LIFE LESSONS
Life lessons. We all go through them within every waking minute, hour and day. Sometimes lessons extend to months and years and are the stepping stones in creating pivotal moments in our lives. These lessons are our hopes and dreams, our make ups and break ups, our willingness to forgive, but never forget, our self empowerment through inner turmoil, our courage to take a road unforeseen and our strength to commence a new chapter in our lives.
What is one of my life lessons? This very album.
Before Patsy Cline’s ‘I Fall to Pieces’ became my signature cover song, before I ever stepped foot on American soil and before I ever thought something like this could happen to me, I was about to turn my back on music.
However, I had one last desire to give this music thing a try. So I asked the universe for another chance and just like that, my wish came true.
In a blink of an eye, I had my bags packed, plane ticket and passport in hand and a bundle of original songs from two hit makers in my backpack ready to record. I was headed to Los Angeles!
Two years on, I have this incredible album of songs that I am so honoured and proud to call my own. It has been one epically amazing and emotional journey and it’s only the beginning!
This life lesson has taught me patience, perseverance and never ever to give up. Anything is possible!
What is your life lesson?
TRACK LIST
01 A SECRET SMILE
02 I’M IN
03 MISSING LINK
04 COZ OF YOU
05 AMEN TO THAT
06 FALL IN LOVE FIRST (ASK QUESTIONS LATER)
07 WATCH ME MELT
08 TRY AGAIN
09 LIFE LESSONS
10 A SECRET SMILE (MIDNIGHT MIX)
BONUS TRACKS
11 RUNNING
12 I FALL TO PIECES
LIFE LESSONS MUSICIANS & VOCALISTS
Adam Calaitzis:
About: an engineer, percussionist and owner of Toyland Studios in Melbourne, Australia. He has recorded many types of music and played in numerous cover bands touring Australia.
Instruments on this project: Keyboard, Drums and Percussion
Songs on this project: Try Again, A Secret Smile (Midnight Mix), I Fall to Pieces
Andrew Burns:
About: toured Australia with Leon Berger Barry Leef, Erana Clark, Andy Sidari and Doug Parkinson playing keys. Lectured at JMC Academy in South Melbourne and currently doing live performances at clubs, festivals and concerts.
Instruments on this project: Keys, Organ, Harpsichord
Songs on this project: A Secret Smile, Coz of You, Watch Me Melt
Angel Rose:
About: featured vocalist for Stevie Wonder and Dizzy Gillespie’s collaboration of ‘Closer to the Source’ which was nominated for a Grammy. She has also sung with artists like, Michael Jackson, Vanessa Williams and Celine Dion.
Instruments on this project: Voice (background vocals)
Songs on this project: Amen to That, I’m In
Brandon Wattz:
About: upcoming American modern soul singer. Highlights include singing for former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice for a Christmas Performance, singing in Europe for Stax Records Tribute tour and most recently performing at Maria Shiver’s 60th birthday with Stevie Wonder and Oprah Winfrey.
Instruments on this project: Voice (background vocals)
Songs on this project: Coz of You
Craig Thomas:
About: back up vocalist for Aretha Franklin’s ‘Who’s Zoomin Who?’ and played the saxophone for artists like, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Freda Payne and Jermaine Jackson in the early 80’s. In 2005, accompanied Aretha Franklin with live shows and currently still doing so with Grease star, Olivia Newton- John.
Instruments on this project: Saxophone
Songs on this project: Coz of You, I’m In
Daniel Agius:
About: a multi-instrumentalist, producer, co-founder and managing director of the band ‘UN-LIMITED’, Daniel has extensive knowledge in the music industry through study and live performance. He plays keyboards for Australia’s only LIVE Michael Jackson tribute show – ‘The King of Pop’ and performs regularly as a soloist, duo and band with ‘UN-LIMITED’
Instruments on this project: Instrumental programming
Songs on this project: I Fall to Pieces
Fortunato Isgro
About: a singer/entertainer who performs English classics from the 1950’s to the 1970’s, plus traditional Italian music. Accompanying himself with guitar and keyboard, Fortunato performs regularly within the Australian-Italian community and has released numerous albums consisting of both cover and original songs. He is a featured artist on Joe Mandica’s ‘The Initiative’ and ‘Grooves’ album.
Instruments on this project: Voice (background vocals)
Songs on this project: Try Again
Grace Marino:
About: with a natural singing ability, Grace has been involved in live cover bands performing around Melbourne, Victoria as well as having sung with the ‘Australia’s Got Talent Gospel Choir’ in the series grand finale with Jack Vidgen. Her main singing styles include pop, rock and power ballads. Grace is a featured artist on Joe Mandica’s ‘The Initiative’ and ‘Grooves’ album.
Instruments on this project: Voice (background vocals)
Songs on this project: Watch Me Melt
Joe Mandica
About: a singer/songwriter, who’s a multi-instrumentalist and producer. Has released two albums called ‘A Thousand Miles’ and ‘The Initiative’ with having written and co-written every song on both albums. Currently plays at clubs, restaurants, festivals and private functions as either a soloist or as part of a duo or three piece live band.
Instruments on this project: Electric and Acoustic Guitar, Sitar
Songs on this project: A Secret Smile, Missing Link, Watch Me Melt
Larry Antonino:
About: well known for his role as the ‘Wolf Man’ playing bass in Tom Hanks’ movie ‘That Thing You Do!’ with receiving a Gold Record in 1996 for his work. Has also appeared in movies like, Playing by Heart and Blind Obsession. Currently is performing as a jazz bass guitarist.
Instruments on this project: Bass, Fretless Bass, Double Bass (upright)
Songs on this project: Coz Of You, Watch Me Melt
Preston Glass:
About: songwriter/producer from LA that has co-written and produced various songs that have hit the top of the music charts. These include, ‘Miss You Like Crazy’ by Nat King Cole and ‘Whose Zoomin’ Who’ by Aretha Franklin. In 1987 he produced a solo album for Anita Pointer called ‘Love For What It Is’ who was a member of the pop/RnB group The Pointer Sisters. Has also worked with the likes of, Whitney Houston, Kenny G, Earth Wind and Fire and Lionel Richie. Preston’s talents have earned him 30+Top 10 RnB hits, 5 Top 10 Pop hits and 5 BMI award-winning songs.
Instruments on this project: Eastern flute, Cello, Acoustic Piano, String Orchestra arrangement and all other instruments
Songs on this project: Amen to That, A Secret Smile, Fall in Love First, I’m In, Life Lessons, Missing Link
Ricardo “Tiki” Pasillas: a drummer and multi percussionist whose worked alongside artists like Marc Anthony and Carlos Santana, while marking his flair for percussion by performing both live on stage and in the studio all around the world.
About: Instruments on this project: Udo, Conjuga, Drums and Percussion
Songs on this project: A Secret Smile, Coz of You, Watch Me Melt
Roberto Giddio:
About: a JMC Academy graduate from Contemporary Music, Roberto specialises in sound engineering and percussion, whilst owning Boulevard Sound Studio in Melbourne, Australia. He has played percussion for various cover bands and recorded numerous vocal artists.
Instruments on this project: Instrumental programming
Songs on this project: Running
Rob Mullins:
About: with multiple Grammy nominations for Jazz composition, he has established a name for himself as both composer and performer with recording 28 albums of his own music, where three went to Billboard Top Ten. Has hosted the annual Jazz Concert for Boys and Girls Clubs of America and is a voting member of the National Academy of the Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammy Awards). Also has worked with a list of artists such as, Patrick Swayze, Bruce Willis, Dianne Reeves, Hubert Laws and Ronnie Laws. He too performed at Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston’s wedding and has music that can be heard on shows like, King of Queens, General Hospital and E! True Hollywood Story.
Instruments on this project: Acoustic Piano
Songs on this project: Coz of You