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Hi! If you’re reading this, then somehow our lives have crossed paths. Welcome! And thanks. This CD represents an important part of my work and my heart, and it’s a privilege to share it with you. In my experience, great songs become markers in lives. And thusly, they turn into Sentimental Journeys. Sometimes just the first few bars will evoke memories of a time…place…loved one…lost one. These songs are markers for me even though most of them were written and recorded before I was born. I suspect that at least a few of them will have the same conjuring powers for you. And if you’re new to any of them, then maybe this recording will mark this time for you. I hope so.
1. SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY (Brown/Green/Homer) 3:07
Les Brown is one of the writers on this song, and the instrumental version that his “Band of Renown” recorded is, for me, the quintessential 1940’s Big Band sound. The groove is irresistible (try to keep your feet still while it’s playing). An incredible number and diversity of artists have recorded it... Rosemary Clooney, The 4 Lads, Tony Bennett. Willie Nelson, The Boston Pops, and hundreds of others. Dinah Shore’s rendition put it on my “someday I’m going to record that song” list. “Someday” finally came around.
2. WHEN I FALL IN LOVE (Heyman/Young) 3:41
This song is one of my mother’s favorites. Her musical influence on me came through her own feelings for certain songs and certain singers. Some I came to love while jitterbugging with her in the kitchen in our socks (swinging is easier with slippery feet) and others simply because of the way she sounded singing along from another part of the house or from the front seat of the car. She has a beautiful voice…one that matches her beautiful soul. I still love to hear her sing. I can’t remember whose record was the first of this song that I heard. It’s had so many great recordings…over so many years…that they all run together in my head…and why not? It’s a perfect marriage of words and melody...emotional, candid, wistful…whew. This one’s for you, Mom.
3. ALL OF ME (Marks/Simons) 2:30
There are some songs whose entrance in my life was remarkable and unique, but trying to figure out when I first learned this song is like trying to figure out when I first learned to smell rain. It’s just a running thread through my life. And it’s another one of those songs that’s had so many great recordings that it’s hard to choose a favorite. I’ve loved versions by Ella Fitzgerald, Kay Starr, Rosemary Clooney, Anne Murray, Billie Holiday, Teresa Brewer …and those are just some of the female versions!
4. HOW DEEP IS THE OCEAN? (Berlin) 2:34
My parents took me to see Mitzi Gaynor in concert in Philadelphia when I was a teenager. She knocked me out. In the middle of her show, the lights came down to a single spot and she sang this song with just piano accompaniment. Wow. What a moment. I've wanted to sing it, and record it, ever since. And, besides, how can any musician go wrong with Irving Berlin?
5. ON A SLOW BOAT TO CHINA (Frank Loesser) 1:57
FEATURING BOOTS RANDOLPH ON SAX
Most music aficionados are familiar with the work of Frank Loesser..."A Bushel And A Peck," "Once In Love With Amy,"" Baby, It's Cold Outside," " Praise the Lord, And Pass the Ammunition," "Jingle, Jangle, Jingle,"...and hundreds of others...the kinds of songs that are the soundtrack for a music-lover's life. The record of this song that I fell in love with was Rosemary Clooney's. As a special bonus for me (and for you!) my friend, Boots Randolph, played a wonderful solo on this recording. He's one of the most gifted musicians with whom I've ever had the joy of sharing a stage and a microphone. I love his talent, and I love his heart even more. Thanks, Boots. Whoever said "Don't get too close to your heroes," never met you.
6. YOU BELONG TO ME (King/Price/Stewart) 2:28
Pee Wee King and Redd Stewart wrote "Tennessee Waltz" together, and as if that weren't enough, they joined with Chilton Price to write this standard, as well. The melody is as infectious and as memorable as "Tennessee Waltz," and the words are so romantic that each time I sing it, it makes me feel like...well...like falling in love all over again.
7. MAKIN' WHOOPEE (Donaldson/Kahn) 3:51
I'm an avid reader. Absolutely love a good story. This song tells a story. Not mine, of course...or yours...but, nonetheless, a very human one. Even has a sort of moral at the end. And it's fun to sing. Can't beat that.
8. YOU DON'T KNOW ME (Arnold/Walker) 3:50
DUET WITH DAVID KAZEE
SPECIAL GUEST- BOOTS RANDOLPH ON SAX
Cindy Walker is one of only a handful of female songwriters in the Nashville Songwriter's Hall of Fame. As far as I'm concerned, she could have been inducted on this song alone. In addition to Eddy Arnold’s version (her co-writer), the song hit the music charts at least 4 more times with records by Ray Charles, Jerry Vale, and Mickey Gilley. Elvis and dozens of other artists have also recorded it. It’s a timeless standard and I can’t think of anyone I’d rather share it with than Dave Kazee and Boots Randolph.
9. FEVER (Cooley/Davenport) 3:32
Is there a chicksinger anywhere who doesn’t want to record a song like this? I don’t think I know one. Of course there was only one Peggy Lee. But, how could I resist? Cool instrumentation, sexy words, and a snapping finger. Yeah.
10. THE NEARNESS OF YOU (Charmichael/Washington) 3:03
In addition to a multitude of other talents, Hoagy Carmichael was a gifted…and prolific…songwriter. Some of our most beloved songs were written through his pen…”Stardust,” “Georgia On My Mind,” and literally hundreds of others. This is my personal favorite. I love this song. Always have. Always will. It’s got it all.
11. GET HAPPY (Arlen/Koehler) 1:53
My Daddy is a preacher. And a singer. He taught me to appreciate Judy Garland and other entertainers of her caliber. She brought to life every word she sang. Dad also taught me a philosophy that’s echoed in this song. It’s up to each one of us to find our own smiles…the time to get happy is now…and the Judgment Day and the Promised Land are both out there. If you can listen to the music and the words of this song and not feel just a little lighter, then play it again and take it to heart. It works! (This project is the first time I’ve taken my flute into the studio and had the guts to actually record it. It was a fun challenge. A challenge because I had to play with some experienced, professional studio musicians. And fun because Dave wrote some great lines for me.)
12. WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD (Thiele/Weiss) 2:58
This song truly expresses the wonder and joy I feel about living on this planet, in this time. I’m grateful to God for the blessing that my life is...and has been. This song is for Him.
So, that’s the information about the CD. Now, clear the room for spontaneous dancing and snoogling, lean back in a favorite chair or couch with your favorite person, and turn up the romance. And the music. Or set your car on cruise, and pop in the CD. Either way, thanks for taking me along on your Sentimental Journey.
Merci beaucoup, Danke schön, Muchas Gracias…Mom and Dad, my lifelong friends, you make everything I do easier, more fun, and more rewarding. Thank you. I love you. Dave, Sal, Em, and Zach, I love you, too! You make me so proud. Dave K., some people really did get ALL the gifts. It’s good to know one. You amaze me. Thanks for helping make this a reality and for putting so much of yourself into it. Thanks also to Marci, John David, Lil, and Ned for the great hospitality. My love to all of you. Joani and Sam, thanks for your friendship for all these years. Extra large love to both of you and to Sara and Jill. Additional thanks, Joani, for doing such a quick and painless job on the copyright clearances for this CD! Boots, I know why God has blessed you the way He has…you’ve mirrored that in your own life by blessing all who know you. Thanks for honoring me by playing on this CD, and thanks to you and to Dee for being such loving friends for so long. Tim, thanks for engineering Boots’ solo session at Groovehouse. Your talents are deep and wide. So is your friendship. James, J.T., Dale, Misty, and Tony, kudos and thanks for your fine talents! Rick, you found me! Thanks for your work and for being so unselfish with your time. Phil, thanks for devotion above and beyond. If you’d come along sooner I’d have probably done this sooner. You’re one of a kind. Terri, your talents for music and friendship are the only things that surpass your organizational and computer skills! Thanks for the extra shoulders. Some friends come to stay. For blessings of love, kindness, support, and understanding, special thanks to Patience, Jimmy, Thomas, Ralph and Joy, Jim and Marsha, Jim and Nina, Mike and Jane, Christi, Sam, Kathy, Kev, Toney, Nada, and Scott. Miss Catherine, Cora, and Craig, thanks for being such good neighbors and for helping take care of Meg while I recorded. And to Larry Ward with Event Production (www.stageforrent.com) for great sound and staging! And finally and foremost, my thanks to God... “What a wonderful world!!” Katie
Sentimental Journey:
Katie Brooks - Lead and Background Vocals, Gemeinhardt Flute
Boots Randolph - Special Guest on Sax
David Kazee - Arrangements, Piano, Keyboards
James Whited - Guitars
J.T. Cure - Bass
Dale Scragg - Drums
Misty Daniels - Background Vocals
Tony Whited - Background Vocals
This recording is dedicated to my husband, Col. Christopher Clayton, USMC, my brother, Col. David. R. Brooks, US Army, my father-in-law, CWO4 Larry Clayton, US Army, to all of our active US Military, to all of our living veterans, and to the memory of my uncles, Jim, Charles and Paul, and all of those who so bravely served America and have gone on to their reward in Heaven. Your sacrifices, and those of your families, make this music possible. Thank you.
All songs recorded and mixed at Franklin audio Images in Salyersville, Kentucky. Produced by Katie Brooks and David Kazee for Merry Kat Productions except Boots Randolph. Boots Randolph was recorded at Groovehouse Recording Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, and produced by Tim Smith. Mastered by Randy Gardner, Nashville, TN. Photography by Rick Malkin. Copyright clearances by CopyClear, Inc, Joan Patterson, President.
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