LISTEN
TRACKLIST
LET ME SERENADE YOU (5:04) John Finley
First recorded by Rhinoceros in 1968; became a hit single for Three Dog Night in the 70s. John takes it into its soul gospel roots.
I’M ON YOUR SIDE (4:33) John Finley, Kathleen Jentz, Lou Pomanti
A retro smooth urban soul ballad in the Philly Soul tradition: lush backing vocals & keyboard/B-3 texturing. Late night vibe with a contemporary message.
GO (4:03) John Finley, Carl Graves, Lou Pomanti
Pure joyous funk with a lyric that says something, the song is a showpiece for producer, Lou Pomanti’s musical genius.
WHAT TIME CAN DO (4:27) John Finley, Oscar Saul, Danny Ironstone
An ethereal ballad with a moody contemporary jazz feel plus introspective lyric. Muted trumpet adds atmosphere.
HALLELUJAH (5:44) Leonard Cohen
A totally new reading of this Cohen gem. Pomanti and Finley “take it to church” with the Levy Sisters backing vocals, a modern gospel build and explode.
THE BOYS SONG (2:16) John Finley
Just John, that’s all. Contemplative lyric exploring how little boys are programmed to be “MEN”.
MONEY LOVE (4:21) John Finley, Danny Weis
Funk Chill groove created with John’s old Rhinoceros pal, Danny Weis combines bluesy melody with a human message.
SAVE YOUR LOVE FOR ME (6:23) Buddy Johnson
Beautiful standard made famous by Nancy Wilson & Cannonball Adderley. Recorded live off the floor as trio plus vocal.
PARTY PARTY (3:58) John Finley, Carl Graves
Fun Dance R&B track with Lou’s rich musicality, backing vocals anyone can sing and John’s understated vocal.
DEAR DELILAH (5:33) John Finley
A sweet yet mournful, passionate torch soul ballad that slowly subtly builds until your heart breaks and rejoices at once.
WHO WILL THE NEXT FOOL BE (4:56) Charlie Rich
Historic rendition was by Bobby “Blue” Bland in the 60s. Pomanti’s intro sets up a “Set `em up Joe” kind of conversation that heats up quickly and burns the club down! Great alto sax solo & “no prisoners” ending.
ALBUM CREDITS
1. "Let Me Serenade You" (John Finley) ©copyright Warner Chappell Music, BMI
2. "I'm On Your Side" (John Finley, Kathleen Jentz & Lou Pomanti) ©copyright Warner Chappell Music & Old Soul Music, BMI,WB Music Corp & New Soul Music, ASCAP and Springbank Songs, SOCAN
3. "GO" (John Finley, Carl Graves & Lou Pomanti) ©Jack Jimmy Music & Old Soul Music, BMI and Springbank Songs, SOCAN
4. “What Time Can Do” (Oscar Saul, Danny Ironstone & John Finley) ©copyright Paw Prince Music, ASCAP
5. “Hallelujah” (Leonard Cohen) ©copyright Bad Monk Music
6. “The Boys Song” (John Finley) ©copyright Old Soul Music, BMI
7. “Money Love” (Danny Weis & John Finley) ©copyright Weisworld Music & Old Soul Music, BMI
8. "Save Your Love For Me" (W.W. 'Buddy' Johnson) ©copyright Embassy Music Corp. BMI
9. "Party Party" (Carl Graves & John Finley) ©copyright Jack Jimmy Music & Old Soul Music, BMI
10. "Dear Delilah" (John Finley) ©Old Soul Music, BMI
11. “Who Will the Next Fool Be” (Charlie Rich) ©copyright Knox Music, Inc. BMI
Produced and Arranged by Lou Pomanti
- except track 7: "Money Love" arranged by Danny Weis & Lou Pomanti)
Executive Producers: Lorenzo DiGianfelice, Jaymz Bee & Wayne Anaka
Technical Personnel
Bed Tracks 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10: engineered by John Bailey at Revolution Recording, Toronto, ON
Bed Tracks 4, 5, 7, 11: engineered by Jeremy Darby & Julian Decorte at Canterbury Music, Toronto, ON
All additional engineering by Lou Pomanti at LP Music Toronto
- "The Boys Song" was recorded entirely at LP music Mixed by Lou Pomanti
Mastered by Joao Carvalho
Musical Personnel
Piano, Organ, All Keyboards and Programming – Lou Pomanti
-except Piano on track 6: "The Boys Song" - John Finley
Drums – Larnell Lewis (tracks 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10)
Drums – Davide Direnzo (tracks 4, 5, 7, 11)
Bass – Marc Rogers (all tracks except 6)
Guitars – Danny Weis (1, 3, 7) John Findlay (1, 2, 10), Sam Pomanti (9)
BG Vocals – Robyn Newman, Gavin Hope, John Finley (1, 2, 3, 9, 10) + LP on 9 Amoy Levy, Ciceal Levy & JF (trk 5) Katherine Rose & JF (trk 7) JF (trk 4) Trumpets – Tony Carlucci (1, 9) and William Sperandei (4, 7)
Trombone – William Carn (1, 9)
Saxophone – Alison Young (11)
Cover photography by David Leyes
Graphic Design by Liam Pelchat
Original Artwork: Sandi Roy
GRATITUDE
Thanks to all who’ve made my life so rich and full of meaning.
The TOP
Sandi Love of my life
Lou My Producer of Dreams
Jaymz The Miracle Man who brought me home to a Musical Family
Lorenzo Big Man, BIGGER HEART
Glenn Ears PLUS brains
Wayne The Quiet Hero
MENTORS
Poppa Duke Edwards who introduced the young Checkmates to the Black Experience.
Paul Rothchild renowned recorder producer and true friend, taught me “the studio”.
Ron Scribner my first friend in “the biz”, my first agent, showed how it’s done.
Rev. Alexander Hamilton (The Voices of Inspiration) brought me back to the light.
Murray Campbell (The Devil’s Den in the 60s Yorkville) club owner/big brother.
Wally Hodgson my big cousin, who’s records thrilled, inspired and set me on my way.
EARLY INSPIRATIONS
Bo, Richard, Chuck, Elvis, JB, Jackie, Aretha, Mahalia PLUS so many soul, gospel, jazz, blues & early rock’n’roll pioneers; Levon & the Hawks and the 60s T.O. Sound.
MUSICAL GATHERINGS
Jon & Lee & the Checkmates, Rhinoceros, Rev. Hamilton & the Voices of Inspiration
And SOULBOP!
My DAD my very first mentor, whose tree I fell from.
My MOM Her soaring soprano rings still in my heart.
To these teachers and many more, I owe so much; as I remain the student.