1. Monday Morning
The first track is called MONDAY MORNING. It’s about lengthy traveling and performing on the road (The Happy Together Tour in 2022) and finally coming home. When I was younger, we would be traveling the country, playing to wonderful audiences everywhere. I would be home a week or two and get antsy and anxious to get back out. Now it’s more about getting home and staying home longer. Even though I still enjoy performing and meeting fans of our music, I’m not as in a hurry to get back on the road. I was grateful that Tommy Leerschen could join me on piano and organ. Dave Mikulskis is harmonizing with me.
I wrote “Monday Morning” when I finished the Happy Together Tour in 2022.
Here’s the last verse:
“I’m coming home on Monday Morning
You know I’ll have to leave once again
I’ll be home late on Monday morning
2. Let The Music Play
This album is called LET THE MUSIC PLAY. It turned out to be the title track. I almost didn’t write it, but the song kept speaking to me as kind of a celebration! Lyrically it’s all about continuity and making music as long as I can. As it fades out, we are having a party celebrating music. Because of the new way of recording with computer-based systems, I was able to have many talented musicians and singer friends join me by sending wav files back and forth. The Buckinghams’ Sax player, Dan Moffett, played the solo and during the fadeout, and good friend and talented B3 player, Scott May, joined me on organ. We are definitely celebrating making music on this track.
“Now I look back and think about the years gone by.
I know there’s so much more I wanna do before I die
I won’t give up, I keep on going day after day.
3. I Don’t Know Why
I actually wrote this song about 6 years ago, but I rearranged it differently. I think its lyric tells a story we can all relate to. Someone is obsessed with another person, and they’re frustrated because they don’t even acknowledge they exist. They can’t even get their attention. I think many of us have had that happen at some point in our lives. It first happened to me in Grammar school, and a few times in my life. It’s a great thing when you do connect with someone as I did and make a life together that lasts. A couple lines; once again Tommy Leerschen joined me on piano.
“How can you turn a blind eye to the way I look at you.
I know you’d know the way I feel, if you’d look into my eyes.”4. Lean On Me
I think this song has a cool feel!
Lyrically it’s about if someone feels lost and having that person you can trust to lean on. Life is complicated and we all need someone you can count on and help get you through it. I was fortunate to have the great voice of Dave Mikulskis to share lead vocals and harmony.
“No matter what you say, no matter what you do
Nothing’s gonna change, I’m always here for you.
We all need someone to set you free
Lean on me, Lean on me”
5. In My Life
Yes, one and the same Beatle song from their album Rubber Soul. Rubber Soul was one of my favorite Beatle albums, although I could probably say that about all of them. I guess you could tell I’m a big, big Beatles fan. Every time a new Beatle album was released, it was like Christmas! I thought of covering this favorite and asked my friend, the very talented singer, songwriter, and musician Kiki Ebsen to join me (please check out Kiki’s website, kikiebsen.com). Our arrangement with me on guitar, vocal, and bass, and Kiki on vocals, piano, and percussion has a fabulous vibe! Kiki can fit into many musical genres, from jazzy to pop. She complimented my vocals with her voice and piano on this track. I think if John Lennon were still with us, he would enjoy this arrangement. Hopefully, it puts a smile on Paul McCartney’s face.
6. Whisper and a Sigh
When I first wrote and recorded “Whisper and a Sigh,” my cousin Jerry Elarde joined me on vocal harmony. He passed on two years ago. Jerry had a fabulous voice. His exceptional talent slipped through the cracks, and he should have been recognized beyond Chicago’s reach for his beautiful talent.
“With a whisper and a sigh, whenever I, I think of you.
I never want to say good-bye, my love runs high, just for you.”
7. There Comes a Time
I started writing “There Comes a Time” in 2023. I was in a place reflecting on my life. That seems to happen more often at this age. You start to think more about your life and what you accomplished or didn’t. You realize you couldn’t have it all, but you’re grateful for what life has given you, so there’s that acceptance. I was fortunate to have the beautiful voice of Kiki Ebsen accompany me on this song. Her feel on the piano also added to the mood and vibe of the song.
“There comes a time, when everything will change
Nothing could ever stay the same.
I’m doing fine, even in the pouring rain. It can’t put out this burning flame.
I remember those bright lights of yesterday,
All the color has faded away but that’s okay.
8. Please Forgive Me
No one’s perfect; we all make mistakes. I certainly have made them more than once, and fortunately I have a life partner who knows forgiveness. Everyone in this business called music knows what I’m talking about. Not just the music business—life can be challenging.
So, that’s what this song is about. I wrote “Please Forgive Me” about eight years ago. Dave Mikulskis joined me on vocal harmony.
This about says it all…
“I should count my blessings every day
What makes a man throw it all away
And now we stand on shaky ground
I hope and pray you’ll come around.
Please forgive Me
Too many tears have fallen, we can’t go on this way
My heart and soul is callin’, it’s so painful everyday
Please forgive me, if I could only turn back time
You know I’d tow the line, just tell me how to change your mind.
9. Easy Lover
This was a huge hit from Phil Collins and Philip Bailey years ago. It’s a great song to show Dave Mikulskis’ vocal power. I think our voices had a special blend. Originally, Dave recommended the song. I thought maybe a little more laid back without drums and a little percussion could work and make it different from the original. Dave played organ and I gave it my Nylon string classical guitar treatment. I really enjoyed playing the guitar solo on this song. It has a nice, different groove than the original version.
10. 99.9
I wrote this song back in the early 90’s. This track was on The Buckinghams’ album “Terra Firma” in the middle 90’s. At first, I wanted to sing a verse in Italian, but decided Spanish might appeal and relate to a larger audience. I felt it was a great vocal performance and appreciated the positive comments from past Buckinghams’ members Dennis Tufano and the late Marty Grebb; that meant a lot to me. The title says it all…