Kickstarter

Hello!

I am launching this Kickstarter campaign in hopes of completing what so far has been an exciting musical project. In 2008 I received a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board to create a show devoted to the work of musical composer Michael Leonard. He is best-known for the score he composed (with lyrics by Herbert Martin) for the 1965 Broadway musical The Yearling. Several of the show's songs have since become standards--among them "I'm All Smiles" and "Why Did I Choose You?". I spent a year working with the composer exploring this song catalogue while creating the show, and discovered many hidden treasures, including songs written with lyricists Russell George, Marshall Barer, and one of my all-time favorites, Carolyn Leigh.

Beautiful arrangements were created for me by pianist Tex Arnold--longtime music director and arranger for Margaret Whiting, and accompanist at various times for Rosemary Clooney, Helen O'Connell and Barbara Cook. We performed two shows at the Duplex in Greenwich Village with bassist Steve LaSpina (notable for his work with Stan Getz and Jim Hall). We also recorded a demo of several of the songs at Nola Studios in New York, along with trumpeter Warren Vaché, who has played with Benny Goodman, Annie Ross, Rosemary Clooney and many others. You can hear excerpts in the project video, above. 

My grant funds ran out before I could document this work in a full-length album, and I am asking for your help now to finish this project. I have the enthusiastic commitment of all of the musicians mentioned above as well as the composer's support and guidance. Jim Czak of Nola Studios will co-produce this CD with me. It will be the first time anyone has recorded an album entirely devoted to this composer's work. It will also be the first recording of several of the songs.

By making a pledge, you will help document the life's work of a gifted composer, and cap off what has been a very important musical endeavor for me. And to further entice you, rewards include behind-the-scenes updates of the making of the album, your name in the album credits, and, if you're so moved, a personalized video of me singing your favorite song. However you decide to participate, you will be with us every step of the way.

If we do not reach our budget goal of $9,500 this project will not happen. If we do reach our goal, we will record at Nola Studios in February, 2013, with a CD release planned for the spring of 2013. 

Our budget will provide for: recording, mixing, mastering, salaries for musicians and other related professionals, CD manufacture and duplication, design, photography, travel, processing fees, and digital and mechanical licenses. If we exceed our budget goal, these additional funds will be used for promotion and marketing.

I hope you consider making a pledge--no money changes hands unless we reach our goal, so there is no risk to you.

Thank you for your consideration,

Maud