"a soul can break once, but a heart can break twice"

Lyric writing at it's best.

My dear friends, Alex & Janel, have a new EP, entitled "You Won't Be Alone", which  releases on May 24th, 2011. The release show is at Dominion on May 21st and pre-sale tickets are recommended (at dominionny.com).

I first met Alex Brumel a few years ago at Banjo Jim's. He was performing a residency there midweek early evenings. One night, I went to visit Bill Bell, another great musician and pal o' mine, who was working there.  Alex was on stage and there was nobody else in the bar.  WelI, the three of us ended up in conversation, and I was going to leave before the music started, but Alex jumped in and said "I guess I might as well start".  I felt that I was stuck but the moment Alex started playing, I knew I was in for a real treat.  His voice, his song writing and his playing were all amazing. I gave Alex my card and told him to stay in touch. The next time I saw him was with a full band.  They were playing to a sold out standing room only crowd at The Cutting Room for the release of Alex's "To Bring You Home" CD.  I met his musical partner, the incredibly talented Janel Elizabeth, and their exceptional drummer and good friend (and producer), Eric Novod.  The combination of Alex & Janel's voices, not to mention the lyrics and music, was gorgeous.  Eric's intuitive rhythmic leadership was impressive, subtle and unobtrusive, but right on the money.

Since then, we've all spent quite a lot of time together, in and out of the studio. Lately, I've been thinking and writing about collaboration. My work with Alex & Janel and Eric has truly felt like a collective journey, not just me photographing a band or musicians individually, but fortunately friends working together to create something new and fresh, or at least entertaining and enjoyable.

I've been privileged to be involved with the "You Won't Be Alone" project almost since its inception.  To be a part of the birth and growth of an album is such a pleasure for me. I get to hear songs forming, growing, coming to fruition. To be a part of the process is inspiring, especially with these three talented musicians.

In addition to this stellar trio, keyboardist Glenn Patcha and bassist Byron Isaacs (both have amazing solo projects and both are members of Ollabelle) were recruited to fill out the band for this recording.  My dream band.

I am very excited for the release of "You Won't Be Alone", not only because of my involvement, but because I can't wait for people to hear these recordings.  This is some of their strongest work to date.

I cannot say how much faith I have in this music.

I wish them success and anticipate this album bringing them the recognition they truly deserve.  I'm so glad to call them all my friends and am honored to be a part of this project.  Thanks guys.  All the best.

FIND THEIR MUSIC

Thanks for reading.

Be well,
Ahron