Collaborations - Songs From the Heart Volume 1

​Collaborations

Songs From the Heart Volume 1
self-released; 2025

​By ​Dino DiMuro

Songs From The Heart Volume 1 is a sprawling, diversified collection of collaborative tracks recording under the umbrella name “Collaborations.” This project was designed to be “a fusion of purpose and melody, (and) a unique convergence of artistry and vision.” Musically it spans what the project calls “the timeless backdrop of the 60s, 70s and 80s.”

The project was conceived by Ed Daniels, who co-wrote many of the songs. Production was by Vic Steffens of Horizon Studios, with orchestrations by Matt Oestreicher (Stevie Wonder, John Legend). The core band includes lead guitarist Al Ferrante (Edgar Winter, Cyndi Lauper), Bassist Scott Spray (Johnny Winter, Ronnie Spector) and drummer Bobby Torello (Grace Slick, Michael Bolton). Each song features a different vocalist: the project managers provided a foundational theme and structure, encouraging the singers to “weave their unique perspectives and emotional depth into the fabric of each song.” Most of the singers wrote their own lyrics. There’s videos for most songs along with the Spotify playlist, so I’ll be jumping back and forth.

The opening track “Let The Love In” is about letting your guard down and becoming more open to love. This is a showcase for the terrific vocals of Anais Preller, whose pipes evoke Anita Baker or Sade. We’re also introduced to the lovely, tight backing vocals of the four-voice Kevin Monroe Choir, an expansive string arrangement and Santana-like percussion. There’s also saxophones, along with a flute solo by Bill Holloman. Scott Spray’s bass is also noteworthy. “Ready For Love” is interesting in that the Spotify track is ONLY the backing singers! I thought it was some weird conceptual mix, but over on YouTube the track is totally filled out. Lead singer Sheila Fabrizio has a nicely “childlike” voice atop 60’s style brass and fuzz guitar. Guitarist Al Ferrante takes a killer Rickenbaker solo.

“Don’t You See” is a song about finding your own way in life and not waiting for someone to tell you what to do. Sylvia Jones takes a lovely lead vocal with Shaft-like strings by Dave Eggar. “Doing Fine” (featuring Suzanne Kiss) has the same basic sound as the previous track, and overall has similar vibes to Roberta Flack’s “Feel Like Making Love.” The core band is quite active, with double time beats, happily strummed guitars and inventive piano trills. Strings this time are arranged by Jake Polumbo. “Think About It” featuring Rose Taytro recalls both The Four Seasons and Jackson Browne (“Somebody’s Baby”). This one’s got a great, catchy chorus with the line “You better THINK about it!”

“Got a Feeling” (with Heather Joseph on vocals) takes a lateral move to Joe Cocker-Leon Russell blues, thanks both to the organ and the way the lead and backing vocals combine to create a joyful, Gospel-like sound. “Where We Belong” features Carla Zipay, who has a lower-sounding voice than the previous singers. This track stands out as a 60’s folk-pop hybrid, with a chorus arrangement weirdly similar to the pop hit “Bend Me Shake Me”. Al Ferrante takes an unexpected harmonic lead guitar solo. The closing track “Running Out of Tomorrows” was written by Ed Daniels and features a trio of singers: Heather Joseph, Ricky Alan Draughn and Suzanne Vick. This is the song that really drives home the message of the project: “Why can’t people come together and change the way we see things? Because we’re running out of tomorrows to change.” This is another pop arrangement with a good amount of gospel influence.

There’s 11 songs total and they are consistent enough in tone that the changing of the singers is not always obvious on first listen. It’s music that makes you feel good and brings hope. Not a bad deal!

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