Graham Nash and the CYO
Last week I was able to cross one off my bucket list. Graham’s first solo lp, “Songs For Beginners,” is one of my all time favorites. I listened to it endlessly when it came out in ’71. It’s one of those records that I still have on vinyl, a cd copy, and it’s in my iTunes. Yup…I bought it three times. It’s humbling to think of the guys who played on it: Dave Lindley, Jerry Garcia, David Crosby, Neil Young, Rita Coolidge, Bobby Keys, Chris Ethridge, Dave Mason, etc….not too shabby. All huge talents individually, and each with a rich deep-rooted musical history. Not to mention they’re all heroes of mine.
I was delighted to be introduced Liza Grossman by fellow composer/arranger Stefan Podell, and was asked if I could do an arrangement of Simple Man for orchestra and choir for Graham to perform with the Contemporary Youth Orchestra in June. “Graham Nash…Simple Man?! Yes!!! Where do I sign?!”
The CYO is amazing. Please visit their site and stop and think about the good work that Liza is doing with these young musicians. If you feel so inclined, think of making a donation. The music programs in our schools aren’t what they should be. We’re so lucky to have organizations like this and people like her to pick up the slack, light that fire, encourage, and to provide these opportunities and experience.
…It’s been a couple months since this concert and today I just received the most generous gift. Thank you so very much Liza, Graham, and all the brilliant musicians of the CYO.
