Here’s to Life

Shirley Horn

© 1992 Verve Records

My #1 all-time favorite album – EVER!

On a sunny and breezy October Sunday morning, I sat in the park thinking, having a “what’s it all about, Alfie?” moment with God and myself.  The circumstances and situations we sometimes face often bring up our doubt and uncertainty, our vulnerable and fragile feelings.  Sometimes we sit and ponder, reflect and cry, asking God why and how and when.  When we feel out of the loop, off center, out of balance, and disconnected, the toxic elements of life sometimes creep up on one’s soul, we feel the walls caving in on our momentum, and perceive our best laid plans as going awry.  It is our universal human experience to know joy and pain, mountaintop and valley, light and dark, good and evil, happiness and sadness, energy and exhaustion.

Right before turning my thoughts to the goodness of God, still sitting amongst the swaying green leaves, I called home.  My father answered the phone and his first words were, “Well, your girl Shirley Horn died!  I thought that’s why I hadn’t heard from you!”  I could feel the salt pouring into my wounds.  Having been on a media diet for the past few days, I hadn’t heard the news of her death that Thursday at age 71, due to complications of diabetes.

To say I am a Shirley Horn fan is an understatement, for I adored her.  Here’s to Life is my favorite album ever; it’s the music I listen to when my soul aches and it’s what I put on when I’m playing at the top of my game!

In the early 90’s, right before leaving for Paris, after having sold nearly all of my possessions, including my car and most of my clothing, all manner of material things, including many of my CDs – this album was the one I packed into my duffle bag and listened to on trains and subways all across Europe.

I miss her so much! 

The Intimate Ella

Ella Fitzgerald

© 1960 Verve Records

Ella Fitzgerald was born on April 25, 1917.  I was born on April 25, 1966.  This is one of my two favorites of her many albums.  Listening to these standards – just voice and solo piano – is easy like a Sunday morning!

Nice Work If You Can Get It

Ella Fitzgerald & Andre Previn Do Gershwin

© 1983 Pablo Records

This is the second of my two favorites – elegant, classy, sophisticated, and soulful.

Alone

By Clint Brown

© 2003 Tribe Records, Inc.

A few years back, I received a call at my Bethesda home from Iyanla Vanzant in Los Angeles.  She had been listening to a song that (each time she heard it) reminded her of me.  Iyanla played it over the phone and I listened.  And cried.  The next day, I bought this album and now, when I put it on, I am reminded of the value (and blessing) of real friendship – those whose support and prayers you feel; those faithful few who give us our flowers while we are yet here in this present world.  My prayer for you is that, whenever you play #7, you will remember a friend – and call them to share your love. 

The Best Is Yet To Come

By Martha Munizzi

© 2005 Sony Records, Inc.

I unexpectedly received this CD in the mail from one of my favorite private clients – a woman from a town in Indiana (smile!).  I had it in the CD changer on repeat for days and days and days and days!  As instructed by the sender of this treasured gift, I started with #8 and then played it through from there.  I was immediately hooked on the soulful melodies and messages, and my prayer is that you will be too!  It’s a new season, it’s a new day, fresh anointing is flowing my way, it’s a season of power and prosperity, it’s a new season and it’s coming to me!