A Sonny Day” (dedicated to the memory of Frank “Sonny” Lucia) is a “day-in-the-life of ” concept, beginning with Duke Ellington’s prayerful greeting: “I Like The Sunrise.”
The ‘day’ progresses with “Lugar Bonito,” a song that serves as a metaphor for life’s journey.
As the sun rises higher in the sky, the songs gain in intensity with the vocalise/sax duet on Chick Corea’s “Sea Journey,” the sexy and drivin’ “Sunny,” and the swingin’ “Fun Life.” High noon climaxes with a samba treatment on “I Only Have Eyes For You.”
The day goes on, the sun begins to set, and the songs get quieter as we remember and dream of those we love, and those we’ve lost. “In The Land Of Make Believe” and “When The World Is At Rest” are like lullabies, ushering in night time; “I Call You Sonny,” written by Elaine, invokes childhood images.
The Dave Frishberg/Johnny Mandel song “You Are There” reminds us that our loved ones are never truly gone; they live in our hearts and within the small moments of every day life that evoke cherished memories.
The last song, “Final Remembrance,” was originally an instrumental song by vibraphonist Gerry Grosz; Elaine wrote the lyrics to the haunting melody in tribute to her father who passed away before the record was completed.
Elaine Lucia, Vocals
Jonathan Alford, Piano
Pierre Archain, Bass
Alan Hall, Drums
Gerry Grosz, Vibes, Arrangements
Dave MacNab, Guitar
Michael Goodell, Guitar
Jeff Kashiwa, Saxophone
Arranged by: Gerry Grosz
Recorded at Mesa Studios, Sebastopol, CA and Room With A View Studio, Petaluma, CA
Engineered, Mixed and Mastered by Jamie Bridges, Room With A View Studio
Photos by Tammy Mallet