Song Credits for "A Christmas To Cure Cancer 2"
The Update
Well here we are, two years after our first release putting together 19 tracks for our second release. We didn’t decide to do a new CD until the end of last year. That’s a lot of work for a group of volunteers who have day jobs and do this part-time in the evenings and weekends. Jeff, Jan, Cody, Lorne, Mitch and Mark all made the trek to Nashville in May. We tracked seven songs at Dave’s studio and had a great time celebrating Mitch’s birthday, as well as being entertained by Mike Walker. We even fit in time to have a night out at the Fiddle and Steele Guitar bar, where Jeff’s brother Scott works, and got most of us up on stage to perform for Jam Night. Dave did an awesome job of dedicating his time to us and managing the recording process for the five days we were there.
This release contains contributions from 29 artists. It’s very exciting to have more incredible talent involved in helping us create a recording with such diverse styles and moods. We hove four original compositions for this release; "Christmas Is," "Christmas Beach," "Where Have You Gone?" and "There’s No Feeling Like Christmas."
We’re now a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and working with a number of cancer research organizations across the country. Visit our website for a complete list of cancer research partner organizations.
Lorne has remained cancer free since the end of 2000. He visits his oncologist on a regular basis to monitor his health. Lorne has been playing with Mike Albert and the Big ‘E’ band since September 2001. He also plays with Acoustic Grace and in his church praise band.
Cancer research and treatments continue to increase the chances of survival when discovered early. It’s this progress that motivates us to work as hard as we can to help speed the discovery of a cure. - Mark Puskarich
This is an enhanced CD containing photos and a video of our recording sessions. They can be viewed with Apple QuickTime player. An extended version can be viewed on our website at www.achristmastocurecancer.org. CD produced and engineered by Mark Puskarich and Cody Romshak at "Tony’s Heart" Studio with special assistance from Jeff Mattevi.
1. Winter Wonderland
Cody Romshak - Lead Vocal
Lorne VanFossen - First Lead Solo, Rhythm Guitar
Jeff Mattevi - Bass
Jan Roll - Drums
Chris Dauphin - Piano
Dave Clo - Second Lead Solo Guitar
Shawn Behanna - Saxophone
Jason Moore - Trombone
Martin Rippel - Trumpet
Words and music by Felix Bernard and Dick Smith
Recorded at Camp David Studio, Nashville, TN. Horns recorded at Tony’s Heart Studio, Piedmont, OH.
Cody does his best Frank Sinatra with a little jazz swing to make for a lively tempo. Musically, this was a challenging song for most of us. Thank goodness we had Dave to help us navigate through all the wicked chords.
"I'd like to dedicate my performance to a wonderful woman named Susan Green. She's been battling tumors in her brain with amazing humor and grace for over five years now. She is a member of my church." - Martin Rippel
"I would like to dedicate my performance to my aunt, Janet L. Tomcyk, who lost her battle with cancer at age 42." - Shawn Behanna
2. Jingle Bell Rock
Corrina VanFossen - Lead Vocal
Michele Clay - Vocal Harmony
Julie Lucas - Vocal Harmony
Lorne VanFossen - Guitar
Jeff Mattevi - Bass
Chris Dauphin - Piano
Shawn Behanna - Saxophone
Jan Roll - Drums
Words and music by Joe Beal and Jim Boothe
Recorded at Camp David Studio, Nashville, TN. Vocals recorded at Tony’s Heart Studio, Piedmont, OH.
I thought this song would be a good follow up to Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree on the first release. I knew Corrina, Julie and Michele could come up with some nice vocals while keeping the feel of the song nostalgic.
"I would like to dedicate my backup vocals to my sister, Jenny Simplican-Bardall, who lost her battle with cancer in 1999; to my two nephews, Ed Bardall and Lorne VanFossen, for their victory over cancer; and to my friend, Marilyn Luyster, who is fighting the good fight now." - Michele Clay
"I would like to dedicate my solo to my Aunt Norma Jean who lost her life to cancer in her 40s." - Shawn Behanna
3. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts)
Cody Romshak - Lead Vocal
Dave Clo - Guitar
Jeff Mattevi - Bass Guitar
Jan Roll - Drums & Brushes
Words and music by Mel Torme and Robert Wells (ASCAP)
Recorded at Tony’s Heart Studio, Piedmont, OH
This song began as a guitar and vocal track. Dave came up with the jazzy chords and Cody furnished the laid back vocals. Jan added some vintage drums with brushes, and Jeff contributed a tasteful fretless bass performance.
4. Guitar Christmas Medley
Kelly Jones - Guitars
Tim Siedler - Drums
Dennis Craig - Bass
Arrangement - Kelly Jones © 2002
Recorded at Playland Studio, Wheeling, WV
Tim Seidler provided us this track from a project he and Kelly worked on a couple years back. I like Kelly’s diverse guitar styles as he transitions from one song to the next.
5. Blue Christmas
Mike Albert - Lead Vocal
Lorne VanFossen - Guitar, Vocal Harmony
Don White - Bass
Mitch Fox - Piano, Vocal Harmony
Jeff Mattevi - Vocal Harmony
Linda Lawson - Vocal Harmony
Mary Sorensen - Vocal Harmony
Jan Roll - Drums, Vocal Harmony
Better known as Mike Albert and the Big "E" band with the "Ordinaires"
Words and Music by Billy Hayes and Jay Johnson
Recorded at Camp David Studio, Nashville, TN. Mike, Linda and Mary’s vocals recorded at Tony’s Heart Studio, Piedmont, OH.
I am excited to have Mike and the Big "E" band contributing tracks to this CD. The vocals turned out wonderful. The "Ordinaires" tracked their vocals all together in the same room. I’m sure that’s the way the Jordanaires did it way back when.
6. O Christmas Tree
Mitch Fox - Piano, Strings
Traditional
Arrangement - Mitch Fox © 2004
Recorded at Tony’s Heart Studio, Piedmont, OH.
I asked Mitch to come up with a piano solo track for this CD and it turned out to be great. You’re a good man, Mitch Fox. I’m looking forward to your next solo track.
"I would like to dedicate this song to the memory of my father in law, Martin "Bud" Clark who was overcome by lung cancer in 1997. He truly enjoyed the Christmas season, and all the family gatherings that occur during the holiday season. I hope this song brings a smile to everyone's face, the way it would to him." - Mitch Fox
7. Merry Christmas Darling
Penny Allison - Lead Vocal
Dan Allison - Bass
Lorne VanFossen - Guitar
Mitch Fox - Piano
Cody Romshak - Bells, Vocal Harmony
Corrina VanFossen - Vocal Harmony
Julie Lucas - Vocal Harmony
Mark Puskarich - Drums
Words and music by R. Carpenter and F. Pooler
Recorded at Tony’s Heart Studio, Piedmont, OH.
Corrina invited Penny to join the project because of her remarkable vocal talent. This was Penny’s first time doing studio work although she’s been singing for years with her mother. Corrina says this song makes her think of the soldiers and loved ones in our lives who we miss during the holiday season. We dedicate this track to all those who protect our freedom and allow us to create the music we love. Tony Critser, you rock!
"I want to dedicate "Merry Christmas Darling" to Dan Allison. Besides being my husband, best friend, soulmate and music partner, he is a cancer survivor. Our story turned out to have a happy ending, and we are both glad to have been a part of this CD, to help those who may not be as lucky as we were. I love you, Dan." - Penny Allison
"I would like to dedicate my solo to my best friend and college roommate, Charles C. King, who served in the USMC in Desert Storm. Charles passed away at age 29 due to Hodgkin’s Lymphoma." - Shawn Behanna
8. Christmas Beach - Live in Columbus
Cody Romshak - Lead Vocal, Acoustic Guitar
Michele Clay - Vocal Harmony
Julie Lucas - Vocal Harmony
Corrina VanFossen - Vocal Harmony
Lorne VanFossen - Acoustic Guitar
Jan Roll - Drums
Dave Clo - Sleigh Bells
Mark Puskarich - Congas
Words and music by Cody Romshak and Mark Puskarich © 2002
Recorded Live at Villa Milano, Columbus, Ohio, December 5, 2003.
Mark Linger - Recording Engineer
This song was on our first CD as a studio recording, but this live version turned out so well and with such good energy we wanted to add it to our collection on this second CD.
9. Frosty Rocks
Mike Walker - Lead Vocal, Vocal Harmony
Lorne VanFossen - Rhythm Guitar and Fills
Dave Clo - Rhythm Guitar, Lead
Jeff Mattevi - Bass, Vocal Harmony
Jan Roll - Drums
Words and music by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins
Arrangement - Mark Puskarich et al © 2004
Recorded at Camp David Studio, Nashville, TN.
This is our "Grinch" song from the first CD. We wanted to have another heavy rock tune, and Frosty fit the bill. Ten guitar parts makes for a mess to mix but came out sounding pretty cool. With Mike Walker’s vocals, we came up with a cross between Van Halen (circa David Lee Roth) and Bon Jovi. The guitar work sounds like a Poison tune. As with "The Grinch," this is sure to be a kid favorite.
10. Frosty with Kids (Reprise)
Children - John, Julia and Meredith Burton; Reagan, Ryan and Carly Clo; Kassie and Caleb Lucas; Alex and Justin Mirabal; Sam and Quincy VanFossen; Claire and Kristen Zehnal
What’s a Christmas CD without having some kids help out? We assembled the same group from our first CD and added a few more.
11. Santa Bring My Baby Back
Mike Albert - Lead Vocal
Lorne VanFossen - Guitar, Vocal Harmony
Don White - Bass
Mitch Fox - Piano, Vocal Harmony
Jeff Mattevi - Vocal Harmony
Linda Lawson - Vocal Harmony
Mary Sorensen - Vocal Harmony
Jan Roll - Drums, Vocal Harmony
Known as Mike Albert and the Big "E" band
BMI Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller ASCAP
Recorded at Camp David Studio, Nashville, TN. Mike, Linda and Mary’s vocals recorded at Tony’s Heart Studio, Piedmont, OH.
Another great track contributed by the world’s best Elvis impersonator and his band.
"I would like to dedicate my performance to my sister Debbie White who is a cancer survivor. I will always admire her courage and strength. Never once did she complain or feel sorry for herself. A truly amazing person and I love her dearly." - Don White
12. Jingle Bells
Corrina VanFossen - Lead Vocal
Dave Clo - Guitar
Lorne VanFossen - Guitar Lead
Chris Dauphin - Organ
Jan Roll - Drums
Mitch Fox - Vocal Harmony
Jeff Mattevi - Vocal Harmony
Mark Puskarich - Vocal Harmony
Cody Romshak - Vocal Harmony
Lorne VanFossen - Vocal Harmony
Traditional
Arrangement - Corrina VanFossen al © 2004
Recorded at Camp David Studio, Nashville, TN.
Corrina came up with the idea for this one and we just ran with it. Most of it was recorded in Nashville, but she wasn’t there to oversee the direction we were taking the song. We played it to her over the phone, and it was more than she imagined. She said, "It was amazing." Corrina especially liked the revival sounding organ and was happy to provide us a creative outlet.
13. Where Have You Gone?
Corrina VanFossen - Lead Vocal, Vocal Harmony
Michele Clay - Vocal Harmony
Cody Romshak - Acoustic Guitars, Bass
Dave Clo - Electric Guitar
Mark Puskarich - Drums
Words by Corrina VanFossen, Music by Cody Romshak © 2003
Recorded at Tony’s Heart Studio, Piedmont, OH.
Corrina and Cody wrote this song together. Cody had some music he had been playing with, and Corrina had the inspiration to create lyrics about the life of Christ from Mary’s viewpoint. This is certainly a song for all seasons.
14. O Holy Night
Cody Romshak - Lead Vocal
Jay Woods - Piano
Traditional
Arrangement - Jay Woods and Cody Romshak © 2004
Recorded at East Richland Evangelical Friends Church, St. Clairsville, OH.
This song and arrangement was Cody’s idea. Jay Woods was our much beloved band director in high school. We gave him a call and expressed our wish for him to be part of this project since he had been such a big part of our musical experience during our formative years. Cody and Jay did six takes of this song one night at Friends Church.
15. Joy To The World
Chris Dauphin - Piano
Traditional
Arrangement - Chris Dauphin © 2004
Recorded at Camp David Studio, Nashville, TN.
I asked Chris to contribute a solo piano track and he was inspired to perform this tune with an arrangement that’s a cross between jazz and classical. That, along with the strong dynamics, made for a diverse rendition of this traditional tune.
16. Christmas Is
Cody Romshak - Lead Vocal, Guitar, Mandolin
Corrina VanFossen - Vocal Harmony
Penny Allison - Vocal Harmony
Mitch Fox - Piano
Don White - Bass
Mark Puskarich - Drums
Words and music by John Kenney and Mitch Fox © 2004
Recorded at Tony’s Heart Studio, Piedmont, OH.
John and Mitch had been working on this song on and off for the last 10 years. This project helped inspire them to finish it. Santa Claus brought Cody a mandolin for Christmas last year and he put it to good use in this song.
17. There’s No Feeling Like Christmas
Rob Carnegie - Lead Vocal, Vocal Harmony
Dave Clo - Guitars, Keys, Mandolin, Vocal Harmony
Wes Willitt - Bass
Scott Savage - Drums
Words and music by Dave Clo - Dave Clo Music ASCAP © 2004
Recorded and mixed by Dave Clo at Camp David Studio, Nashville, TN
Dave and I spoke earlier in the year about a collaborative idea for an original song. When we got together in Nashville, we had different ideas on the message and the musical style. I liked his idea better so we worked to complete it. I’m glad Dave finished his song and was thrilled that Rob Carnegie liked the tune well enough to cover the vocals. His voice is just perfect for this song. Dave also pulled in a couple more well-seasoned musicians with Scott and Wes who have a long list of credentials in the Christian music scene. Scott Savage uses Gretsch drums, Meinl Cymbals, Toca Percussion, Gibralter Hardware, Evans Drumheads, Pro-Mark sticks and Audix Microphones exclusively.
18. Amazing Grace
Roger Hoard - Guitar
Traditional
Arrangement - Roger Hoard © 2004
Recorded and mixed by Jamie Peck at Long Vue Digital, Wheeling, WV
I am grateful that Roger accepted our request to contribute a track to our project. He is such an extraordinary talent.
"I want to dedicate this track to my Mom and Dad. O.E. Hoard died in 1982 from cancer due to asbestos exposure, and my mom Lillian Hoard went home to be with The Lord on September 27, 2004." - Roger Hoard
19. Happy Birthday Jesus
Cody Romshak - Lead Vocal, Vocal Harmony, Guitar, Bass
Lorne VanFossen - Electric Guitar
Mark Puskarich - Drums
Julia Burton - Birthday Wish
Words and music by J.P. Pennington and Teddy Gentry (BMI)
Recorded at Tony’s Heart Studio, Piedmont, OH.
It makes sense for this song to be the last on the CD. Christmas is all about the birth of Christ. Even though we have a few fun Christmas songs on the CD, it all comes back to this. The reason we celebrate the season is to rejoice in the birth of Christ. Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Liner notes by Mark Puskarich
Dedications
"I would like to dedicate all time and efforts put into this project on my part to the memory of my late grandfather John F. Roll, who lost his battle with bone marrow cancer over 20 years ago but impacted so many lives while here. Of course, to Lorne who is the impetus of this project and such a humble inspiration to us all. Fellow drummer and dear friend Kenny Larkin, who lost his cancer battle at age 28, but lived like there was no tomorrow. I think of you every day my brother. Lastly, but certainly not least, to Tonni, Jamie, Chris and Kim, the family of Ray Chapman, who they lost in May of 2003 to lung cancer. It seems every one we know is touched by this disease, and I am honored to help in some small way. Don't give up on ‘the cure’! " - Jan Roll
"For all my efforts in producing this CD, I dedicate it all to my brother-in-law Claudio DiBartolomeo, who with the support of my sister Sheila, is bravely battling Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma." - Mark Puskarich
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