Contrary to her introduction, we have not added our own take because she did not give us a chance; she gave us a chance, but she was faster out of the gate than we were!

I’ll put in my initial deux ducats worth about the art to putting together a line-up of songs. Putting together a set of songs for a CD is already different from what it was on an LP, because you no longer had to worry about what to have at the end of Side 1, and the top of Side 2.

In some ways since all of the material was so strong “putting things in the right order” was both easy and hard. Easy because even random order had lots of appeal, hard because each suggested order could work pretty darn well, but how does one choose between many very very good options.

Frank came up with the essential order of the songs, and there was discussion and dissent. After living with it for some time, I think this order is very very good and here are some observations about WHY it works:

Open interesting. The first song needs to be a grabber — not a too-big song. Something that catches the ear and has a different sort of outlook. Thea’s version of Stardust is just perfect!

The first “hit” should be second or third. You’ve got them listening, but you don’t want them to give up on you. Tease them in but deliver the goods early. This is where you complete the sale. All of our lists had “Forever For Now” high in the order, and we liked “Berimbau”as a change of pace. Both of these songs deliver the goods!

After the first “big” songs, slow down. You’ve impressed them, now show them your sensitive or intellectual side. As you can see, we sort of alternate with “God Bless the Child” on the sensitive side and the 5/4 “All or Nothing at All” is both sensitive and intellectual (1,2,3,4…5!!!)

Sensitive and intellectual also apply to “Another Grey Morning” (an intellectually based harmonic and rhythmic rearrangement that has killer emotional impact), “It’s All right with Me” “Better than Anything”, “Comes Love”, and “Until”

Bump again about 2/3 in. And right on cue up come “I’m Beginning to See the Light”, and “Gee, Baby” ( sort of a bluesy bump and grind).

Closing songs should be some of your best. Well, “Nature Boy” is definitely one of our best, and there is a lot of power in this version of “Overs”!

So, a couple of ducats for you to consider while listening!!

Mama and Buddy

Love ya — Uncle

~the skirt

Much love!

MOM (of course, the mom writes!)