I have a new CD completed and ready for release and I would like to
tell you all about it. In late January 2004 I was inspired to
compose some music that is a bit of a departure for me...at least as
far as what you, as my listeners, might expect from me.
I am a member of a L.A. based music service called TAXI. As a member,
I receive bi-monthly listings of big time music biz execs who are
looking for many different styles music. One of the January listings
was for a company that was looking for instrumental lullaby music.
This sort of jumped out at me as I was going through my listings with
my daughter Madeline (6 months old at the time) on my lap. I started
playing some of my ideas for Madeline and when I noticed that she was
becoming interested in what I was playing and seemed to find the music
soothing, I developed that particular theme until it was a completed
piece. At the end of that day in January, I had written and recorded
my first lullaby. It was a very gratifying experience to have created
a piece of music that visibly seemed to make my baby girl feel really
good. It was also very special that she was right beside me through
the entire creative process. When my wife Marybeth came home from work
that night and heard what we had been up to, she was very excited and
urged me to write more saying that she found the music very beautiful
and relaxing. The next day Madeline and I got right to work on
choosing our next theme and, once again, at the end of the day we had
another piece written and recorded. I played my new music for more of
my family and their response was so encouraging that I couldn't wait
to write more. Once again, on the third day Maddy and I proceeded in
the same fashion. I then decided to let some of my students, their
parents and some of my recording clients hear what I had be composing
to get a broader sense of it's possible appeal. The reaction was so
positive that it was now becoming a very emotionally engaging time for
not only myself but for all those who were around me. Madeline and I
worked in the same way for nine more days and ended up with twelve
lullabies written and recorded in twelve days. So many family members
and close friends of such a wide range in age have responded so
favorably to this body of work that I am inspired to release my new
work as Maes' Lullaby.
Another very special thing that occurred during this swell of
creativity was that, while corresponding with some of my Belgian
relatives via the internet and exchanging baby pictures with news of
our families, I decided to use the Belgian language to give titles to
my lullabies. After much research on my part, assistance from my
relatives in Belgium and many emails, I finished my translations.
I am very excited and proud to share my latest work with you. Maes' Lullaby will be premiered on Thursday, July 22, 2004 at the Red Rock Bistro and Bar in Swampscott MA. from 7 to 9 PM
Hello Folks,
I have been struggling with the prospect of whether or not I would be able
to complete a Thanksgiving release this year. With all the new wonderful changes
that have gone on in my life lately (new daughter and all) I just haven't been
sure of whether or not I could pull it off. Suddenly I realized (so many of you
have said to me over the years, "Why don't you do a solo piano and vocal cd"?)
that maybe this would be the time to do just that. I have
always thought of it as being a tremendous challenge to make a good solo record
so I have decided to give it my best shot. With the encouragement of my family,
my band, my friends and my fans, I am going for it. Now I know full well that
there will be some of you who would prefer a full blown cd and release party
with dancing and all and I respectfully understand that. With that said, here is
how it is all shaping up....Tuesday, November 25th is the date. The Lyceum in
Salem is the place and the cd is called "Songs For Madeline". The cd features
yours truly A.K.A. "Day Care Daddy" on acoustic piano and vocals. The music
contains songs inspired by Marybeth and Madeline as well as some secret songs
that I have been holding onto. There are also two solo piano instrumental pieces
that were written in the style of music composed during the Romantic and
Classical periods. My band has also offered to come out and play at the cd
release party. I sincerely hope you will come and spend the evening with us at
the Lyceum...oh yeah...and it's free.
NEXT: As some of you know, I was a member of the band "RTZ" along with my bass
player Tim Archibald. My old pal and drummer David Stefanelli along with two
"Boston" band members Brad Delp and Barry Goudreau were also in the band. We
scored a top 26 National Billboard chart Hit with "Until Your Love Comes Back
Around" which I wrote for the band. We had a great time touring the country
together. I feel very lucky to have been a part of that band. Lately, Brad and
Barry have released a new cd called (appropriately) "Delp and Goudreau. Tim,
David and I played on the record as well as Jack Osoro and Lou Spagnola. Patty
Barkas sang backing vocals (a wonderful singer who also toured with "RTZ"). WZLX
recently showed a lot of interest by playing a song from the new record called
"What You Leave Behind". Their positive response to the cd prompted them to
offer sponsorship of a cd release party at the Hard Rock Cafe in Boston. At this
point, Barry called us up and asked if we would like to re-form and do some
gigs. Of course we all said yes. Barry has also enlisted a
great backing vocal section featuring Patty Barkas, Lisa Guyer, (a great singer
from New Hampshire who played with Barry in the "Lisa Guyer Band" and released 2
CD's) and Marybeth Maes, who many of you have heard sing with me...I know I am
biased but she rocks!. I thought I might tip you folks off so you could try and
come since it will probably sell out. Your best bet at this point is to tune in
to 100.7 or call WZLX directly for information. The CD release party is Thursday
November 13th.
All the best Brian
As if releasing 8 CD's in the last 6 years weren’t enough, Brian Maes is about to release a 2 CD, 26 songs, 13th anniversary collection that celebrates the past, present and future of the Brian Maes Band. This wonderfully crafted compilation embodies 13 songs from the Band’s inception in 1989 (never released on CD) which have been digitally re-mastered, 5 live cuts recorded at various venues and 8 new songs.... a formidable effort indeed!
The liner notes on this CD alone would inspire any rock music aficionado to have this one in their collection of favorites. The names on this CD read like an all-star line-up... a world championship team who has all come together to offer their talents unreservedly to Brian’s musical vision.
BRIAN MAES.... Has toured and recorded with rock greats such as Peter Wolf (lead singer of the J. Giels Band), RTZ (with Boston band mates Barry Goudreau and Brad Delp) as well as being commissioned in the U.K. as an arranger/conductor, keyboardist, composer and vocalist. Brian has also opened for U2, The Kinks, Little Richard, Yes, and many others.
This past year Brian was invited by the Boston Celtics to perform our National Anthem at the Fleet Center on Easter Sunday for the game between Boston and Milwaukee. In 1992 Brian wrote the #26 National Billboard chart hit "Until Your Love Comes Back Around".
This year’s CD release party at Capone’s in Peabody on Tuesday November 26th will surely, be one to remember! For ticket info, log on to www.brianmaes.com or call 781-477-9529