Published in the February 18-March 3, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Mark Fenichel
Mark Fenichel
An interesting outcome came from this column a couple of weeks ago. I received an email in early January from Carol, an avid reader. She explained that she was a lyricist and has written all genres of music. She asked for advice on how she could get some exposure and collaborate with local musicians. I invited her to some local open mics and offered to introduce her to musicians.
About a week later, I received an email from local Realtor and friend Karlene DiNapoli. Those of you who know Karlene know she beat her cancer four years ago but it returned and she is now going through intensive chemo treatments. She explained that her husband wanted to write a song for her but doesn’t know music or how to write a song, but he came up with the title “My Fortune Cookie.” It’s about a fortune from a cookie they received that was an omen from their son Joe who passed away. The fortune told them they were going to receive a gift of children in their lives and indeed the fortune came true. Upon receiving this message, I thought it would make sense to connect Karlene with Carol and perhaps they could collaborate. About a week later I heard from Carol who said they had a wonderful meeting and she came up with lyrics that made Karlene happy. She asked if we could meet.
We got together and went over the lyrics, which had some potential but needed additional work if it was going to become a song. I spent many hours coming up with a tune and re-writing some of the words, even adding a verse while keeping the integrity of the original lyrics. I changed the name of the song to “ I’m Leaving You This Song,” which is actually the hook in the chorus. It was quite a process to make it into something, but after numerous changes it came together. I had the opportunity to play the song for Karlene, her young daughter Marissa and her daughter’s music teacher. I knew it was a success when I finished the song and Karlene’s daughter blurted out, “Mommy is crying.”
Now it seems we need to take the next step and find a local recording studio to donate time, gather local musicians to help with this project and record the song for all to hear. If anyone knows of a studio that would donate to this cause, and if there are any local musicians interested in applying to be part of this worthy project, please contact me and let’s see if we can make it happen. Once we get this song done for Karlene, we will put it on the Morgan Hill Life website for all to hear.
On a another note …
Live music continues to thrive in downtown Morgan Hill. The California Bluegrass Association presents its annual concert at the Morgan Hill Grange Hall Feb. 28. This year bluegrass promoter (and banjo aficionado) Tim Edes promises an amazing show with headliners Adkins & Loudermilk. The ‘A Night At The Grange’ concert tends to sell out but there are still a limited number of tickets available to the general public for $30 each. Tickets can be purchased by calling Tim Edes at (408) 595-4882 or email [email protected]. You can also go to the website for more information and to purchase tickets at www.cbaontheweb.net.
One more thing. I will be joining singer-songwriter Michael Gaither for a performance at Sunlit Oaks Winery in Gilroy from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday Feb. 21. Come out and sample some fine wines while enjoying Michael’s comical and witty original music.
Have something of musical interest? Reach me at [email protected].
