This is the fourth installment for the new compilation California Feeling. Today Stephen Kalinich and Jez Graham discuss track #11, “Rainbows.”
Stephen Kalinich: I love Jez and the way he plays the piano. He is a great composer, arranger, improviser…and it is always fun to work with him. He plays “Rainbows” like he was playing Chopin. I love this track. Jez dances along the keys and produces a wet alive sound like cool water running through me. He brings me to peace in this track and excitement to be alive. I love “Rainbows” and it makes me recall standing in the yard on Sunset at Dennis Wilson’s house when the lyric started coming to me. Mid day…early afternoon…very bright sunlight…it seems like yesterday. A wave of nostalgia passes through me as if it were this second. There is no sense of time. “Rainbows” lifts me. The earth opens up its arms…yes!
Q: What inspired you to choose “Rainbows”?
Jez Graham: I was thrilled to be asked to play a solo piano interlude of one of my favorite Dennis Wilson songs. “Rainbows” means a lot to me as I am such a fan of Pacific Ocean Blue, and I also sang “Rainbows” at the concert Stephen and I did together at Unity North Church in Atlanta back in 2006. For that version we stayed pretty true to the original vibe although I went on a pretty far out jazz gospel improvisation at the end. For this version it was important to zero in on the beautiful melody while silently singing Stephens beautiful lyrics.
Q: What inspires you the most about Stephen's writing?
JG: Stephen’s message of universal and unconditional love is a constant inspiration to me. As a longtime meditator, there is no greater message to be reminded of than to “Be Still.” When I first heard that song on the Friendsalbum it resonated with me, and it still does. I play and sing “Be Still” regularly at Sacred Tapestry Church in Marietta, Georgia.
Q: What part of the recording process was the most challenging?
JG: The recording process was just a matter of getting out of my way and letting the song and the lyrics flow through me. I recorded it late at night here at Pine Groove Studios and just let the words sing through my piano. It was all about the words and music, even though it is an instrumental, I wanted other fans to be able to sing along.
Q: What part of the recording process was the most enjoyable?
JG: I really enjoyed the whole process but the best part for me was the supportive words from Alan Boyd who was so helpful and gave great direction regarding the tempo and the key that was needed for this interlude. I think my favorite part though was when I did the third take, which starts with the bridge. I really zeroed in on some arpeggios and spontaneously changed some of the bass movement behind the chords on the last verse. I love the way it leads into “Little Bird.” Mark Linett and Alan sure did a wonderful job producing this collection. I love all of the artists’ contributions, and am proud to be a small part of this amazing album.
stephenjohnkalinich.co.uk
www.jezgraham.com
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