A Life You Love — Margaux Joy DeNador

Holiday Music Review: The December People – What FUN!!!

When I hear the name Robert Berry, I smile. Why? Because he is a treasured friend, one of the most positive people I know, an awesome musician, singer, songwriter, and music producer… and he loves the holiday season. Robert has created an album of fun new rock interpretations of Christmas music with his band the December People!!! 

OK, I have to admit I love Christmas music — I start to play it right after Thanksgiving every year. If you love Christmas music and want something new and fun to hear, you'll want to check out this new album. 

Who are the December People?

They are a band of talented recording and performing artists with a unique concept — they perform well known Christmas songs with a classic rock style.

The band was created by Robert Berry, who has played with Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer as 3, as well as Sammy Hagar, Ambrosia, Greg Kihn — and his bands HUSH, Alliance, and The Robert Berry Band. The other members of December People are Gary Pihl the guitarist with Boston who has also played with Sammy Hagar; David Medd, keyboard player for The Tubes and Quicksilver Messenger Service; Mike Vanderhule, drummer and percussionist, from Y&T; and Jack Foster, a solo artist on Musea Records, on guitar.

 

My husband and I were lucky to be able to see — and hear — the album debut concert, which was held on November 13, 2010 in Monterey, CA, by a live feed on the internet.The photos above, and below, are of the concert. One thing we noticed was that these very talented musicians were having fun playing the holiday songs and it was wonderful to watch them perform. 

 

This morning the December People were on NBC TV for the San Jose Holiday parade. They played a medley of songs from the album. They looked happy, joyful, and sounded fantastic. The float looked great and the energy of the band plus dancing elves and santas added to the magic.

If you would like to see them live, they will be performing Friday, December 10, 2010 at The Avalon in Santa Clara, CA for the KFOX Can Jam. The doors open at 6 pm and the show starts at 7 pm. Admission is a $10 donation to Second Harvest Food Bank (per person) or 10 cans of food. For more information, click here.

Following are links for more information and to purchase the December People's new CD:

December People website - store, music samples, performance dates, information

Amazon - buy the album, hear songs, buy individual songs

 

 

Written by Margaux Joy DeNador – Sunday, December 5, 2010

Dancing & Singing - Santana Row July 25, 2010

 

 

On Sunday, July 25, 2010, while our friend Anna Taylor was visiting from England, we had a delightful and fun time watching, listening, singing, and dancing during the performance by Robert Berry & Paul Keller at Santana Row in San Jose, California. 

 

Following is a video, taken by our friend Roni Depue, of the last song of the day. If you watch the whole video you can see me onstage dancing and singing and see Dudley singing with Paul Keller and Gene Perrault. Being onstage dancing and singing with Robert Berry and Paul Keller was a dream come true for me. What fun!!!

 

 

 

What would be a dream come true for you? I hope you'll decide to "jump up onstage" and have fun whenever the opportunity presents itself to you. Remember: It's usually the things that you wish you had done that you regret most. Allow yourself to follow your heart, be playful, dance, sing, and have fun!!! 

Written by Margaux Joy DeNador – Posted August 2, 2010

"Already Here" — Anna Taylor's Debut Album

 

Anna Taylor's recently released debut album "Already Here" was a transatlantic collaboration between the English singer and California music producer Robert Berry.

Following is a brief description, by Anna, telling us how this magical, transatlantic musical adventure began:

 

"At times, I wondered if it would ever happen, but after patiently (or not so patiently!) waiting for someone who could create the music for my lyrics, my prayers were more than answered in March 2008, when at the recommendation of a friend, I sent an e-mail to song-writer and producer Robert Berry in San Jose, California. I knew immediately that he was the perfect person to work with - even though part of me wondered how on earth we would manage with such distance between us. But we did. And I'm very aware of our unique connection that made co-writing this entire album via e-mail not only possible but wonderful!"
 

 

 

Robert Berry and Anna Taylor at Soundtek Studios.

 
 

Here is an amazing fact: 

During the time the songs were being written Robert Berry and Anna Taylor only talked on the phone one time. They had never met in person until Anna was able to come to California to record the vocals for her songs at Robert's recording studio. All of their communication was done by email.

In September 2009 Anna traveled from England to record the songs for her album at Soundtek Studios in San Jose, California. 

 

I met Anna Taylor through my friendship with Robert Berry. In June 2008 I sent Robert an email with my schedule for the "I Can Do It" conference in Las Vegas. I was surprised when he emailed back asking me about Doreen Virtue. He told me about Anna Taylor and said that she had trained with Doreen. He gave me Anna's email address and that was the beginning of my friendship with Anna. During this time I've heard the passion Anna has for the songs on her album. 

During her time in California Anna came to stay with us for a couple of days. What I discovered is that she is passionate, kind, loving, and beautiful inside and out. Having her visit was fun. We would love to have her visit us again next time she is in California!

 

 

 

Anna Taylor during one of the recording sessions.

Born with Cerebral Palsy, Anna Taylor knows first hand the incredible healing effect music can have on our mind, body, and spirit. Her music has a calming and healing quality to it. When I first heard the album I liked it. But what I've found is that now, after hearing it over and over again while driving my car, I love it. The songs make me feel good. Anna's voice is both soothing and beautiful to hear. 

 

Robert Berry  playing a track on his "Taylor" guitar. 

The music Robert Berry created to go with Anna's lyrics has a magical sound that makes me want to hear it again and again. 

I've been amazed for years by Robert's musical talents. Watching and listening as he created his magic while recording songs for two albums by my husband and son was a joyful experience.

Robert Berry's own albums are rock 'n roll. But because he is a masterful keyboard player, music composer, and guitarist he is able to shift gears and create music that is perfect for Anna Taylor's musical style. 

 

Anna Taylor recording a vocal track.
 

Anna Taylor's album comes with a beautiful booklet that includes the lyrics to all of the songs. Anna is a communicator who will touch your heart with the words she's written as the lyrics for her songs. 

The lyrics of the songs are a large part of what is so special about them. I highly recommend buying the CD so you will have the booklet with all of the lyrics. Click here to buy the CD from Anna's website.

Choosing my favorite songs was a challenge because to be honest I like them all. A few of the songs that stand out for me are: Already Here, Body, Like Me, and Beautiful. 

You can hear Anna Taylor's songs on iTunes. Just type in either Anna Taylor or Already Here and it will take your to her album page and you can hear part of each song. 

To read Anna Taylor's story on her website: click here.

Already Here was released on Valentine's Day which Anna calls "Love Day."  Her music is all created with love. You will feel her love as you listen to her sing. 

Please take the time to check out Anna Taylor's album. In my opinion, "Already Here" is a joy to hear!

 

Holiday on Earth — Album & Song Lyrics

Holiday on Earth is the title track for the first album by Dudley and Alex — my husband and son. The song is based on a quote I love by Earl Nightingale about how our time on Earth is like a holiday and that we must decide to enjoy our time here on this beautiful planet. 

 Holiday On Earth

(Music & Lyrics by Dudley DeNador)

From the mystery life emerges, evolving day after day

The sum of experience, along the way,

Discover the joy of what you’re here to do,

Time is short, it’s up to you.

Chorus:

What part do you play, in the cosmic symphony?      

What colors do you choose to paint your reality?

Have you found a way a way to express yourself?

Every day, Celebrate your holiday.

Enjoy the journey as you climb,   Along the way, share your time.   

Make a difference, in your own way,

Let your heart show you today.

Bridge:

Holiday on Earth, vacation for your soul, Let inspiration shine through you.   

Find your reality, live in spirit, Every day, let your dreams come true. 

On holiday…

Chorus:

 

What part do you play, in the cosmic symphony?      

What colors do you choose to paint your reality?

Have you found a way a way to express yourself?

Every day, Celebrate your holiday.

Look at yourself, ask the questions,  Inside your heart the answers lie. 

Discover gifts, you know you’re meant to give, 

Celebrate each day, each day that you live. 

On Holiday…

Are you celebrating?
 

To hear the song, Holiday on Earth, click on the link below. 
Download Holiday on Earth_DeNador 
 

*******************************************************************************

Following is the quote by Earl Nightingale that inspired us to write the song…

 

“You and I are on a kind of holiday on earth. Out of the

mystery we appear, to share our lives with the other living

things on this small blue blessed planet. We spend time here

before merging back into the mystery once again. During this

time, let us enjoy ourselves to the fullest. To do that, we need

to examine ourselves, as wise old Socrates admonished us,

and discover what we are best equipped to give for

the journey’s fare. There is really no good excuse for not

doing that which we most want to do, nor for not enjoying to

the fullest those experiences we find to our liking. They make

the holiday all the more interesting and rewarding.”

****************************************************************
 

 

The following is an excerpt from my book, The Art of Living a Life You Love:

My teachers have taught me to think of my time here as an

adventure — a journey I can choose to enjoy. By deciding what

matters to me I can plan my time in a way that allows me to make

the most of whatever time I have to live. When I remember to

savor my present moments, I feel more joy. Sometimes I need to

be reminded to appreciate the people and things I have in my life.

I’ve found the more I look for things to appreciate, the more I find

them. I’ve learned that gratitude is an important aspect in enjoying

my life. Making lists of things that I feel grateful for, in my

journal, reminds me to enjoy my “holiday” here on Earth.

*************************************************************************

I hope you — all of you who are reading this right now — are enjoying your time on this beautiful planet we call Earth!

Live Your Music!

 

Music gives me joy. All of my life I've loved music. How do you feel about music? Does it add joy to your life?  As you can see in the photo of my husband and son, above, they love music too!

When I was eleven years old I got my first Beatles album. I loved to sing with my favorite records in my room. (Especially songs by the Beatles, Beach Boys, Kinks, Yardbirds, Turtles, and Herman's Hermits.) I remember singing while riding my horse and I also enjoyed singing for my family. I began to dream of being a singer! 

Then, one summer, while I was 12 years old, I overheard my grandmother telling my mom that I "should" forget about singing. For years I gave up even trying to sing. I believed that she thought I had a "bad" voice. Looking back on the situation I realize that my grandmother wanted two things — she wanted me to be an artist and paint oil paintings and she wanted to keep me away from the Rock 'n Roll music I loved to hear and to sing.

 

 

During college I worked part-time in record stores because I loved music — even though I majored in art as grandma wanted me to do at the time. While working in the record store I met three members of a rock 'n roll band called HUSH. One of them, Robert Berry, became one of the most treasured friends I've ever had in my life. I loved to go watch and listen as he worked at a recording studio. I also loved to watch his band play. My joy came from listening to music and from watching my friends and other people who were living their music!

My husband, Dudley, has always loved music — it's his passion. (You can see his passion for music in the photo of Dudley with our son Alex at the top of this message.) Before I met him, Dudley started his own business doing  graphic design and photography. I've enjoyed working with Dudley in his graphic design business for many years. When I first met Dudley I was thankful that he was only doing music as a hobby because I knew the time and travel it takes to  be on the road and perform in a rock 'n roll band!

When our son, Alex, was about three years old, I started to sing again — with him when we were alone in my car. We used to sing songs from the Disney movies "Aladdin" and "Lion King" and also the songs from the movie "Thumbelina." After practicing with Alex I got brave enough to sing with Alex when we were with Dudley — going on trips in our car. I was amazed when Dudley told me that I did a good job singing Jasmine's part in "A Whole New World" with Alex singing Aladdin's part of the song. It was FUN being able to sing with my boys in the car!!!

In 2003, ten years after I began to allow myself to enjoy singing again — we attended a family reunion, at my mom's home, in Shasta County. I was thrilled that Dudley and Alex helped me learn to sing the song "Perfect Day" by Hoku for the event. I learned that it takes lots of practice to sing — to remember the words, the way the music goes, and it was fun practicing singing while driving my car.

Then, for awhile, I went back to listening and watching as Dudley and Alex wrote their songs and had them recorded. It was exciting to watch and listen as their song ideas became reality!

Robert Berry, who is now a treasured friend to all three of us, has a recording studio in Campbell, California. He recorded Dudley and Alex's songs. Robert is a very talented musician and he added keyboards, bass guitar, drums, and backup vocals to the tracks with Dudley and Alex playing their guitars and singing. 

 

 

Going to Robert’s recording studio to watch, to listen, and every once in awhile make a suggestion for lyrics — words that might work better — makes me feel fully alive and full of joy. I love being part of it all — even in tiny ways. I asked Dudley to write a song called “Holiday on Earth" as a tribute to Earl Nightingale.  I gave him a list of ideas and the quotes I found in a book by Earl and he created a wonderful song that I love to hear.  

I guess in some ways I am still "standing in the shadows" when it comes to music but I've begun to write lyrics for some songs to go with my book, The Art of Living a Life You Love. 

Now Dudley and Alex have two albums of original songs — both albums were recorded at SoundTek Studios. If you are curious, click on this link:  www.DeNadorMusic.com and listen to samples of the songs on the two albums.

 

 

 

 

Robert Berry helps make music dreams come true. He has helped Dudley and Alex as well as my friend Anna Taylor — and many, many others — turn their music dreams into reality. I would like to say a big THANK YOU to our treasured friend, Robert Berry, for all he did to make these albums sound so great. Robert is a very talented musician and singer.  To find out more about Robert and his music please visit his website at www.RobertBerry.com. On his website you will also find a link to his recording studio, SoundTek Studios.

Do you dream of making music? What do you dream of doing? What would you like to create? What do you feel inspired to share? What are your true Heart's Desires?

Here is what Abraham Maslow reminds us:

“A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he be at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be.”  

What I have learned is that we are never too old to listen to our Heart and allow it to guide us.  We all need to do what gives us joy. We all need to create whatever we feel inspired to create. It helps us love our life and enjoy our "Holiday on Earth." 

 

Whether your "music" is actually music or something else you feel inspired to do or create — do it. We must each allow our “music” to flow freely from us while we are alive!

Please, everyone who is reading this message — Live Your Music!!!

A Hundred Thousand Angels — Anna Taylor

My new — and treasured — friend, Anna Taylor, is visiting from England to record songs she has written with my long-time treasured friend Robert Berry. The songs are being recorded at Robert's recording studio, Soundtek Studios, in Campbell, California. A week ago I went to pick her up at the recording studio. I got to hear one of her songs and it sounded beautiful. Here is a photo of me with Anna at the recording studio.

 

 

Spending time with Anna inspires me. I am so glad to have had time with her last weekend. We had so much fun having Anna here and showing her some favorite places to see in Sausalito and San Francisco. 

Today Anna will be singing the song "A Hundred Thousand Angels" to open Doreen Virtue's event, in Los Angeles. I wish I could be there to see and hear her sing the song! 

In my opinion, Anna is an Angel here on Earth. I feel certain you will enjoy hearing her songs. Hearing her sing makes me feel joy. 

Here is a link to Anna Taylor's music website, so you can read about her and the songs she is recording at Soundtek Studios:

Anna Taylor Music