Where We Are rides you through a series of Cleveland themes from the here and now to then. Stories of Cleveland radio, record labels and the people making that scene are accompanied by bar bands throwing baseballs.
Inspiration for the songs comes from the garden variety that defines our city - including disc jockey Alan Freed, Interstate 77, record company executive Steve Popovich, Record Rendezvous founder Leo Mintz and the John Lowenstein Apathy Club.
These are songs about people I know and love now, or imagined from another time.
Meet the Sheridans (1:55) is the theme song for my friends' television show in my mind. Gertrude and Jim Rayburn have a Will Kimbrough autographed concert poster hanging in their home dedicated "to the hard traveling Sheridans - don't worry, you're on the list!" They are on my list, too.
77 (3:34) came after seeing Cindy Barber at an industry event one fall afternoon. Brent Kirby was on the bill. The imagery of a consistent commute allows the imagination to wander when contemplating certain life choices.
Put it There (4:24) overhears an imagined sales pitch from Alan Freed to any artist that captured his attention. Predatory capitalism and unbridled optimism make for an intoxicating cocktail almost anytime, and money is still the best way to reach the score board.
Cleveland International (4:08) is my allegory of the life of Steve Popovich written with record labels. Steve had some of the biggest ears and one of the biggest hearts in the industry.
Where We Are (3:00) has everything to do with Ilona being by my side.
Top of the Dial (4:18) is the story of Leo Mintz giving the lips of rock and roll a whistle to blow. He understood the 'business' of "show business" and was the first financial stream that Alan Freed cruised on the way to the bottom of his deep blue sea.
Take the Backline (3:21) and the extra time, free advice and right exit. Every band on the run would do well by themselves to take care of the tools of their trade.
Another Year (3:33) Hope springs eternal for any longtime hometown sports fan. In this city, we get ‘em next year, every year! Copyright 2013 Leonard DiCosimo Music.
77 (3:34) came after seeing Cindy Barber at an industry event one fall afternoon. Brent Kirby was on the bill. The imagery of a consistent commute allows the imagination to wander when contemplating certain life choices.
Put it There (4:24) overhears an imagined sales pitch from Alan Freed to any artist that captured his attention. Predatory capitalism and unbridled optimism make for an intoxicating cocktail almost anytime, and money is still the best way to reach the score board.
Cleveland International (4:08) is my allegory of the life of Steve Popovich written with record labels. Steve had some of the biggest ears and one of the biggest hearts in the industry.
Where We Are (3:00) has everything to do with Ilona being by my side.
Top of the Dial (4:18) is the story of Leo Mintz giving the lips of rock and roll a whistle to blow. He understood the 'business' of "show business" and was the first financial stream that Alan Freed cruised on the way to the bottom of his deep blue sea.
Take the Backline (3:21) and the extra time, free advice and right exit. Every band on the run would do well by themselves to take care of the tools of their trade.
Another Year (3:33) Hope springs eternal for any longtime hometown sports fan. In this city, we get ‘em next year, every year! Copyright 2013 Leonard DiCosimo Music.
Support live music and local artists.
Leonard DiCosimo, electric bass, lead and harmony vocals
David McHenry, electric and acoustic guitars, background vocals
Rob Kovacs, piano, organ and fender rhodes, background vocals
Dan Price, drums and percussion, background vocals
and special guests
Rachel Brown, vocals and Al Moss, pedal steel guitar - Where We Are
Bruce Koscheck, tenor saxophone - Top of the Dial
Joe Miller, trumpet - Another Year
Holly Feiler, Kim Mihalik and Ilona Simon, background vocals and footstomps - Top of the Dial and Another Year
Where We Are was recorded in the Survival Kit Gallery at the 78th Street Studios.
Brent Kirby served as producer. The sound engineer was Brian Straw.
Where We Are was mastered by Adam Boose at Cauliflower Audio.
Bruce Koscheck, tenor saxophone - Top of the Dial
Joe Miller, trumpet - Another Year
Holly Feiler, Kim Mihalik and Ilona Simon, background vocals and footstomps - Top of the Dial and Another Year
Where We Are was recorded in the Survival Kit Gallery at the 78th Street Studios.
Brent Kirby served as producer. The sound engineer was Brian Straw.
Where We Are was mastered by Adam Boose at Cauliflower Audio.
Jeannene Mathis - Bertosa, site photography
Gary Adams, band photography
Gary Adams, band photography
