Martini's Musings

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Location: United States

Monday, April 19, 2010



"...Oh that I could live with such a love as this
and go on through my life, and not have it for my own.
Oh then there's no beauty in the sky - 
Oh then there's no motion in the hills as they roll by
In the home where my love lives..........without me.

Oh that I could look and see another face
and walk away content to be without him in my heart.
Oh then there are no more words to rhyme.
Oh then all the music fades away with passing time.
I just can't believe it's so - if it is, I'll never know - 
I'll be four and two forever .........if it happens.

Oh that I could sleep with such a dream as this
and wake beside the heart I miss - of no one at my side.
Oh then there's no reason for my life.
Oh then there's no point in holding onto it so tight.
Tell me, what do I believe and what is it I can't leave?
For if I've received my fate, I have to know.....
Whether I can go on living with the thought.................I let it go! ..."


A warm Spring greeting to all of you fans and friends of Palma Pascale.

I really hadn't intended to write here on this breautiful day, but I have been searching for an important document I need to use in working with another of Palma's tunes, and in searching through the sea of papers I have, I ran across an email from my beautiful and talented friend dated Monday, July 31, 2006, that I wanted to share.  It was one of the more important emails I'd received up to that date, and for various reasons.  Mostly, it was because I learned on that Monday night that, because of my writing about Palm's work in such detail that I was (at least partially) responsible  for her sitting down again, composing some of her "new" work....new at that time, that is.  Some of that work, I believe, can be heard on the THIS MUST BE HEAVEN CD.  I had been sent a tune or two at that point that were new compositions, as Palm loved sending new tunes to me every bit as much as I loved getting them.  The tunes I had listened to, though, were more in her "Sinatraesque" style, not her Christian music.  In a later e-mail, Palm refers to one of the Christian pieces, however, in particular, YOU COULDN'T MEAN ME, the first track of THIS MUST BE HEAVEN.



I remember when I met Fred and Palm at Tiki in October of 07, and Palm played and sang this one for my wife and me - and told me I'd been the inspiration for her to start writing again.

Can you imagine how this made me feel?  ME?  Responsible for Palm writing new tunes?  Unheard of.....

I don't believe I'll ever get another compliment quite like that one.  It was so immensly important to me.  Many times I would question her about when she would write again - how did the process go for her, etc.  So, for her to say she'd started writing again at least in part because of my writing.....sharing my humble opinion in review of her work ; it was such an honor for me.

I've mentioned in other blogs how the "reviews" began very innocently, really, with just a letter of appreciation that I wrote to Palm after having been exposed to THE BROKEN CUP for a few days.  That CD grabbed hold of me and would NOT let go.

I also ran across Palm's response to that letter.  If I may, I'd like to share a bit of it:


 -----Original Message-----
  From: Palma Pascale [mailto:palmacarponline@yahoo.com]
  Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2006 6:13 PM
  To: Timothy San Paolo
  Subject: The Best Review, EVER!


  Dearest Tim,
  I am stunned by your exquisite review and commentary...you are like my very own ROGER EBERT, and I relished every word of your song reviews. Wow! I am forwarding it to my friend, Fred, at the studio, and he suggested we quote from your letter, with your permission, when it seems appropriate to give people a "sense" of the album. I am one smiling songwriter/singer tonight, that's for sure!!!

  Thank you for taking so much time and for being so very specific...I feel every word and am so uplifted once again by you. I will SO MUCH enjoy hearing how your versions go over in church, and please feel free to play the CD if you wish. If I am lucky, I may hear from a few more folks in your state who want the album. Think of how responsible YOU would be for helping me get known in your beautiful neck of the woods!!

  Love,  Palma

We wrote about many things to each other - I was forever asking questions, and Palm loved it.  Within the WHAT THE HELL NELL! songs came a real upbeat favorite for me called "Big Mike's Genteel Joint" - a lively, ragtime story about a little saloon in New York City.  Palm had done some counter lines along with the melody in a certain place and I wanted to know what both lines were.   I had guessed, but knew she'd fill me in.   Within her answer, however,  she said some other very important things to me:


Hi Tim,
   Great letter, as always. Your words make me feel very inspired to write more and more. I can't tell you how  you help me revisit my own stuff. You know, the writing is VERY EASY, and the only process is to think logically, in my own way, about what might be said next. There always seem to be alot of "choices'" and the only conflict is sometimes picking a line. I usually go with what I mumbled first. By the way, I try to maintain a very light and "sketchy" feeling as I start, and then I have to keep up quickly with random thoughts, because that's all they seem to be. I try to take them seriously, because otherwise, I would constantly dismiss them. They don't hang around long. Does that mean anything to you?

The counter lines that bump up against each other at the end of BIG MIKES are :
BOWERY BEAUTIES: Children play here, night and day here
                              
     Milk and cookies served
                              
     There's no fightin' just delightin' squeals are ever heard

while the BOWERY BRUISERS sing: They keep a comin'
                              
                          The place is hummin'
                              
                           Uptown swells are due
                              
                            They'll be arriving soon at 33 Montague

So you were close! I remember dashing off those 4 counter lines while we were making the recording. I felt like boosting the excitement level of the company number at that point, and I grabbed a pen on Fred's console and just wrote them. You see what I mean about grabbing it all quickly...otherwise it completely disappears. I very rarely remember anything a few moments afterward. I am always puzzled by people who say "Oh, I won't write it down, because if it's that good, I'll remember it tomorrow." If that were true, you and I wouldn't even know each other because the Carpenter song would never have been written, and you know the rest.

So I think I am nailing down WHY your words are extra important to me. Every time you marvel at something it reminds me that THAT is something that I almost didn't write down, or pay attention to. It makes me notice my own thoughts alot more. Mostly, I avoid getting started. I should start more often, especially when it could mean so much to so many people.
I have to thank you again for that. 



So, there are a couple of examples of how interesting I find it that both of us were so inspired by the other.  I mean....I was completely inspired by Palma's music - so much so that I didn't give up playing and singing as had been my plan.... rather, I took up a whole new path with my music as hearing THE BROKEN CUP, and meeting Palm changed all those prior plans.  Her music and those stories were helping me, while my words about that awesome music was really touching her, too.  That was what it was all about - for both of us - the entire 4 years.  I worked from my heart and wrote to you, my readers, about this woman and her phenomenal talent, and Palm composed from HER heart - and she'd be so enthused to send me the new songs - it was a grand friendship and  mutual admiration, for certain.


I miss her every single day.  I do find solace, at least, a bit, in the extraordinary catalogue of songs she left behind.  Her creativity - her energy - her amazing genius will never, ever be forgotten.


That's all for today - since I ran across these pieces of correspondence, I wanted to share at least a piece or two of them with you.


I have so much more to write about.  I am composing a Wikipedia page for Palm, too, and I hope to, at some point, learn enough to update and enhance her current website.  Oofah!


BTW, I've had lots of orders for and I have been sending out lots of Palma's CD's both Christian and Pop.  Yesterday, I got the nicest comment -  Palma would want me to share it with you here:





"I am SO looking forward to getting this new CD. I have no doubt whatsoever I'll be as enamored with it as I currently am Palma's "This Must Be Heaven" CD. I loaded the TMBH songs onto my iPod and I take them with me and listen to (and sing to) them every single day in my drive to work. It never fails to put a big smile on my face. I just love her songs - what brilliance!"

That was from another musician on the West Coast, Heather Glynn.

I'm with you, Heather - I listen to Palm every single day as well.  Her work never fails to put a smile on my face, and perhaps a tear in my eye.  Unbelievable!

I have no idea where my next inspiration to write will come from, so I'll just close saying thank you to all my readers for the love and respect you've always shown to our Palma.  She SO loved knowing that her friends and fans alike were getting better acquainted with the gift she owned.  She was about the music!

"... Tell me what do I believe, and what is it I can't leave?
For if I've received my fate, I have to know
whether I can go on living with the thought, I LET IT GO! ..."


Until Next Time Then,
Martini~

Photo Credits:  In & Out Of Love Cover- Dominick Avento III, and photo of Palma is from the collection of Frank Rendo.

Friday, April 02, 2010




Hi Everyone!

Happy Easter to you...

It's official and the date has been set for a second tribute concert for the wonderful Long Island composer, recording artist Palma Pascale.



Palma left this world on September 8, 2009.  Her music and legacy will live on and endure in the hearts of this loving community of fans and friends, as well as those around the globe who have fallen in love with that beautiful voice,  and those incredibly awesome compositions.



As my regular readers are aware, Palma composed in many genres from Ragtime to Contemporary Christian music.  Her fan base is huge and truly spans the globe.  Just ask someone from the Philippines to sing "LOVE ME FOR WHAT I AM" for you - and they WILL!  They know every word, as evidenced by the YouTube video of Martin Nievera, the "Concert King" of the Philippines who sang this song to an audience of 50,000+.  When the camera panned the audience, they were all singing the song; every single word.  Watch it, here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIbSqjuO4Yc&playnext_from=TL&videos=qLdyUy3X81I

Palma was so touched when, at various times last year when she was in the hospital, Philippine nurses, techs and aides alike would come into her room singing her own songs to her.  She felt very well cared for by all of them, and they adored her and her indescribably vast talent.

Personally, I long to be a part of this tribute event, as I was fortunate enough to be counted among Palma's "close friends."  I was given the opportunity to contribute to her last Christian album, due to the thoughtfulness of Tiki Recording Studio owner, Fred Guarino. I was extremely honored to help with this project - a most rewarding experience for me - contributing musical arrangements as well as lending my voice to the effort.  I've never been more proud of any musical accomplishment as I was of this - something I couldn't have imagined getting to be involved with four short years ago.

I will not be able to attend this event, nor will I be one of the "friends who have worked with her in the music industry" who " wish to celebrate her artistry" on this night - one of those who will be performing - showing their love to the world for both Palm and her music.  I will have to wait on a report of the evening's events;  then I promise to write about it here.  I have no doubt whatsoever it will be a huge, sold-out success, just as the first tribute concert was.

And, speaking of reporting - I can tell you that the first tribute to Palma "In Her Own Words" was, indeed, a monumental success.  St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethpage, NY, was the venue, and these same artists performed music composed by Palma to a sold-out, standing room only crowd....and there was a "waiting list" for last minute available tickets.



The performers: Frank Rendo, Patrizia DiLorenzo, Jackie Carey, Al Barbarino, Bobbie Ruth Levy and Laurie Mangano sang solos and duets, and they gave their all on this night to a large crowd of appreciative individuals who left the concert with a little more love and a lot more happiness in their hearts.  Friend Jackie Carey is an Interpretive Dancer, and her contribution to both events is an Interpretive Dance to Palma's title song, "This Must Be Heaven"  with Palma, herself, singing the vocals.  All reports, from the performers themselves, to audience members told the same story of the success of the event.  I have no doubt, whatsoever, that Palm was having a heavenly party on that night - looking down from the Heaven that she wrote so eloquently about, and being reminded of just how loved she was: and what an impact she made on so many lives within the musical world, and outside of it, with her compositions.

It was on this night that THIS MUST BE HEAVEN was initially released.  As my previous blog is all about this magnificent CD, I won't repeat lots of details about it here - suffice to say, however, there are two people who, without them, THIS MUST BE HEAVEN would never have seen the light of day as a completed CD.

First, my talented friend - master engineer, Fred Guarino.  Fred's vision to finish this CD, and the untold hours of love and toil he put into its production is just without description.

Secondly, the tenacity of Frank Rendo who performs on the CD (part of the joy for me in doing my part was singing with Frank and working closely with Fred) .   Frank had performed so intimately  with Palma over the prior two years, both in concert, and in the studio.  He was instrumental in helping to organize the first tribute show, as well as this one - performing in both as well as acting as Master of Ceremonies for both events.

This, of course, is the CD I was a part of, as well - and I wrote my most difficult blog ever, all about it.


I thank Fred for his determination in producing this CD.  It could not have been a more difficult task for a friend and colleague of more than 25 years to do - finish the production of the CD where Palma's voice literally played over and over again in Fred's ear - hour after hour, until the final track was mastered, and in place.  This only weeks after her untimely death.

Frank, on the other hand, had shows to do - with tracks made for his last three albums by Palma - and her voice on many of them.  Plus, a good number of these songs were her very own compositions.  The previous year, these two dear friends shared the stage with each other many times (as well as the untold number of hours they were together in the studio), but most notably at Christmas time.  Frank was charged with continuing to perform, only this Christmas season, without his friend and collaborating partner at his side.

There are many things that generally aren't given much pause, until one lives through them, eh?  Typically, none of us really look at the depth of a significant loss in the broader scope of its ramifications.  In this case, there were many.  The ripple continues to this day.

As for me, I plan to continue my writings regarding Palm and her music.  You see....I asked a lot of questions early on, which Palm rarely, if ever, failed to answer for me - IN DETAIL!  She didn't have to do it, but she never felt that any question was trite or pointless, and an answer would always come.  Oh sure, there are MANY things we were GOING to discuss ...... later.  Sadly, later will never happen for us.  But, I have much to write about - a tremendous amount to say, and a lot of good e-mails and archived "Palma" information to draw from... for a long time to come.

If you are one of the fortunate ones who live in or around the Long Island area, make your plans NOW to attend this second, quite special night of music and celebration as these 7 splendid artists share with you the stunning music of Palma Pascale.

Hmmm....7 artists - Palm would very much have appreciated that, as 7 was her favorite number.  Fitting somehow, don't you think?

Here then, are the details:

ADVANCED TICKETS - $20.00----Tickets  MUST BE PRE-PURCHASED - (phone reservations are not available for this event) 

Tickets are available by contacting Samantha's Li'l Bit of Heaven287 Larkfield Road, East Northport, NY  11731.

PHONE:  631-262-1212.

Doors will open at 8pm - show begins at 8:30 pm.

Samantha's is a fragrance-free environment.

RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST!!! (Early Reservations Suggested)

Call now to reserve your seats for one East Northport's GREATEST evenings of music, celebration and refreshment.  A Tribute To Palma Pascale.

www.SamanthasLilBitofHeaven.org.

Until next time, I remain
Musically yours,
~Tim  (AKA) Martini~

PHOTOS in order of appearance - Martin Nievera, Tim San Paolo & Fred Guarino, Tim San Paolo and Palma Pascale, Palma Pascale's THIS MUST BE HEAVEN CD cover, Palma Pascale & Jackie Carey, Fred Guarino, Frank Rendo, Frank Rendo & Palma Pascale, Tim San Paolo, and the performers of the TRIBUTE TO PALMA, "In Her Own Words."