Let the children boogie...
We recently asked Gail Ann Dorsey about her involvement with an album by the 15-year-old "ukulele wizard" from Woodstock, NY, Killian Mansfield.
The album, Somewhere Else, was released last month and here's what she said...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Blam - Yes, I did play and sing on this wonderful record at the invitation of an old and dear "Woodstock" friend and fellow musician/producer, the super talented Ralph Legnini. Ralph called me to ask if I would sing the lead vocal on a Johnny Average song called Heaven Bound for an album he was producing for a student and friend of his named Killian Mansfield. My best friend Sara Lee had also mentioned Killian to me, because she was acquainted with his mother Barbara; they live in the same area of town. Ralph explained the project to me, told me about Killian's situation, and of course, I was happy to help in anyway that I could. I have a deep love and respect for the wonderful and talented people who live in my community here in Upstate New York.
As I mentioned, my first session on the record was singing a lead vocal on Heaven Bound, and laying down the backing vocals with my best friend and fellow bassist, Sara Lee. Maybe a month or so after I had done my initial session, Ralph emailed me about doing the bass on Starman. "Piece of cake!", I said. Ideally, I am pretty certain that they were hoping to do a version of Starman, of course, with "The Man" himself donating a lead vocal. Well, alas, this was not to be, but instead, Ralph's 10-year old daughter, Lucia, delivered a stunning lead vocal, and Ralph and Killian had to settle for me on bass and my hero, Todd Rundgren guesting on guitar. Not too bad, eh?
On the day I went in to sing my lead vocal on the Johnny Average song, I met Killian for the first time, and got to hear some of the other tracks that were already complete or in progress. I was knocked out by the beautiful and inspired performances from Doctor John, John Sebastian, Zachary Alford, and Kate Pierson, to name a few, but I was most blown away by the maturity and artistry of Killian himself! He is an incredible musical talent on Ukulele, and his vocals ain't too shabby either! Killian is, and will always be, a huge inspiration for me, and from the first day we met, I knew he was one of the most important musicians I would ever meet. He not only had such riveting and intelligent conversation about music, but also about life and love. Insightful and instinctive. Killian impressed and enlightened me on many levels.
Being a part of this project at this time in my life and career has taught me and reminded me of some very important truths about music, and love, and life. Giving is a powerful medicine, and the opportunity to share and express one's self through music, is a most healing and loving gift. The joy that music creates can never die or be taken away. It carries us on through the darkest of times, our saddest moments, and the throws of pain and despair, into an ever present, ever-lasting beauty that we all know deep in our hearts. I am more than grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of Killian Mansfield and Ralph Legnini's lovely adventure, I am honoured. It is one of the most precious recordings I have ever done. I hope that it will fulfil all of Killian's hopes and dreams.
I am also including a photo of me and Killian, taken on my first session for the record. It was taken by Ralph's wife and collaborator, Katie Taylor Legnini. (Katie sings a cool version of Girl From Ipanema, with Zachary Alford on percussion!)
Much love to all... Gail xxo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For those of you not familiar with this project, I'll leave you with some background info and the tracklisting of Somewhere Else with the musicians associated with each recording...
Somewhere Else is the dream project of Killian Mansfield, a 15-year-old ukulele wizard from Woodstock, NY who is battling a rare form of cancer. Eclectic, uplifting, fun and funky, Somewhere Else is a mix of songs performed by Killian with critically acclaimed singers and musicians including Dr. John, Kate Pierson, John Sebastian, Todd Rundgren and Levon Helm. Proceeds benefit the Killian Mansfield Foundation, which supports and promotes Integrative Therapies for children with cancer.
Produced and engineered by Ralph Legnini (former studio sidekick for Todd Rundgren and Nile Rodgers), Somewhere Else includes world class rock, jazz, blues, country and folk musicians doing a lot of genre hopping, (picture B-52's Kate Pierson with renowned country fiddler Jay Ungar!) There is truly something for everyone on this remarkable CD.
Somewhere Else Track Listing
01. Express Yourself - Amy Helm; Jay Collins; Randy Ciarlante; KT Legnini; Killian Mansfield; Jay Collins; Ralph Legnini
02. Scratch My Back - Dr. John; Ralph Legnini; Randy Ciarlante; Frank Campbell; Scott Healy
03. Somewhere Else - Bar Scott, Amy Helm, Dorraine Scofield, Amy Fradon; Ralph Legnini; Killian Mansfield; Sara Lee; Bruce Katz
04. Fishin' Blues - John Sebastian; Ralph Legnini; Killian Mansfield; Molly Mason; Jay Ungar; Bruce Katz
05. Girl from Ipanema - KT Legnini; Killian Mansfield; Chris Wood; Zachary Alford; Ralph Carney; Ralph Legnini
06. Kiss - Killian Mansfield; Scott Healy; Ralph Legnini
07. Heaven Bound - Gail Ann Dorsey; Sara Lee; Killian Mansfield; Ralph Legnini
08. Blue Skies - Laurel Masse; Killian Mansfield; Chris Wood; Ralph Carney; Dennis Mackrel
09. There's Love in My Food - Ralph Legnini; Kate Pierson; Killian Mansfield; Scott Healy; Jay Ungar
10. Jack & Jill - Barbara Mansfield; Sara Lee; Killian Mansfield; Molly Mason; Jay Ungar; Ralph Carney; Ralph Legnini
11. Fire in My Pocket - Jim Treutlein; Ralph Legnini; Levon Helm; Amy Helm; Levon's Dog; Lee Henry Collins; Barbara Mansfield; Killian Mansfield
12. Starman - Lucia Legnini; Cally Mansfield; Eric Parker; Killian Mansfield; Gail Ann Dorsey; Rob Sabino; Ralph Legnini;Todd Rundgren
13. If I Can Dream - Killian Mansfield; Randy Ciarlante; Scott Healy; Ralph Legnini