Session 1

Day One was pretty incredible. First, we just set all the equipment up and checked everything out. Oh yes, Bobby, Matt , and Chilton jammed for an hour, while Terry and Jim downloaded the music programs that we needed. We finished by doing some rough recording of Blessed Be the Name. Wow, the instruments sound so good. The vocals were mine and Terry made me sound so great with his amazing mic. I probably should give you some back ground on this wonderful group of people.

Terry Read, he is the former keys player to the Canadian Group "The Guess Who". He is amazing on keys. He writes, produces, and arranges our music. He is the brains behind the CD. He is the most creative person that I have ever met. I love him dearly. He and I are the original members of Messenger, and we have been through a lot with developing this ministry.

Jim Grasso, he is the shy gentle giant. He builds and plays guitar. He is such a calming force when all the cautious is going on. He loves to play 80s rock and would give Santana a run for his money.

Matt Fedorovich, he is our lead guitarist. He is growing so much. It is wonderful to see his talent develop and mature. He is in college, has a job, and still finds time to write music. He wrote a wonderful song that will be on the album called, "It's A Long Way".

Bobby Dickson, he is our drummer. This dynamo carries more God given talent than I can tell you. He plays drums, guitar, keys, and did I mention sings. I love harmonising with him. He also writes music. He has a thing for Leprechauns.

Chilton Bono, he is our bass player. He brought his family over from the Philippines. He plays guitar as well and has a really funny sense of humor.

Ron Guiffre, he is a vocalist, drummer, percussionist. and all around comic. He loves to break into song at a moments notice.

Dave Donhanish, he is a vocalist, drummer, percussionist, and connected to the mob (possibly). He is always wanting to whack someone or something.

Alexa Read, she is a vocalist, violinist, and is leaving us this year. She is going away to college in the fall. We will miss her.

Dea Bauer, she is vocalist, percussionist, and a joy. She helps me keep everyone in line and focused on the task at hand.

Tiffany Ross, she is my daughter, a vocalist, and Matt Maher #1 fan. She will be a Senior in the fall. I am dreading that.

Matt Grasso, he is a vocalist, and a college student. He has been with off and on for almost 3 years.

Peter Bauer, he is our documentarian, publicist, and great friend.

Greg Ross, he is my husband, sound tech, and head roady. He lugs more equipment than anyone, because he loves me so much.

That just leaves me. I am a vocalist, director, and Mama Partridge. We meet again on Wed. to continue the adventure. I will give you an update then.

Messenger Begins Recording CD

Wow, We are finally getting started. We have an incredible location for recording. Our drummer, Bobby Dickson aka Captain America, has an wonderfully talented Grandmother named Sue. Sue lives right on the water. She is letting us use her home to record the bed tracks and work vocals. I have no idea how we are going to get any work done. The band already wants to have a pool party.

A lot of people have asked what made us finally take on this mission. We decide that God had developed this band in such an amazing way that it would be a sin to not document it. Plus, the parishoners of our Church have been begging us to do this for a long while. I can't tell you how many small miracles I have personal witnessed since I formed this band. From having open auditions and praying that God gives the talent that we need. He did. He sent exactly what I needed literally. One time I needed 1 male vocal, and 1 adult guitarist. At the auditions, only 2 people showed up( The incredible Dave Dohanish and Master Guitar man Jim Grasso). I have to laugh because the band jokes that I have some kind of Bat Phone to God.

No, I just really have a great prayer life. I love my conversations with God. I do need to do a better job listening, but as anyone who knows me, I am Chatty Cathy. God gives us what we need, but sometimes free will, pride, and the world distract us from what He is showing us.

I pray that this CD is a chance for everyone involved to grow deeper in their faith, develop the musical talent in a more profound way, and build our friends that will sustain us for our life time. I know that is what God has planned. I can't wait to see all of the small Miracles He has in store for us over the next few months. Please keep us in your prayers!!!

My Big Brother

My brother is an amazing guy. He knows everything about technology and computer trends. He took over our family software company when my father retired. Needless to say, he rocks. I am adding his blog link to my site. Just in case you want to check out tech information. He gives great reviews.



He also has some pretty cool friends ( Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band). He is the personal manager for Peter Mayer, so you can find some pretty interesting blogs about music as well.

http://blueridgeparadise.blogspot.com/