1993

One of the questions I have been asked most often during my thirteen year career is "When are you going to record an album of standards?" I wanted to wait until the time was right -- until I had matured enough as a singer, and a woman, to be able to bring something of myself to the songs that have meant so much to me over the years -- and until I had found someone who shared my musical vision and could bring it to life -- well it's been a long time coming, but here it is!

"NO STRINGS" has a Pop/Jazz feel that is the result of my pop vocals over the superb jazz musicians who deliver Patrice Rushen's arrangements so beautifully. It is a style that blends the past and the present, the era the songs were written in leaves its traces in a contemporary interpretation. The lyrics of yesterday still touch my heart so deeply today. I hope they will touch you, too.

Listen and you will hear a story which charts the course of a relationship from hopeful beginnings to its bittersweet end -- love found, love lost, but life must go on -- with or without strings.

Patrice Rushen is the producer/arranger whose talent and years of experience in jazz and pop as a vocalist, pianist, producer, arranger and orchestrator are abundant in this collection. I owe so much to her, not only for the sensitivity of her arrangements, but for the encouragement and support she gave me -- all of which allowed me to perform in a secure and creative environment -- giving me every chance to do my best.

"NO STRINGS" would not exist it not for Al Teller and Richard Palmese at MCA Reocrds whose belief in the project allowed it to be made. I could not have done it without your advice, generosity, and enthusiasm. Thank you both for your faith and trust.

My sincere thanks for everyone else at MCA, especially Denny Diante, Steve Galloway and Randy Miller for their hands-on participation and day to day hard work and creative input -- it's all in here.

Thank you to the song writers -- without you there would be no inspiration.

The wonderful musicians whose personalities and talent shine through in their playing and whose love of the music is in every bar.

Rick Winquest who put 100% of his talents into the recording and mixing and captured it all so perfectly.

The engineers, technicians and staff of Group IV Recording.

Mark Micelli who filmed the whole event, adding another dimension to the music, and giving us the chance to remember these days always.

Phillip Goodman, who helped me research and was always available to sing a lyric or a half-forgotten melody -- where would I have been without you?!

And especially Harriet Wasserman, my manager and best friend whose belief in me continues to give me the confidence to believe in myself and who worked side by side with me to make this album the best it could be.