 | A Collaboration of Women Artists from Oklahoma City Featured Sound Clip: Carry On by Wende Allen |
Almost two years after the project was approved by the board, Dust Bowl Lullaby, the CD produced to benefit Herland, was released on Sunday, February 6, 2000, with a release party at the Blue Door. Combining the time and talent of over 30 individuals and the generous sponsorship of 46 donors, the project includes 12 original songs and one reworked traditional song. The original works represent some of the best songwriters who are "under the radar" of the popular culture.
Songwriters on the project include Wende Allyn, Wanda Jean, Tony Jacob, Nancy Scott, Donna DeSalvo, Peggy Johnson, Cuchla, Louise Goldberg, Dr. Jan Rosenberg, Diane Fashing and Donna Henschell. Performances by Wende, Wanda, Darenda, Mary Catherine Reynolds, Donna, Peggy, Cuchla, Freefall, Louise Goldberg, Dr. Jan, and Julia Robinson are featured. Special guest performers include Elyse, Nancy Scott, Emily Kaitz, Terri Hoersch and Kristall Bright.
Musical styles of all stripes are represented. Jan Rosenberg's composition Wagon Wheel showcases her intricate acoustic guitar technique. Although it was recorded in one take, it sounds much too big and complicated to be played all at one time.
Next on the continuum of complexity is Louise Goldberg's A Love Gone By. Through a stroke of luck and good timing, her grand piano was recorded live in the sanctuary at Mayflower Church. Her vocals were added later.
Peggy Johnson's contribution, Dust Bowl Lullaby features parts performed entirely by Peggy. She plays guitar, bass guitar and sings. There is a surprise at the end of her song courtesy of Elyse.
Julia Robinson belts a song written by her friend Diane Fashing and arranged by Louise Goldberg. Louise, playing piano and bass, is joined by her Miss Brown to You bandmate, Elyse, for a classy three-piece jazz ensemble sound.
Before Wende Allyn took off for the East coast (then the West coast), she recorded a couple of songs. In her absense, parts were added by Mary C. Reynolds, Emily Kaitz, Elyse, and Kristall Bright. When Wende passed through on her way to somewhere else, she rerecorded her guitar tracks for the project.
Wanda Jean's raucous Tex-Mex blues style comes out loud and clear on her theme song, Livin' in a Man's World. Wanda gets help from some good women, Terri Hoersch, Elyse, Donna D. and Wende Allyn.
Mary Catherine Reynolds interpreted Poco, written by our Austin friend, Nancy Scott. Mary plays lead, rhythm and bass guitars and sings the lead. She got rhythmic assistance from Elyse and harmonic assistance from Nancy Scott and Louise Goldberg.
Cuchla donated her song, Back Door to Heaven to the project. The song has enjoyed great popularity in the Oklahoma City women's community. Joining Cuchla in the studio were Kristall Bright, Wanda, and Elyse.
FreeFall recorded Jazz Dancer, a song written by Donna Henschell of the Fayetteville band, Still on the Hill. Their trademark harmonies counter the jaunty bass and piano accompaniment. Rhonda Smith adds a fabulous concertina (aka 'squeezebox') solo, which was recorded in one incredible take.
Darenda assembled an excellent band to back her on Follow Your Angel. The band included Terri Hoersch on bass and Dana Jo Cox on drums. The song is the composition of Oklahoma City songwriter Tony Jacob. Special thanks to Tony for allowing us to use his song.
Donna DeSalvo has the honor of having the most rock and roll song on the project. Love You Always features a drum solo by Elyse, MIDI programming by Louise, guitar and vocals by Donna and back up vocals by Kristall and Nancy.
The last song on the CD, The Water is Wide, features new verses to a very old tune. The lead vocal is performed by Sharon Doan, from Church of the Open Arms. Donna DeSalvo plays guitar. Kristall and Nancy sing harmony and a choir of 10 others join for the last chorus.
Elyse had a vision for the CD covers and took Pat Reaves out with a camera to capture some true Oklahoma scenes. Graphic artist David laid out the photos and credits and designed the artwork on the disc itself.
The CDs are available at Herland and several area stores:
Herland Sister Resources, 2312 NW 39, Oklahoma City
Diversity, NW 16th and Indiana, Oklahoma City, open 6pm to midnight
Mystic Forest Treasures, Campus Corner, Norman