Celebrating the Music of Lowen & Navarro
Recording artists of all stripes are banding together in support of renowned singer songwriter Eric Lowen of the duo Lowen & Navarro and organizations united in the fight against ALS (Lou Gherig's Disease). Award-winning songwriter, Eric Lowen, was diagnosed with ALS almost six years ago. Setting an example for us all, Eric has continued to work tirelessly on his music, recording, writing and until recently, even performing. Now Eric's friends and peers have united to pay tribute to Eric and others who suffer from this life taking disease. Friends who have lent their voices and respect not just of the music but also the man, are: Jackson Browne, John Ondrasik (of Five For Fighting), Keb' Mo', The Bangles, Severin Browne, Joel Rafael, Andy Chase, The Refugees, Freebo, Eddie from Ohio, Phil Parlapiano, Charlie Wadhams and Stonehoney.
To borrow a term from bluesman Sonny Boy Williamson ll, when speaking of musicians and the music business, it is a "Little Village." When it became known that Eric Lowen had ALS -- the response was overwhelmingly, "What can we do?" This set in motion the beginnings of this tribute record which is comprised of recordings by the first artists who raised their hands and said, "I want to be a part of this." However, it should be noted that as word grew about the project, more and more of us asked to be involved, but as a matter of momentum and fairness this project includes only those first artists who made it clear they wanted to be a part of celebrating Eric Lowens' contributions as a singer, songwriter, and performer. This alone says more about respect and admiration than any words I could try to write. The list of contributors speaks for itself.
Thus it began. These artists, singers, songwriters, managers and producers, who are also fans, responded by donating their time, their studios, knowledge, and of course their talent to show some love and admiration for Eric Lowen. Contributions came from all over -- versions of Lowen & Navarro songs from those who had collaborated with them, shared the stage with them, covered one of their songs or were simply fans.
It is a "Little Village" and when an artist / friend / father / husband becomes stricken with a horrible disease we all feel it. So in an effort to turn away from suffering and towards celebration, may this collection of songs help us all to appreciate fine friends, good times and fine music. Actually, maybe it's best to quote a couple of well-respected songwriters: "and the darkness seems so endless until the dawn arrives, we'll hold the spark between us and keep the light alive."
Friends who have lent their voices and respect not just of the music but also the man, are: Jackson Browne, John Ondrasik (of Five For Fighting), Keb' Mo', The Bangles, Severin Browne, Joel Rafael, Andy Chase, The Refugees, Freebo, Eddie from Ohio, Phil Parlapiano, Charlie Wadhams and Stonehoney. Sound bytes from the CD and online ordering are available at: www.keepthelightalive.org.
Keep the Light Alive: Celebrating the Music of Lowen & Navarro Benefits: The Eric Lowen Trust. Augie's Quest and the ALSA LA
