I learned Christopher Perry was looking to have the song he wrote, "Promise," recorded. He entrusted me with the privilege of arranging and recording his lullaby. I hoped to live up to Christopher's dream of sending -- not just through the book, but through the music -- a thank you to people dealing with Alzheimer's. Chris played the part on piano and sang it so I could learn it. He said he envisioned it with a female voice and guitar; that's how I got called in, because I'm a singer and guitar player. I worked out a finger-picked music box sound for the guitar with some interesting chord voicings. The arrangement turned out equal parts folk and jazz, accessible like the song itself. It felt right, with both a peacefulness and a tension in the music. I recorded "Promise" at Finger Lakes Recording (FingerLakesRecording.com) in Ithaca, NY, with the engineer, Al Grunwell, who had connected Chris and me. In recording this sweet song, I wanted to barely produce it, stay true to it, keep its simple beauty. I heard cello and brought in Hank Roberts (www.HankRobertsMusic.com), who arranged several subtle layers of cello. Hank is an amazing cellist, who also lives in Ithaca. I intuitively knew Hank would do a wonderful job. We also recorded an introductory verse a cappella, just my voice. "Promise" was finished just before the release of my CD, Good Luck Child, on Ghost Cat Records. I've been compared to Dido, blend alt-rock and jazz. My CD contains twelve songs I wrote, produced and performed (along with some wonderful Ithaca and Nashville musicians). Find more about me and my CD at www.LindaStout.com, CDBaby.com or call (607) 277-4792 to order. -- Linda Stout, arranger, producer, guitarist and vocalist for "Promise"
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