There will always be something special about the adult contemporary sounds of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Songwriting was at its peak and smooth easy going sounds ruled the mainstream radio airwaves. The Collaborations project is aiming to bring that back with their recent release Songs From The Heart Vol. 1.
The idea and project was brought to life by songwriter Ed Daniels. Working with producer Vic Steffens of Horizon Studios and Matt Oesteicher for the orchestration created a full foundation for Collaborations. Together they went out and found some amazing talent for The Collaborations Band. Such notable award winning musicians joined in, such as Bobby Torello, Scott Spray, Al Ferrante, Jon Peckman, Tim DeHuff, Bill Holloman and Dave Eggar. For the vocal and songwriting help such names as Anais Preller, Suzanne Kiss, Heather Joseph, Carla Zipay, Sylvia Jones, Sheila Fabrizio, Vita Rose Taytro,Bonnie Lee Panda and Alex Bach were brought to the table. This group poured skill and passion into each piece bringing back those memories of an easier time in a truly collaborative way.
As the album opens with “Let Your Love In” we can tell right away this is truly music from the heart as the album title suggests. Smooth layers of sound fill the speakers while the vocals take us away to our own little happy place of easy going vibes. This is a revival of music with a soul, crafted with a deep respect for the art of songwriting.
Collaborations in the studio for “Let Your Love In”
The smooth and uplifting sounds continue on “Don’t You See” with another full spectrum track. Sylvia Jones takes the lead on vocals but the background harmonies of Simone Brown, Tonya Ricks, and Kyle Brown are a highlight here. Smooth Adult Contemporary at its best.
We get a little more energetic pace with “Time For You” and its’ uplifting feeling. The horns of Bill Holloman shine as we get flashbacks to the memorable Yacht Rock sound of the 70s. We also have to complement the production of Vic Steffens here. There is a lot going on but he finds a way to keep each sound in its place, letting each artist shine through.
As we come to the end of Songs From The Heart Vol. 1 with the song “Running Out of Tomorrows” we get a truly collaborative track with multiple lead vocals. Each singer blends their skill into the mix perfectly to create what we all hoped would happen, a perfect mesh of talent. This comes together to create something even better than the sum of its parts.
In our modern era where the essence of the song often gets lost amidst the cacophony of high tech sounds, Collaborations emerges as a beacon of hope for fans of music from the heart that is free to enter your soul.
Learn more about all of the artists involved in Collaborations HERE.
