"Tell them dear, that if eyes were made for seeing, then beauty is it's own excuse for being."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson, "The Rhodora"

Lest this sound shallow, let me explain. I am just having a moment. A small inner rant which must be released. I was speaking with a friend, about the small pleasures in each day, when he revealed he had never seen a silk robe in real life. What?!? How is this possible? Civilization is in a shambles! All of which I said to him. That's basically my rant. I hope when Midnight Refrain is in full swing, it will contribute to filling a void in our harried, stressed, couldn't care less, pajamas-in-the-grocery-store world. (Cue surly comments from pajamas-in-the-grocery-store wearers.) Certainly life is messy and unpredictable, it is reality. And there is a beauty to be found in that. But it seems to me that a lovely melody, a pretty frock, kind words, and a silk robe can only make things better. Maybe I'm old fashioned. (What a surprise!) But if you didn't agree with me at least a little, you probably wouldn't be reading this.

Rant over. Now to actual information. 3 songs for the Julie London Songbook are finished and will be available for download this coming week! Silk robe being added to the planned Midnight Refrain clothing collection.

Bracing for the backlash,
Laura

"It's hard to lead a cavalry charge if you think you look funny on a horse."

Which is why I'm buying some fabulous jodphurs and a ruffled ascot, because I HAVE FOLLOWERS! Hello! So to you loyal 6, I say thank you. And, Tally Ho!

On to the point of blog #3. We did our first recording session for the new album a few days ago. I am so thrilled, and so fortunate, to have such superb musicians on board. During the solos I just wanted to roll around squealing on the floor. We all are working a lot, which is great, but leaves small and only occasional windows during which everybody can gather to record. So it will be piecemeal, but we are on our way with some delicious stuff in the can. My good and faithful followers will be the first to know when songs are available for download. Also when our e-store is up and running. We plan to have a full album ready for release by the end of the Summer. And, stay tuned for new photos to be soon gracing the 'Promo' Gallery here on midnightrefrain.com.

The above quote is from Adlai Stevenson, by the way. Who may or may not have rocked an ascot.

Until next time, wield your riding crop with a kind hand. And watch out for that low-hanging branch.

Still going, still bold. Still a possible train wreck in the making.

Despite that, I'm lurching foolishly into blog #2. Which will be short. Which means there is a lesser chance I'll embarrass myself.

I just wanted to give a shout out to my 4 - count 'em, 4 - followers! YAY! Thanks for climbing aboard! And I wanted to report that Midnight Refrain's second photo shoot, which was today, was FABULOUS, thanks to Darryl Martin, Genius Photographer, and Carlanda Williamson, who donated about half of her vintage hat collection for our use. The proofs I've seen so far are killer.

To Boldly Go Where I Probably Shouldn't

...Because at the moment there are a handful of people who respect me. Friends, fans, peers. This is about to change, as I am now BLOGGING. Eeek!! I'll be trying to learn this blogging thing as I go, so be tolerant of me. And please remember, I am but a chick singer.

Which brings me to the reason I am launching this blog, this courageous foray into uncharted territory. I am starting what I think will be a fabulous journey, and I hope that you will come along for the ride. I have worked in Las Vegas as a singer for roughly 20 years now, singing what I'm told to to earn the dollar. But this will be the first time that I will get the chance to sing exactly and only what I want. Heh heh heh! That's right, it's all about me! Except that it's not. What I'm dearly hoping is to put out music and related product that other people love as much as I do. What it's really about is creating and sharing beauty. First and foremost in the form of music. The great jazz and pop standards of the 30s, 40s, and 50s. But I also am a big fan of the style and culture of the era, so I will also hope to recreate that for other fans of 30's-50's fashion and lifestyle. The warmth, the refinement, the glamour. All of which was well represented in the music, and here we are back where we started. It always starts and ends with music at Midnight Refrain. So if you love nostalgia, if you love classic movies, and especially if you love the great jazz and pop standards, please join me. I love dishing with other fans. OK, also it's that I hate to crash and burn alone. Though it reminds me of this great song...