| Kudos for Love Embraces All |
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Ben Dowling's song and production of "Love Embraces All" was delivered to Korg's Tokyo headquarters, just prior to the unveiling of the Oasys - Open Architecture Synthesis Studio at the NAMM show in Los Angeles.
The song, which had been posted on the internal Korg web site, has drawn compliments from around the world. Comments refer to the unusual blending of influences - jazz, hip-hop, and popular music styles. "I love cool changes," Dowling retorted.. From Ben Dowling: "I've really been thinking about where jazz needs to go. As a straight ahead player and as a groover, as well as a new technology kind of person, I'm influenced by lots of things that are happening right now. And I love the authenticity of songs that have something meaningful to say. FYI, this song was inspired by reading a NYT's article about parents selling their children into prostitution in Thailand, and from my work in prisons here in the US. I asked myself, what would be the message these people need to hear? Sort of my Universal consciousness thing... So, I go into an inner process where I synthesize music from all these influences. This song came out of that process, and I'm really happy with how it's touched people. Korg was generous enough to "get it," and to act on it. So, I'm so grateful for having it featured on the finest electronic instrument that money can buy. [in fact, I bought one!] I love the Earth, Wind and Fire stuff that I play with Al McKay, and the singers and horn players on this version are from that band, and include - one of our national treasures, Tim Owens on lead vocals; awesome vocalists Devere Ducket and Claude Woods, the remaining members of the famed Phenix Horns - Mike Harris and Rahmlee Michael Davis on trumpets, the amazing Ed Wynne on saxophone, and the awesome, Wyndell Kelly on trombone - who also arranged the horns for me. I am so honored to share the stage with them. I also want to thank one of the great song writers of our time, Rickie Byars-Beckwith, who let me know I was doin' all right with this song. Sometimes we all need a little reassurance! I'm definitely planning to create more material like this one..." |
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