2. The Many Voices of Rochester Medley 5:10
3. The Honorable Mayor William A. Johnson, Jr. 1:40
performing on the Steinway grand piano, and the Hammond B3
organ (courtesy of The Coupe de Villes),
Mayor Johnson began his musical career at the age of six, and has served as organist and choir director for over forty years at churches in Virginia, the District of Columbia, Michigan, and New York. Elected Rochester Mayor in 1994, after an illustrous twenty-one year career as President and CEO of the Urban League of Rochester, Johnson's civic accomplishments in the areas of education, neighborhood revitalization, crime prevention, and economic development have garnered him nearly 100 awards, citations, and honors from national and local educational, civic, and fraternal organizations.
4. Ernestine Dillard and Alvin Parris, III 3:29
Ernestine Dillard vocal; Alvin Parris, III, vocal and piano
Ms. Dillard joined Alvin Parris, III, and others in Rochester for a concert
presented by The Center for Dispute Settlement. Each was able to take time from
very hectic schedules to record this original, improvisational arrangement and the
result is a jazzy, free-flowing sound.
Many may recognize Ernestine Dillard from her passionate rendition of "God Bless America" during the national memorial service for victims and survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing. That performance catapulted this public health nurse and mother of ten into a busy concert performance schedule. Ms. Dillard's repertoire includes a wide range of anthems, spirituals, hymns, modern and traditional songs,
and contemporary praise and inspirational music.
Alvin Parris, III, Associate Pastor and Director of Fine Arts Ministry at New Life Fellowship Church in Rochester is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music. His compositions and arrangements have been performed by the Rochester Philharmonic,
the Syracuse Symphony, The Cleveland Orchestra, The St. Louis Symphony, and others, and he has many performance and professional recording credits.
5. The Rochester Chorus of Sweet Adelines International** 1:10
Raffaele Ponti, Director
The Rochester Chorus of Sweet Adelines is a seventy member organization of women, singing barbershop harmony, committed to a progressive image, music education, performances, membership growth, and diversified audiences. This chorus
is made up of women of all ages, backgrounds, and professions, and they are part of the largest women's singing organization in the world. There is no limit to the wonderful music they perform in lively four part harmony and motion! The Rochester Chorus can be contacted at (585) 377-1980.
6. Phyllisa McEwen with sound effects by Jerry Brongo 2:00
Phyllisa McEwen, Miss Black USA 1990, is an educator, playwright, producer, and songstress. Yet the common denominator for who she is - her essence - is humanitarian. Phyllisa is committed to the celebration of differences and acknowl-edgement of truth in all her professional endeavors. It is her personal delight to be an integral part of and share in this special and innovative project. She hopes this is the beginning of the celebration. "For we all must quicken our pace, set our sights high, and go for the goal; to join the human race."
Jerry Brongo adds the ebb and flow of the tides to Phyllisa's vocals. Jerry's original compositions and arrangements, as well as his talents on the piano, organ, and keyboards, are well known, and he has extensive performance and recording credits. Additionally, he operates Night Rhythm Productions, a
complete MIDI facility, at Dynamic Recording.
7. The New Exciting Whirlwinds 2:45
This eight piece traditional gospel group presents a contemporary, rhythmic, get-moving version of Many Voices, Many Visions - full gospel harmonies on top of a funky lead guitar. In demand for performances throughout Upstate New York and the Eastern U.S., the Whirlwinds have been bringing their joyous gospel programs to full houses for many years. They have two recordings on the Dynamic label.
8. Beth Ely Sleboda 3:57
Mountain dulcimer and vocal
"I chose to include I've Got Peace Like A River (© Marvin V. Frey) in my mountain dulcimer/vocal arrangement of Many Voices, Many Visions for three reasons: the picking style of playing I use has a constant, flowing feeling that is similar to that of a peaceful river; the tune is a folk tune compatible with the folk origins of the instrument; and the developmentally disabled chorus class I teach for the New Directions Program of Monroe Developmental Center is especially fond of the song. It is very healing, bonding, and centering... and they sing it very well! (They also like Many
Voices, Many Visions.)
Healing with music is my life work. I am honored to be included on this recording that celebrates such an important message and supports such an important project."
9. The Iroquois Women Singers (Guy nih yos O gwa de: nod',
or, We are singing the good songs) 1:22
This group of women originally met to learn and sing the Haudenosaunee social songs - they continue their efforts to preserve the music and dances for the Seventh Generation through their performances. This song was translated into the Seneca language, and the melody of the song is from the Women's Dance Songs (E'sge:nye:'). The water drum keeps the tempo while these Mohawk and Seneca women sing "we are family, we are created free ... peace".
10. The Emigrants 2:37
Celtic, with Gaelic translations
Steve Buckner, Brian Clancy, Bill Fleming, and Martin Whelan perform their original arrangement sung by Brian in Gaelic. With guitar, bodhran, fiddle, piano, banjo, wooden flute, whistles, and four part harmony, these musicians bring the lilt and romance, as well as the mourning, of Ireland to their audiences through their traditional and contempory Celtic renditions. The Emigrants perform at festivals and functions throughout Upstate New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Another name for Ireland, rooted in that country's stormy history of conflict and oppression, is Roisin Dubh (Dark Rosaleen),also the title of The Emigrants first recording on the Dynamic label.
11. Agustin Ramos 1:02
in Spanish with flamenco guitar
"Although I enjoy all kinds of music, especially classical, my favorite is flamenco, particularly flamenco guitar. I enjoy music from all over the world, especially folk music - music that has meaning, that is played from the heart. I'm really excited about being part of this CD because I consider the world to be a global village and music is probably one of the best forms of communication among people." Agustin Ramos has been making guitars in his own shop since 1972. His specialty is the Puerto Rican Cuatro, although he also makes flamenco and classical guitars, and repairs all types. His shop is located at 47 Atlantic Avenue in Rochester.
12. Rochester Korean United Methodist Church Adult Choir** 1:14
Mrs. Seung-Hee Cho, Director, and Joo-Hee Lee, Piano
From the first service for ten families in the basement of the Asbury United Methodist Church in 1972, this church has grown to Sunday attendance of 260 people of all ages. Services and Sunday school classes are held in the large church building that contains a sanctuary, fellowship hall, and classrooms situated on over four acres in Penfield. Reverend Kim presides over an active congregation - one major annual event, the hosting of families of adopted Korean children, is a day of Korean culture: food, dance, Tae-Kwon-Do, and song.
This lovely version, by Mrs. Cho and her husband Mr. Seung Yeon Cho, translates the spirit of the lyrics, "Many dreams and voices, many faces and people,
are gathered to bring pyung-hwa....peace."
13. Almeta Whitis 1:27
Bringing the voice of many languages to this song, Almeta Whitis demonstrates only a fraction of her multi-faceted self. Storyteller, dancer, writer, teacher, recording artist, performing arts instructor - these are only a few of her talents. Almeta maintains a busy performance, workshop, and lecture schedule, travels internationally, and is the recipient of several awards and commendations for her work in education.
14. World Resonance 3:42
Mitzie Collins, hammered dulcimer; Omar Faruk Tekbilek, ney, darbuka, bendir, and Alfred St. John, steel drums
Truly a multicultural group, these well-known international musicians were brought together by producer Dave Kaspersin to record their world music - hammered dulcimer in the Celtic tradition,Turkish percussion and flutes, and the steel drums of Trinidad, on a self titled CD released in 1992. Each artist has an enviable list of performance and recording credits. This original arrangement of Many Voices, Many Visions exemplifies their diversity as musicians and their unity as a group - a unique blending of styles into one special song.
15. Bonnie Abrams with Allen Hopkins :54
Bonnie Abrams, guitar and vocal; Allen Hopkins, dobro banjo
Singer/songwriter Bonnie Abrams has recorded four albums on the Dynamic label, and is in demand for performances - both solo and with her partner Allen Hopkins (also a veteran performer). A versatile and creative vocalist, singing everything from Blues to Broadway, Bonnie sings this version in Yiddish as a tribute to her heritage.
16.Winds Of Change 3:59 © Lou Sweigman
Lou Sweigman vocals, Keith Impellitier, acoustic guitar and background vocals
Lou Sweigman is an award winning songwriter with hundreds of songs to his credit.
Keith Impellitier's expressive guitar and piano playing are highlighted on his first CD "Songs From The Eye Of The Storm". His work with Lou Sweigman on Lou's CD in process features more excellent guitar, as well as his background vocals. Keith also performs solo and with The Chasen Powell Band; he enjoyed a 15 year musical stint in Texas, recording two albums in Nashville with the band Calico. "I feel very strongly about this CD project, and this song in particular, and I'm very grateful to have been asked, with Lou, to participate in this worthwhile cause."
17. Legacy 3:06 © Bonnie Abrams
Bonnie Abrams, guitar & vocal, with Jerry Brongo, keyboards; Allen Hopkins, mandola; Mitzie Collins, hammered dulcimer; Danny Blues, clarinet; Rabbi Shamai Kanter reciting the Kaddish
Bonnie is a child of Holocaust survivors. For those whose experiences remain too painful to tell their children, Bonnie asks that the burdened legacy be passed on in this moving song. Bonnie's educational presentations about the Holocaust have been the topic of several newspaper articles and radio and television appearances; she presents an enlightening imagery through her music and voice. Legacy is from "Wine, Woman & Song", her third album. In the true songwriter tradition that knows no boundaries, Bonnie has written and recorded songs on a multitude of topics.
18. Stephne's Song 6:16 © Ernest Givens
Ernest "Teddy" Givens, III, vocals; Jerry Brongo and James Whitthorne, instrumentation; Background vocals by Ebony Givens
Ernest's 13 year old cousin Stephne was stabbed to death by another young girl. This headline grabbing tragedy moved Ernest to write Stephne's Song, and Jerry Brongo and James Whitthorne arranged and performed all the music. Listen to his words, "if you listen to your heart, you'll see - we are all from the same family tree" - a heartfelt message from a victim of senseless violence.
19. Thomas Warfield 2:33 piano and vocal
Mr. Warfield earned a BFA in Dance from SUNY Purchase, receiving the President's Award for Excellence. As a professional dancer, singer, actor, composer, choreographer, teacher, producer, and poet, Thomas has traveled to dozens of cities throughout the world. He is a frequent guest on Many Voices, Many Visions, and was
one of the first to perform the show's theme song.
20. Song of New Horizons © Dean Santos 5:11
recorded at Blue Planet
by Hull-House Revival on Local Folkel Records. Dean Santos,
guitar and vocal; Fred Seidl, guitar and backup vocal
This song was written in the voice of a 14 year old with dyslexia, sturggling to find
"a fertile garden...", where his differences are cultivated as unique assets, rather than dismissed as liabilites. Widely diverse audiences have translated it more broadly as a song for anyone whose "way is different from the rest", promoting environments that foster growth, health, and productivity for people of all colors, shapes, and abilities.
Hull-House Revival sings traditional, contemporary and original songs of peace and social justice in the folk tradition. They have performed in Canada, England, and throughout the US, and have recorded three albums.
21. Harden Up and Toughen Blues © Rose Russo 3:51
Rose is an accomplished singer/songwriter and educator. Harden Up and Toughen Blues, from her first album "In Time I See", is based on Rose's own life experiences, and is her advice to a young child growing up with a physical disability.
Rose and her husband, artist Parkinson Pino, operate Creativity Within Reason/Friendmade Music, a service supplying college stores with original cause related eco-friendly products. In addition, Rose and Park host a series of creative arts/cultural events.
Each "Be-In" features a solo performance by Rose, a visual presentation by Park, and an open forum. The couple communicate through the arts the significance of self-awareness and social responsibility in creating a world of improvement.
Rose and Park can be reached at (315) 595-ATOM.
22. Justin Carder and Gregg Garbach 2:15
Justin - bass, rhythm guitar, Gregg - drums, lead, rhythm guitar
These two young musicians (17 and 18) have performed together as Lucifer's Goat for two years, and they had a great time recording this original and exciting arrangement. A high-energy version of Many Voices, Many Visions, it demonstrates one legacy of rock in our culture - a funky groove with a metal edge. Justin and Gregg experiment with all types of music - from rap to Blues, techno, and country. Just as they don't limit themselves to one genre, Justin and Gregg hope their listeners keep open minds as well.
23. Master Plan: Brother Deez, Big Mister, Sev :46
Music produced by "2T4W", Producer Neville Stewart, recorded live at WOKR-TV 13.
Collectively, Master Plan is one of the "most positive groups out there in Hip-Hop." Christian rappers, they call themselves a "Positive, hardcore rap group....embarking on relating truth, God willing, to large numbers of people."
24. Rochester Freedom Singers directed by Ted Ashikawa 1:18 The Rochester Freedom Singers aspire to promote equality, freedom, and love in their hearts, their towns, and in their lives. They sing with the hope that their music contributes to greater understanding and acceptance of the diversity that is the beauty in the world's communities. They value inclusiveness that encourages people to live their lives wholly, openly and honestly. They are culturally integrated and witness that open heart and minds make beautiful music of all types. The Rochester Freedom Singers perform concerts throughout the year, and are available for performances.
25. One Voice © Thomas Warfield 3:08 piano and vocal
Having a minister for a mother, conductor for a father, and being the nephew of internationally renowned singers William Warfield and Leontyne Price, it is no wonder that at the age of 4, while studying piano, Thomas Warfield began a career on the stage.
Thomas is the founder and artistic director of PeaceArt International, a company of performers from around the world representing many artistic fields. They are dedicated to greater human understanding through the arts.
26. Kids from Camp Good Days and Special Times 2:12
"Peace" in many languages
27. Kids from Camp Good Days and Special Times ** with Gerry Elliott, piano 2:00
Camp Good Days and Special Times was founded by Gary H. Mervis whose young daughter Teddi fell victim to cancer. This camp, on the shore of Keuka Lake, hosts kids with cancer, their families, kids with AIDS, and kids affected by violence, throughout the summer, and the programs and participants increase each year. The campers singing
here are from the U.S., Bahamas, England, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Mexico, Russia, and Venezuela. These special kids know all about being different, yet this rousing version (recorded live at the camp) belies the reality of the challenges they face each day.
Unlike these young singers, Gerry Elliott, the accompaniest, has several recording and performance credits, and has enjoyed a long and varied musical career. In common with them, she has faced their same challenge - cancer.
Camp Good Days and Special Times will have their own Christmas CD (catalog number DRK-158) released in 1996 on the Dynamic label.
28. Charlotte Clarke, piano 1:36 With this last selection we come full circle.
For those of us whose vision is a united voice, this recording, with participants
of all faiths, creeds, races, and ideology, is really a celebration of diversity
AND unity. Together we've made glorious music - a step forward in the journey
that sometimes seems very long. To all of the participants we've known,
For those of us whose vision is a united voice, this recording, with participants
of all faiths, creeds, races, and ideology, is really a celebration of diversity
AND unity. Together we've made glorious music - a step forward in the journey
that sometimes seems very long. To all of the participants we've known,
and those we've come to know, thank you. You truly make a difference.
Dave and Jackie Kaspersin, Dynamic Recording
This CD is a multicultural musical journey. It's an outgrowth of WOKR-TV 13's Many Voices, Many Visions television show and its original theme song. When I wrote the song, my intent was to invite the community to sing it. I kept it simple so that people could add their own creativity to it showing that there are many ways to sing one song....all beautiful. I had no idea that this little song would develop a life of its own and be sung in churches and temples, at schools and family reunions, and finally be featured in a CD! The Many Voices, Many Visions theme is performed in six different languages and many musical traditions, including a Hammond organ version performed by Rochester Mayor William A. Johnson, Jr. You will also hear original songs by other local songwriters who write about the pain of discrimination and the need to unite as a community The CD came about as a volunteer collaboration between WOKR-TV 13, Dynamic Recording Studio, and 250 local musicians in response to MayorJohnson's call to MAKE A DIFFERENCE. The CD not only illustrates first hand the beauty of diversity, but it serves as a starting point on a journey to get Rochester beyond racism.
YOU Can Make A Difference!