Official Supporter of the
American Red Cross

About the One City CD

Could anything be more repugnant to a Boston Red Sox fan than the song “New York, New York”? How about “New York, New York” being sung live at Fenway by season ticket holders as the ball park’s organist provides accompaniment? Nothing short of Babe Ruth rising from his grave to moon Bostonians from high atop the Green Monster could better guaranty a mass hurling of beer bottles and Cracker Jacks boxes. But late in the 2001 season when baseball resumed play after a brief hiatus in respect to the events of September 11th Boston became the epicenter of support for neighboring New Yorkers. Thousands joined in as New York, New York was proudly played by Fenway Park Organist Richard Jillio. This unlikely festivity instantly became a 7th inning stretch ritual and remained so for the rest of the Red Sox season.

But displays of empathy and compassion were not limited to baseball fans. Such feelings were shared and express by all walks of Bean town life. Local businesses donated food and supplies to the 911 disaster relief fund. Local police, firefighters and rescue workers were arriving in New York as construction companies provided equipment and an-power to move rubble and cut steel. Hospitals were overwhelmed by people donating blood. Children washed cars to raise money. The list is endless. But still lurking just beneath the surface of patriotism and optimism was a sense of frustration. Some felt that they had little to contribute or that their talents were inapplicable to the cause. This was definitely the feeling of the Boston music community. Entertainment seemed not only irrelevant, but in light of the seriousness of the Trade Center disaster, almost inappropriate. This is when and why BACBEAT was formed and the OneCity Project born. It is a means by which to convert seeming irrelevant talent into the two essential elements to rebuild New York and our nation – money, and more importantly, solidarity.

The array of styles and personalities on “OneCity” are as diverse as America herself. From first year music students to 60-year veterans of the recording industry. From rebels (in this case, with a cause) to an impeccably dressed and thoroughly disciplined State Trouper (Sgt. Daniel Clark is apply described as a singing oak tree). There arose many challenges on the way to OneCity. Bloated unions created
bureaucratic barriers and prideful young artists displayed more concern with self-promotion than the state of our nation (they were dropped like a humming beehive). But beaming through the mire of vanity and legality were the true blue. People like Little Joe Cook who brought eight decades of soul to the table. Never uttering a negative syllable, not even after suffering a severe stroke in the midst of finishing “In God We Trust”. Paul Garrnett, the artist responsible for “OneCity” cover art, selflessly shoved aside numerous commissions and pressing deadlines so to donate his time and invaluable mastery. Lester Goodwine more than any one person, donated countless hours of studio time and the benefits of his engineering expertise, disrupting both his work and family schedule. Shirley Lewis is a living testament to the validity of the Lifetime Achievement Award which as recently been bestowed upon her. Battling her own medical afflictions, she burned-out performers a quarter her age. Craig Ball within three days of my request delivered a master of the White Heat Swing Orchestra’s “Sing, Sing, Sing”. Mworks Mastering Studios accepted our CD site unseen even after being slighted by past charity projects. The point being that the niggling and wining of a few selfish individuals was crushed into obscurity by the proponderous efforts of those who have not forgotten where they have come from.

I could literally write a book on my experiences producing this CD. In the past several months I have witnessed unprecedented acts of compassion and generosity. But simply listening to One City says it all.