The story of two star-crossed lovers.
Since February is the month of love, we’re throwing it back to reminisce on our beloved 2019 album Lovers & Love Songs. But this isn’t just any old romance album; it’s a story, a journey into the colliding lives of two star-crossed lovers. So, put on your heart-eyed glasses, grab your popcorn and a glass of your favorite red wine, and join us on a trip down memory lane. We will go on an adventure through all the stages of love, contemplate the power of love and ultimately leave you to draw your own interpretations. Let’s go!
Wait, before we begin our journey, let me give you a little backstory behind the conception album itself. Following two sold out concerts in Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers, NiA Managing Director/Producer Kathy Salem encouraged the WJ3 All-Stars to take their performances to the next level in a studio album. The band members excitedly agreed, which led to a deeply nourishing, fulfilling and generative collaboration. Pianist Donald Vega said that it was his first time playing with the band and it was such fun! Saxophonist Ralph Moore said, “It’s one of the best recordings I have made in the past ten years.”
Not only are the WJ3 All-Stars composed of several of the jazz industry’s top musicians, but they also excel in storytelling through music. Like I said earlier, Lovers & Love Songs tells the story of two people in love, which creates a level of depth, emotional intensity and resonance that you can feel in every song. Okay then, so let’s begin our journey . . .
I’ve Never Been in Love Before – WJ3 All-Stars
Every romance begins with a protagonist, and ours is Roberta. A vivid woman in the modern age, Roberta feels like she’s unlucky in love and has never really been in love before. While you listen to the first song on the album, imagine Roberta sitting alone at a diner that boasts “the best food in the middle of nowhere.” Roberta watches the steam curl up from her mug of coffee, like the curling musical notes of the saxophone playing on the nearby jukebox. She is contemplating her life, and her lack of love.
First Time I Saw Your Face – WJ3 All-Stars
Oh, but wait! Roberta remembers that she has indeed been in love before. She remembers the first time she saw her old flame’s face. Colin. Yes, Colin. How could she forget about him? Well, because it never worked out with Colin. Even though, deep down, Roberta felt that Colin loved her just as much as she loved him, she had gotten tired of waiting around for him to make a commitment to her.
Cry Me A River – WJ3 All-Stars
Oh yes, Colin had issues with commitment. He was from out west after all, Roberta thought. Maybe he was just too trendy for commitment? But whatever, Roberta simply felt like she couldn’t forgive that night, many years ago, when Colin left her stranded at the Cry Me A River Hotel. After a lovely weekend getaway together, Roberta had woken up in their luxurious bed and rolled over to find the spot next to her empty. Empty? Where had Colin gone? Without saying goodbye? She stood up and found a note on the table. I love you, it said. But I can’t do this, I’m not ready, and I’ll never be good enough for you anyway. Goodbye, Colin. That was the last time Roberta had seen Colin but not a moment had passed that she hadn’t been thinking about him.
Here’s That Rainy Day – WJ3 All-Stars
Roberta returned from her reveries to sipping her coffee in the diner. Rain began to drizzle and splash outside the window next to her. Of course, Roberta thought. Of course it’s going to start to rain now. The weather accurately represented her gloomy mood. But then there was a “ping!” and her phone vibrated. Who could it be? Roberta looked at the screen. It was a call from a number she didn’t recognize. She answered anyway. “Roberta!” the voice said on the other end. It was Colin. How did he know that she had just been thinking about him?
From This Moment On – WJ3 All-Stars
“Roberta,” Colin said. “How have you been?” Roberta and Colin caught up on their lives, what had happened in the past few years. It was nice enough but Roberta was impatient for the conversation to become more serious. She wanted to know why he was calling. What were his motivations?
Finally, Colin said, “Listen, Roberta. I made a mistake all those years ago. I shouldn’t have left you. It pains me now to think about how terrible that must’ve made you feel. I was so incredibly stupid back then, so stupid and so young. I didn’t know what I wanted. Hell, I didn’t even know who I was back then. I was still finding myself, and I know that’s not an excuse to treat someone the way I treated you, but it’s just the truth. I was confused and immature, but not anymore. I know exactly who I am now. I know what I want; all I’ve ever wanted–it’s to love and be loved by you. Not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought about you. From this moment on I want to do everything in my power to get you back. Will you meet me?”
Roberta was too shocked for words. There were tears dripping down her cheeks and her heart was pounding but she couldn’t speak. All the memories of their relationship flooded back: picnics at the park, holding hands, kissing each other’s noses. She loved him and he loved her. She was euphoric, jubilant, on top of the world. For years she had wished, yearned, even pleaded to God for a moment like this. But then the initial joy was undercut by doubt. Now that this moment was here she feared that it felt almost too good to be true. Could she really trust Colin again? Was what he said true? Should she really go and meet him?
Well, that’s all for now folks! I apologize for leaving you on a cliffhanger, but we wanted to leave the ending open to your own interpretations. So what do you think? While you listen to Lovers & Love Songs, why don’t you daydream, imagine a bit. If this was your story to finish, what happened to Roberta and Colin?
written by Jacqueline Knirnschild
