

A name that originated in Russia. Means "an oath to god". Usually a very beautiful but clever girl. Elizaveta is fun to be with and easy to fall in love with. A girl that can be compared to many Greek Godesses; She has the best looks but the most unique personality. She manipulates well. Nothing can stop her from reaching her goals. She needs attention, love and care. Like a small gentle newborn. Elizaveta is loyal and caring. She isn't afraid to give up everything for her loved ones. Usually very talented and smart. Great at solving day-to-day problems. Very into fashion. A very positive character. But be aware, to be on Elizaveta's bad side is like starting a war.

(Courtesy of Urban Dictionary.com)

In other news, last night I was at the Capitol Studios in Hollywood, watching Greg Wells and Burt Bacharach terrorize the orchestra. Ok, I am joking. But it was very intense. Burt is 82 years old, and he is ON IT (no joke). Ronan Keating (from Boyzone) was doing the vocals. He looked very cute, jet-lagged and somewhat overwhelmed, but was an utter professional and sang live beautifully with the orchestra. He was very sweet in person.

I was in heaven, listening to the most beautiful music ever and getting to watch it all: I mean, it was like being there when history's made.

I took some pictures, but my damned tact prevented me from going all-out and asking for a photo-opp with Mr. Bacharach (although I did get introduced). I was too awe-struck, and it felt like it would have been in bad taste.

Now I get to call my mom and tell her all about it. She had a huge crush on BB when she was young. And then, practice, practice and sing. There's nothing like being around a musical legend or two (besides the fact that everyone in that room last night was a musical genius of some sort) to make a girl feel like she needs to work harder.

And in two weeks I get to sit in on my own orchestra being recorded for my album! Well, 20 people, not 95, but hey – you have to start somewhere:)