Herb Hein ~ Optimism Returns
Produced, Recorded & Mixed by Jeff Berkley
Mastered by Gavin Lurssen
Liner Notes & Musician Credits
By recording Optimism Returns, I get to share with you many of the songs I have written over the past 30 years. These are love songs, inspiration songs, self-coaching songs and life-affirming songs that have come from within me as my life has evolved. They are there for me when I need them. And now I get to share them with you.
I am indebted to my initial music partner, Greg Hengesbaugh, with whom I wrote Forward Dreams, New Beginnings, Gentle and Easy and No Limits (Feel Good Song). You Are A Friend of Mine and Wake Up were also songs that would not have been created if Greg had not been there initially, playing his guitar. I am also indebted to my current music partner, Jeff Proctor, who has joined me with his guitar and his vocal harmonies on several songs on this CD: Optimism Returns, You Are A Friend of Mine, Hang On To Freedom, and Life is Amazing. Jeff and I have been writing and performing songs together for over 15 years as our cleverly named duo, Jeff and Herb. We collaborated together to create our first CD, Tide Park, which includes 11of our songs, all available on iTunes.
Optimism Returns was produced, recorded and mixed by a musical genius, Jeff Berkley of Berkley Sound. After I sang and played each song for him on the piano, Jeff was able to help determine the perfect instrumentation for each recording. Whether the song required bluegrass instrumentation, strings, horns, Hammond organ or his own electric guitar licks, Jeff was able to envision how to make every recording the best it could be. I also am indebted to him for finding me the most talented musicians available in San Diego. They were able to add their own skill and creativity to this project. My own vocal recording was energized by having a terrific piano, bass and drum trio on most of the songs: John Foltz, Rick Nash and Larry Grano. Jeff Berkley provided me with the best female backing vocalists in Southern California: Eve Selis and Mattie Mills. Through Jeff, I was able to partner with all of these musicians as we collaborated to make these well-produced recordings. Finally, I had the pleasure of working with Grammy Award winning mastering wizard, Gavin Lurssen in Los Angeles. Gavin and his partners mastered what Jeff and I and all of the musicians had created together. The whole process took more than a year, but hopefully you will agree that this musical adventure was worth the time and effort.
1. Forward Dreams
Forward Dreams was written when Greg Hengesbaugh and I were young fathers, with all the doubts and fears of that role. My own personal strategy to "take the time to take a breath" is part of the chorus in this song, clearing the unknown path ahead. This song still makes me "feel so glad that I'm alive".
Musician Credits: Drums & Percussion – Larry Grano, Bass – Rick Nash, Electric Guitar – Jeff Berkley, Piano – John Foltz, Backing Vocals – Mattie Mills & Eve Selis, Vocal – Herb Hein
2. New Beginnings
New Beginnings was another song written by Greg and me in the springtime of our lives. This song coached us to let go of whatever was keeping us from reaching our dreams. The new beginnings that are provided in the spring still help me to be open to my greatest possibilities.
Musician Credits: Drums & Percussion – Larry Grano, Bass – Rick Nash, Electric Guitar – Jeff Berkley, Piano – John Foltz, Cello – Erdis Maxhelaku, Violin & Viola – Angela Choong, Backing Vocals- Mattie Mills and Eve Selis, Vocal – Herb Hein
3. Optimism Returns
Optimism Returns was written after 9-11, when we all needed to know that something better was ahead. It was originally a poem that I wrote at the time called Light Casting Shadows. In the days and weeks following the attack on our nation, there needed to be some thoughts that would act as beacons of light to overtake the darkness. We all needed to know that there is "hope that the light of peace could cast its shadow over the darkness". This was a song through which I committed to do the best for those around me "as long as I have breath". Hearing Dennis Caplinger masterfully fill in spaces with his incredible dobro further inspires me to continue working to save our world in spite of all of the obstacles. Optimism does return when I hear him accompany me on this song.
Musician Credits: Acoustic Guitar & Backing Vocals - Jeff Proctor, Dobro – Dennis Caplinger, Vocal – Herb Hein
4. Minute To Stop
Minute To Stop is a new song that guides me to stop spinning from the "thick thought salad" that sometimes fills my brain. This self-coaching song helps me counteract the "erratic emotion" getting in my way, so I can "feel fresh air clearing out my head". In our incredibly incessant world today, I believe we all do need to take a minute to stop, so we can take our best steps forward.
Musician Credits: Drums & Percussion – Larry Grano, Bass – Rick Nash, Electric Guitar – Jeff Berkley, Piano – John Foltz, Hammond Organ – Ben Moore, Backing Vocals – Mattie Mills & Eve Selis, Vocal – Herb Hein
5. You Are A Friend Of Mine
You Are A Friend of Mine is a song I have had the pleasure to sing often with my musical friend, Jeff Proctor. It is a harmony-filled song that reminds us to treasure our friendship. We are there to support each other and bring out the best as we "walk down the same path for a while, or maybe longer". The string instrumentation added to this song makes friendship and this recording even more satisfying.
Musician Credits: Drums & Percussion – Larry Grano, Bass – Rick Nash, Acoustic Guitar – Jeff Berkley, Piano – John Foltz, Cello – Erdis Maxhelaku, Violin & Viola – Angela Choong, Vocals – Herb Hein & Jeff Proctor
6. Wake Up
Wake Up helped me wake up my children when they were young. It continues to inspire me, my family, and others to get up, get out and make the most of each day. David Jackson now helps to make us glad we woke up to hear him play the saxophone on this song.
Musician Credits: Drums & Percussion – Larry Grano, Bass – Rick Nash, Electric Guitar – Jeff Berkley, Piano – John Foltz, Saxophone – David Jackson, Backing Vocals – Mattie Mills & Eve Selis, Vocal – Herb Hein
7. Hang On To Freedom
There have been times in the last 15 years when we the people in this country have had to struggle for the freedom to think for ourselves. Many around the world still don't have freedom. Hang On To Freedom was written to remind me to not lose my way as I search to discover what is true for me. It is also a reminder that we are not alone on this planet, so freedom should be shared by all people, not just a few.
Musician Credits: Lead Acoustic Guitar – Jeff Berkley, Cello – Erdis Maxhelaku, Acoustic Guitar & Backing Vocals - Jeff Proctor, Vocal – Herb Hein
8. Common Ground
Through 35+ years of marriage and through many other interactions I've had over the decades, there have been times when communication spins out of control. Common Ground reminds me to get beyond the spin by letting go of the need to be "right", apologizing for being too prideful, and opening up to see the "unbound common ground". Having the Euphoria Brass Band back me up on this song helps me be "satisfied and hopeful to be moving forward".
Musician Credits: Drums & Percussion – Larry Grano, Bass – Rick Nash, Piano – John Foltz, Horns – The Euphoria Brass Band (Trumpet - Steve Ebner , Saxophone - David Jackson,, Trombone - April West, Arrangement & Saxophone - Jean-Paul Balmat), Vocal – Herb Hein
9. No Limits (Feel Good Song)
No Limits (Feel Good Song) is a great Blues song in E that Greg and I wrote over 25 years ago. It helps me to drop anything that's holding me back, at least for the duration of the song! "Forget all that bad news and just love me a lot!!" For this recording, I was fortunate to sing with the vocal powerhouse, Eve Selis. She helps us all feel good when we listen to this song. To really make sure you smile with your "soul full of fire", listen to the solos by Jeff Berkley on the electric guitar and David Jackson on the saxophone.
Musician Credits: Drums & Percussion – Larry Grano, Bass – Rick Nash, Electric Guitar – Jeff Berkley, Piano – John Foltz, Saxophone – David Jackson, Special Guest Vocal – Eve Selis, Vocal – Herb Hein
10. Grateful
This song is just stripped down to my voice and piano. Grateful was written when I almost lost my brother, Rick Hein. He made a miraculous recovery after being "gone" in a medically induced coma for a month. I attribute much of his recovery to the love and strength coming from "all the people's healing powers" in his community of friends and family. Besides being a song of unlimited gratitude, it also is a reminder to all of us that "we don't want to squander anything". I am so grateful you came back to us, Rick.
Musician Credits: Piano and Vocal-Herb Hein
11. Unbridled Smiling
Unbridled Smiling is a song I wrote for my wife, Joanne, and performed at her birthday several years ago. It is an upbeat love song in which our "safe hearts drive" on our "freeway to happiness". It reminds us to seek the joy and laughter so we don't "go crazy and lose" this love. Dennis Caplinger's banjo and fiddle added to Larry Grano's drum beat, as well as the nimble playing of the electric guitar by Jeff Berkley and the piano by John Foltz, make this song "sweet and fine".
Musician Credits: Drums & Percussion – Larry Grano, Bass – Rick Nash, Electric Guitar – Jeff Berkley, Piano – John Foltz, Banjo & Fiddle – Dennis Caplinger, Backing Vocals – Mattie Mills & Eve Selis, Vocal – Herb Hein
12. I Appreciate
I Appreciate is an acoustic song about being grateful for everything I have. It is typical to want to reach for more. However, I find it necessary to stop, at least for the duration of this song, to appreciate "everyone and everything that is around me". It encourages me to be mindful of what I have this very moment. I appreciate that I was able to sing this song with the bluegrass instrumentation of Dennis Caplinger on banjo, dobro and fiddle. I am grateful for everything Jeff Berkley added with his acoustic guitar, bass and percussion. I am thankful for Mattie Mills and Eve Selis, who float through the chorus. I also am indebted to my wife, Joanne, and my children, Adam and Natalie, who have supported me on my musical journey. I certainly appreciate those of you who value this song and any of the other Optimism Returns songs.
Musician Credits: Acoustic Guitar, Bass & Percussion – Jeff Berkley, Banjo, Dobro & Fiddle – Dennis Caplinger, Backing Vocals – Mattie Mills & Eve Selis, Vocal – Herb Hein
13. Gentle & Easy
Gentle and Easy is another song that I wrote with Greg Hengesbaugh a long time ago to guide our children "to set a course and go". This is a song that encourages us to move forward into "what we've never known" despite fears that might "try to set us back". By taking the time to hold on to our loved ones, we can encourage each other to fly well-supported into the future.
Musician Credits: Drums & Percussion – Larry Grano, Bass – Rick Nash, Electric Guitar – Jeff Berkley, Piano – John Foltz, Backing Vocals – Mattie Mills & Eve Selis, Vocal – Herb Hein
14. Don’t Listen To The Moon
Don't Listen To The Moon has become one of my favorite songs, especially now that it has Erdis Maxhelaku and Angela Choong playing the cello, violin and viola, and John Foltz playing the piano to inspire my best singing. This song was written when I was working with a very resistant student. As this young man's speech-language pathologist, I wanted to have him partner with me so he could take steps toward his own improvement. Finding him "on his own island", I channeled my difficulties connecting with him into this song. It inspires me, and hopefully others, to "take every chance to do what's right" and avoid anything that pulls us toward the "darker side". This song does help me when my efforts are met with resistance. I am happy to say that the boy who inspired this song did eventually take some steps to "become connected".
Musician Credits:, Piano – John Foltz, Cello – Erdis Maxhelaku, Violin & Viola – Angela Choong, Vocal – Herb Hein
15. Make It Stay
Make It Stay was written as a hopeful prayer to maintain peace and love whenever it appears. It is a reminder to me that by showing how I care about others, I can avoid unnecessary strife. It reminds my wife and me to work together to bring in the light to our relationship. The beautiful piano and strings that back up my singing help peace and love come in and stay.
Musician Credits: Piano – John Foltz, Cello – Erdis Maxhelaku, Violin & Viola – Angela Choong, Vocal – Herb Hein
16. Lady Laughing
Lady Laughing is a song that came from one of my dreams. I woke up and went to the piano to write it down. It is a love song for my wife, capturing her laughter, her touch, and her smile forever. It celebrates her power to make all things beautiful. I am so lucky, Joanne, to be reflected inside your smile.
Musician Credits: Drums & Percussion – Larry Grano, Bass – Rick Nash, Electric & Acoustic Guitars – Jeff Berkley, Piano – John Foltz, Backing Vocals – Mattie Mills & Eve Selis, Vocal – Herb Hein
17. Life Is Amazing
Life is Amazing was written while sitting on a giant rock, gazing at the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego. Having worked with people who have challenges controlling their emotions, this song reminds me that we do have some ability to choose our emotion, and can "chill out on the ride". We can find our own strength, live in harmony with others, and make our best decisions. We have the power to move our minds through any challenging waters and be fully engaged with those in our lives. This recording helps us "pick up a beat and feel it" with the great drums, bass and piano of Larry Grano, Rick Nash and John Foltz, along with the powerful horns of The Euphoria Brass Band. It also has the backing vocal from my friend, Jeff Proctor. Life truly is amazing!
Musician Credits: Drums & Percussion – Larry Grano, Bass – Rick Nash, Piano – John Foltz, Horns – The Euphoria Brass Band (Trumpet - Steve Ebner, Saxophone - David Jackson, Trombone - April West, Arrangement & Saxophone - Jean-Paul Balmat), Backing Vocal – Jeff Proctor, Vocal – Herb Hein
Produced, Recorded & Mixed by Jeff Berkley
Mastered by Gavin Lurssen
Liner Notes & Musician Credits
By recording Optimism Returns, I get to share with you many of the songs I have written over the past 30 years. These are love songs, inspiration songs, self-coaching songs and life-affirming songs that have come from within me as my life has evolved. They are there for me when I need them. And now I get to share them with you.
I am indebted to my initial music partner, Greg Hengesbaugh, with whom I wrote Forward Dreams, New Beginnings, Gentle and Easy and No Limits (Feel Good Song). You Are A Friend of Mine and Wake Up were also songs that would not have been created if Greg had not been there initially, playing his guitar. I am also indebted to my current music partner, Jeff Proctor, who has joined me with his guitar and his vocal harmonies on several songs on this CD: Optimism Returns, You Are A Friend of Mine, Hang On To Freedom, and Life is Amazing. Jeff and I have been writing and performing songs together for over 15 years as our cleverly named duo, Jeff and Herb. We collaborated together to create our first CD, Tide Park, which includes 11of our songs, all available on iTunes.
Optimism Returns was produced, recorded and mixed by a musical genius, Jeff Berkley of Berkley Sound. After I sang and played each song for him on the piano, Jeff was able to help determine the perfect instrumentation for each recording. Whether the song required bluegrass instrumentation, strings, horns, Hammond organ or his own electric guitar licks, Jeff was able to envision how to make every recording the best it could be. I also am indebted to him for finding me the most talented musicians available in San Diego. They were able to add their own skill and creativity to this project. My own vocal recording was energized by having a terrific piano, bass and drum trio on most of the songs: John Foltz, Rick Nash and Larry Grano. Jeff Berkley provided me with the best female backing vocalists in Southern California: Eve Selis and Mattie Mills. Through Jeff, I was able to partner with all of these musicians as we collaborated to make these well-produced recordings. Finally, I had the pleasure of working with Grammy Award winning mastering wizard, Gavin Lurssen in Los Angeles. Gavin and his partners mastered what Jeff and I and all of the musicians had created together. The whole process took more than a year, but hopefully you will agree that this musical adventure was worth the time and effort.
1. Forward Dreams
Forward Dreams was written when Greg Hengesbaugh and I were young fathers, with all the doubts and fears of that role. My own personal strategy to "take the time to take a breath" is part of the chorus in this song, clearing the unknown path ahead. This song still makes me "feel so glad that I'm alive".
Musician Credits: Drums & Percussion – Larry Grano, Bass – Rick Nash, Electric Guitar – Jeff Berkley, Piano – John Foltz, Backing Vocals – Mattie Mills & Eve Selis, Vocal – Herb Hein
2. New Beginnings
New Beginnings was another song written by Greg and me in the springtime of our lives. This song coached us to let go of whatever was keeping us from reaching our dreams. The new beginnings that are provided in the spring still help me to be open to my greatest possibilities.
Musician Credits: Drums & Percussion – Larry Grano, Bass – Rick Nash, Electric Guitar – Jeff Berkley, Piano – John Foltz, Cello – Erdis Maxhelaku, Violin & Viola – Angela Choong, Backing Vocals- Mattie Mills and Eve Selis, Vocal – Herb Hein
3. Optimism Returns
Optimism Returns was written after 9-11, when we all needed to know that something better was ahead. It was originally a poem that I wrote at the time called Light Casting Shadows. In the days and weeks following the attack on our nation, there needed to be some thoughts that would act as beacons of light to overtake the darkness. We all needed to know that there is "hope that the light of peace could cast its shadow over the darkness". This was a song through which I committed to do the best for those around me "as long as I have breath". Hearing Dennis Caplinger masterfully fill in spaces with his incredible dobro further inspires me to continue working to save our world in spite of all of the obstacles. Optimism does return when I hear him accompany me on this song.
Musician Credits: Acoustic Guitar & Backing Vocals - Jeff Proctor, Dobro – Dennis Caplinger, Vocal – Herb Hein
4. Minute To Stop
Minute To Stop is a new song that guides me to stop spinning from the "thick thought salad" that sometimes fills my brain. This self-coaching song helps me counteract the "erratic emotion" getting in my way, so I can "feel fresh air clearing out my head". In our incredibly incessant world today, I believe we all do need to take a minute to stop, so we can take our best steps forward.
Musician Credits: Drums & Percussion – Larry Grano, Bass – Rick Nash, Electric Guitar – Jeff Berkley, Piano – John Foltz, Hammond Organ – Ben Moore, Backing Vocals – Mattie Mills & Eve Selis, Vocal – Herb Hein
5. You Are A Friend Of Mine
You Are A Friend of Mine is a song I have had the pleasure to sing often with my musical friend, Jeff Proctor. It is a harmony-filled song that reminds us to treasure our friendship. We are there to support each other and bring out the best as we "walk down the same path for a while, or maybe longer". The string instrumentation added to this song makes friendship and this recording even more satisfying.
Musician Credits: Drums & Percussion – Larry Grano, Bass – Rick Nash, Acoustic Guitar – Jeff Berkley, Piano – John Foltz, Cello – Erdis Maxhelaku, Violin & Viola – Angela Choong, Vocals – Herb Hein & Jeff Proctor
6. Wake Up
Wake Up helped me wake up my children when they were young. It continues to inspire me, my family, and others to get up, get out and make the most of each day. David Jackson now helps to make us glad we woke up to hear him play the saxophone on this song.
Musician Credits: Drums & Percussion – Larry Grano, Bass – Rick Nash, Electric Guitar – Jeff Berkley, Piano – John Foltz, Saxophone – David Jackson, Backing Vocals – Mattie Mills & Eve Selis, Vocal – Herb Hein
7. Hang On To Freedom
There have been times in the last 15 years when we the people in this country have had to struggle for the freedom to think for ourselves. Many around the world still don't have freedom. Hang On To Freedom was written to remind me to not lose my way as I search to discover what is true for me. It is also a reminder that we are not alone on this planet, so freedom should be shared by all people, not just a few.
Musician Credits: Lead Acoustic Guitar – Jeff Berkley, Cello – Erdis Maxhelaku, Acoustic Guitar & Backing Vocals - Jeff Proctor, Vocal – Herb Hein
8. Common Ground
Through 35+ years of marriage and through many other interactions I've had over the decades, there have been times when communication spins out of control. Common Ground reminds me to get beyond the spin by letting go of the need to be "right", apologizing for being too prideful, and opening up to see the "unbound common ground". Having the Euphoria Brass Band back me up on this song helps me be "satisfied and hopeful to be moving forward".
Musician Credits: Drums & Percussion – Larry Grano, Bass – Rick Nash, Piano – John Foltz, Horns – The Euphoria Brass Band (Trumpet - Steve Ebner , Saxophone - David Jackson,, Trombone - April West, Arrangement & Saxophone - Jean-Paul Balmat), Vocal – Herb Hein
9. No Limits (Feel Good Song)
No Limits (Feel Good Song) is a great Blues song in E that Greg and I wrote over 25 years ago. It helps me to drop anything that's holding me back, at least for the duration of the song! "Forget all that bad news and just love me a lot!!" For this recording, I was fortunate to sing with the vocal powerhouse, Eve Selis. She helps us all feel good when we listen to this song. To really make sure you smile with your "soul full of fire", listen to the solos by Jeff Berkley on the electric guitar and David Jackson on the saxophone.
Musician Credits: Drums & Percussion – Larry Grano, Bass – Rick Nash, Electric Guitar – Jeff Berkley, Piano – John Foltz, Saxophone – David Jackson, Special Guest Vocal – Eve Selis, Vocal – Herb Hein
10. Grateful
This song is just stripped down to my voice and piano. Grateful was written when I almost lost my brother, Rick Hein. He made a miraculous recovery after being "gone" in a medically induced coma for a month. I attribute much of his recovery to the love and strength coming from "all the people's healing powers" in his community of friends and family. Besides being a song of unlimited gratitude, it also is a reminder to all of us that "we don't want to squander anything". I am so grateful you came back to us, Rick.
Musician Credits: Piano and Vocal-Herb Hein
11. Unbridled Smiling
Unbridled Smiling is a song I wrote for my wife, Joanne, and performed at her birthday several years ago. It is an upbeat love song in which our "safe hearts drive" on our "freeway to happiness". It reminds us to seek the joy and laughter so we don't "go crazy and lose" this love. Dennis Caplinger's banjo and fiddle added to Larry Grano's drum beat, as well as the nimble playing of the electric guitar by Jeff Berkley and the piano by John Foltz, make this song "sweet and fine".
Musician Credits: Drums & Percussion – Larry Grano, Bass – Rick Nash, Electric Guitar – Jeff Berkley, Piano – John Foltz, Banjo & Fiddle – Dennis Caplinger, Backing Vocals – Mattie Mills & Eve Selis, Vocal – Herb Hein
12. I Appreciate
I Appreciate is an acoustic song about being grateful for everything I have. It is typical to want to reach for more. However, I find it necessary to stop, at least for the duration of this song, to appreciate "everyone and everything that is around me". It encourages me to be mindful of what I have this very moment. I appreciate that I was able to sing this song with the bluegrass instrumentation of Dennis Caplinger on banjo, dobro and fiddle. I am grateful for everything Jeff Berkley added with his acoustic guitar, bass and percussion. I am thankful for Mattie Mills and Eve Selis, who float through the chorus. I also am indebted to my wife, Joanne, and my children, Adam and Natalie, who have supported me on my musical journey. I certainly appreciate those of you who value this song and any of the other Optimism Returns songs.
Musician Credits: Acoustic Guitar, Bass & Percussion – Jeff Berkley, Banjo, Dobro & Fiddle – Dennis Caplinger, Backing Vocals – Mattie Mills & Eve Selis, Vocal – Herb Hein
13. Gentle & Easy
Gentle and Easy is another song that I wrote with Greg Hengesbaugh a long time ago to guide our children "to set a course and go". This is a song that encourages us to move forward into "what we've never known" despite fears that might "try to set us back". By taking the time to hold on to our loved ones, we can encourage each other to fly well-supported into the future.
Musician Credits: Drums & Percussion – Larry Grano, Bass – Rick Nash, Electric Guitar – Jeff Berkley, Piano – John Foltz, Backing Vocals – Mattie Mills & Eve Selis, Vocal – Herb Hein
14. Don’t Listen To The Moon
Don't Listen To The Moon has become one of my favorite songs, especially now that it has Erdis Maxhelaku and Angela Choong playing the cello, violin and viola, and John Foltz playing the piano to inspire my best singing. This song was written when I was working with a very resistant student. As this young man's speech-language pathologist, I wanted to have him partner with me so he could take steps toward his own improvement. Finding him "on his own island", I channeled my difficulties connecting with him into this song. It inspires me, and hopefully others, to "take every chance to do what's right" and avoid anything that pulls us toward the "darker side". This song does help me when my efforts are met with resistance. I am happy to say that the boy who inspired this song did eventually take some steps to "become connected".
Musician Credits:, Piano – John Foltz, Cello – Erdis Maxhelaku, Violin & Viola – Angela Choong, Vocal – Herb Hein
15. Make It Stay
Make It Stay was written as a hopeful prayer to maintain peace and love whenever it appears. It is a reminder to me that by showing how I care about others, I can avoid unnecessary strife. It reminds my wife and me to work together to bring in the light to our relationship. The beautiful piano and strings that back up my singing help peace and love come in and stay.
Musician Credits: Piano – John Foltz, Cello – Erdis Maxhelaku, Violin & Viola – Angela Choong, Vocal – Herb Hein
16. Lady Laughing
Lady Laughing is a song that came from one of my dreams. I woke up and went to the piano to write it down. It is a love song for my wife, capturing her laughter, her touch, and her smile forever. It celebrates her power to make all things beautiful. I am so lucky, Joanne, to be reflected inside your smile.
Musician Credits: Drums & Percussion – Larry Grano, Bass – Rick Nash, Electric & Acoustic Guitars – Jeff Berkley, Piano – John Foltz, Backing Vocals – Mattie Mills & Eve Selis, Vocal – Herb Hein
17. Life Is Amazing
Life is Amazing was written while sitting on a giant rock, gazing at the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego. Having worked with people who have challenges controlling their emotions, this song reminds me that we do have some ability to choose our emotion, and can "chill out on the ride". We can find our own strength, live in harmony with others, and make our best decisions. We have the power to move our minds through any challenging waters and be fully engaged with those in our lives. This recording helps us "pick up a beat and feel it" with the great drums, bass and piano of Larry Grano, Rick Nash and John Foltz, along with the powerful horns of The Euphoria Brass Band. It also has the backing vocal from my friend, Jeff Proctor. Life truly is amazing!
Musician Credits: Drums & Percussion – Larry Grano, Bass – Rick Nash, Piano – John Foltz, Horns – The Euphoria Brass Band (Trumpet - Steve Ebner, Saxophone - David Jackson, Trombone - April West, Arrangement & Saxophone - Jean-Paul Balmat), Backing Vocal – Jeff Proctor, Vocal – Herb Hein