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*All lead vocals by Lisa Desforges Intro “Finally It’s Me” Lisa Desforges, •©2006 Chow Music/ Little Red Dog Music, ASCAP• “The Life Song” Lyrics by Dwayne Arvinger; Music & Lyrics by Rod Clemmons and Dwayne Arvinger; Drums, Bass, Piano & Keyboards: Rod Clemmons; Rythym & Lead Guitars: Eric B. Davis Background; Vocals: Rod and Leslie Clemmons, Lisa Desforges I was so happy when my Producer, Rod, asked me if I would include this song on my album. I can relate to the story told because it has reflected my own feelings more often than I care to admit. Living out my dreams in New York City hasn’t always been easy but it’s worth it! Thanks for the faith and inspiration Rod! “French Wine” Lisa Desforges,•©2006 Chow Music/Little Red Dog Music, ASCAP•Drums & Bass: Rod Clemmons Acoustic Guitar: Eric B. Davis Trumpet: Dwayne Clemons Additional Trumpet: Travis Antoine This song was inspired by a very charming French man and by the mutual attraction and chemistry we shared—it was pretty electric! His favorite music was Jazz so I took this song in that direction. Due to these feelings my bad case of writer’s block came to a screeching halt. Merci Jean-Claude! *For all of you non-French speakers, the chorus means... “All along I knew that it would take a man like you to ignite the passion in my soul. All along I knew from the mischief in your eyes that it would take a man like you to set my heart on fire.” “Sweet Love Divine” Written by Rob Desforges & lisa Desforges,•©2006 Chow Music/Little Red Dog Music, ASCAP•Piano & Cello: Rod Clemmons This is one of my favorite songs on the album and a true gift from my brother who is an amazing talent. He is self-taught on piano and guitar. He is also a published poet. When we first talked about writing a song together, this poem immediately came to mind. Originally titled “Every Morning”, he let me take his poem and completely dissect it to form this song. Thank you Rob, I think we make a great team! Let’s do it again soon! “The Color Red” Lisa Desforges,•©2006 Chow Music/Little Red Dog Music, ASCAP•Drums, Bass & Piano: Rod Clemmons-Acoustic/Electric Guitars & Mandolin: Eric B. Davis; Background Vocals: Lisa Desforges This song is a love letter of sorts to someone in my life who meant more to me than I can even believe. I wish she was here to hear the finished song. I am still brought to my knees in awe when I think of how much love we can feel in our hearts for one another and the power it has. This sweet, gentle, fun-loving, selfless soul has moved on...hopefully to greener pastures...and hopefully waiting for me when I arrive! This entire album is dedicated to her memory. “Josephine’s Heart” Lisa Desforges,•©2006 Chow Music/Little Red Dog Music, ASCAP•Acoustic Guitar, Dobro & Banjo: Eric B. Davis This is a story about being human and about the bad habits and repetitive cycles we all have in our lives that are hard to break. “Lovesick” Lisa Desforges,•©2006 Chow Music/Little Red Dog Music, ASCAP•Acoustic & Electric Guitars: Eric B. Davis; Background Vocals: Rod Clemmons & Lisa Desforges This is one of the first songs I ever wrote. It’s about a guy and how he made me feel...you know the type...’bad boy’ attitude, sickeningly good-looking and ---to quote Jewel, “too cool to care”...or call! “Dreams” (S.Nicks..........................) Piano & Percussion: Rod Clemmons Acoustic & Electric Guitars: Eric B. Davis; Background Vocals: Rod Clemmons & Lisa Desforges “Seen Better Days” Mary Connolly,•©1994 Natural Thang Music, BMI•Acoustic & Electric guitars: Eric B. Davis; Drums & Bass: Rod Clemmons My friend Mary wrote this song. It’s stayed with me and I have loved it ever since the first time I heard her sing it! I am so excited to have it on my album. Thank you Mary for such a wonderful song, I hope this does you proud! ~Interlude: “My Prayer-I Fall” Lisa Desforges,•©2006 Chow Music/Little Red Dog Music, ASCAP•Keyboards: Rod Clemmons I wrote this during the events of September 11 from a pier on the Hudson River. I don’t believe it is actual religion that causes division, hatred and wars rather those few people, in any faith, who hijack the teachings, true meaning and pure intentions of it. It’s time to speak out and stand together---all of us! “Free” Lisa Desforges,•©2006 Chow Music/Little Red Dog Music, ASCAP•Acoustic & Electric Guitars: Eric B. Davis; Drums, Bass & Piano: Rod Clemmons; String Arrangements: Rod Clemmons; Background Vocals: Lisa Desforges & The Verdict Choir Living in this world, seeing and feeling the things we do to one another, is quite overwhelming and at times I feel pretty helpless and very small. As an artist, I write about it. I wrote this song from the rooftop of one of my favorite buildings in New York...where the view is amazing. It is my deepest hope that this song becomes an ‘anthem’ of sorts, calling out to our collective consciousness and affecting people’s souls! Let the song speak! “Keep Striving” Lisa Desforges,•©2006 Chow Music/Little red Dog Music, ASCAP•Acoustic & Electric Guitars: Eric B. Davis; Drums, Bass & Piano: Rod Clemmons This was a poem I wrote to myself ,after an ‘experience’ with a Major Record Label, to remind me of who I am and lift and push me to keep striving for MY dreams on MY terms because that’s really all I have. ~Song Preview:“Surrender” Lisa Desforges,•©2006 Chow Music/Little Red Dog Music, ASCAP•Acoustic & Electric Guitars: Eric B. Davis; Drums, Bass & Piano: Rod Clemmons Bonus Track: “Step Up” Lisa Desforges,•©2006 chow Music/Little Red Dog Music, ASCAP•Acoustic & Electric Guitars: Eric B. Davis; drums Riding New York City’s Public Transit one day, all day, with my ears wide open to young urban voices inspired this. I wrote it as a stream of consciousness and tucked it away with my other ideas, thoughts and poetry. I sometimes take a strong and blunt stance on things I witness that inspire me to create and tell my stories. Listen up girls! Rod I want to let you know how much I appreciate you for supporting my ideas for this diverse record & for your tireless efforts in helping me execute my vision. Thanks for helping to make my dreams a reality. Your musicianship, arrangements & great ear have given my album its individual character & a quality that is truly unique. Thank you also for giving me a fantastic song to sing! I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Eric B. Davis. Your magical fingers & talented ability on ‘strings’ (guitars, mandolin, banjo, dobro…) have given my album its special and creative personality! Susan Davis, your violin & fiddle playing is stellar & although it didn’t make it on this record it will next time! To all the horn players: Travis Antoine, Dwayne Clemons & Lane Anderson, you all added so much! To Dana Gourrier: thank you for your voice on my songs---you made all the difference on Step Up! To Leslie Clemmons & Kristopher Monroe: Thank you for lending your beautiful voices to Free! Shyndigg, thank you for your input & talented playing on ‘Lovesick’—It’s better because of you! Winston Philip: Thank you for everything you did for me on this record—I won’t forget it! You are a true gentleman with a generous & kind spirit…..& you’re ‘kinda’ funny too! Your level of professionalism was unequalled and it’s what helped me finish this project! I appreciate you & your mega skills & talent! You are the ‘Master’! To Dan Woodward: You truly went above & beyond for me and for my project! Your personal attention to & artistic interpretation of my work & vision has given my album fast & capable legs to run with! Thanks for everything. Thank you to Jeannie Deva of The Voice Studio in Boston, MA for existing! You gave me the tools and knowledge I needed to unlock my voice! You are truly gifted in the art and craft of voice and very appreciated! To all singers in the Boston area, “Don’t walk, RUN!”—to Jeannie’s Voice Studio. To my Family ~my lifeline, my blood~: I love you more than words can convey. Dad, thank you for believing in me and making this album possible…now it’s our dream! Mom, you are the most supportive, positive and encouraging Mother & friend a girl could have, thank you! Rob, my dear Brother & ‘built-in’ best friend, I’m blessed to have you in my life...you talent & kind & wise spirit abounds...thanks for the beautiful poem!Auntie, You are one of the most special women I have ever met! Your grace & devotion are remarkable & thank you for always being there for me! You are all my world! To my dear friends ~my ‘lifers’~: All of you have contributed to who I am & I’m so much better for it! Thank you all for your love & friendship! My Dighton & Boston ‘Home Team’: Barbara & Nicole, Nancy, Jennie, Jill, Mark, Peggy, Kristopher & Carolyn~you guys are with me always, you’re my core! To my New York Crew: Carol, Shelly Ebner, Lisa Perry, Katchi, Sonny, Riccardo, Danielle, Annie, George, Tara, Nina, Tom, Shelly Gopal, Rod Rodriguez, George Courtney, Vincent, ~ It’s because of you all that NYC is where my heart is—I love you guys! A special shout out and thanks to Betty, Lesley, Ashley, Charlie, Jeff, Cherolyn(CBG), Richard, Melissa, Elena, Syed, Azim, Jahir, Hildy, Vicky, Lincoln, Patricia, Robert, Carrie, Jane, Barry, Wendy, Rachel and everyone at The Four Seasons for your friendship and support throughout the years! It means a lot! All songs produced by Rod Clemmons and Lisa Desforges |