Wishing You a Happy Peaceful Holiday Plus Music News and Tips For My Favorite Holiday Havens in NYC!

 This time of year for most of us is often bittersweet.   A time of reflecting, expressing our love through giving what we can and finding gratitude for all that we have.  In doing so, we are often reminded of those who have less.  Those who are grieving, or those who are suffering in any capacity. Especially right now, so close to home for me, I think of the families whose holidays are forever tainted by the recent massacre in Connecticut and the little ones who won't wait up for Santa on Christmas Eve or open their presents. My heart just breaks apart when I think of this.  For those of you not on Facebook, I made a request that we all just take a few minutes of silence to send healing thoughts and prayers to these victims and then extend it to the countless suffering people all over the world.  With this, may we all find deeper gratitude, love and appreciation for our current, fortunate circumstances and everyone in our lives.
 

As I'm home for the hustle and bustle of this holiday season in NYC, I thought I'd share with you who may be in the area, some wonderful havens of peace that I always enjoy!

1.  Meditation and Buddhism in NYC: 127 West 24th Street (between 6th & 7th Avenues)   Resident teacher, Kadam Morten, will be leading a special New Year's Eve mediation to guide us into 2013!  The center is open all day and evening if you just want to sit and meditate in the exquisite temple.  There are also drop-in classes with Kadam Morten and other great teachers all throughout the week at the main center and in various branches in the NYC area.  You won't be disappointed and you will walk out feeling a little more peaceful, compassionate and appreciative of your life.  :-)

2.  Rubin Museum of Art - while my 12/28 Naked Soul show there is sold out, the Rubin is a great place to visit any day of the week and the guided tours on the meanings of the Himalayan art are simply phenomenal.  The food in the cafe is great too.  :-)

3.  Life In Motion Yoga - on 105th Street & Broadway.  Every teacher for every level is amazing at this center.  I highly recommend April Martucci and Dani Zuccherie-LeRoy.  If you're new to Yoga you will get such great instruction in the exact, appropriate environment for learning this ancient practice.  If you're experienced and want a challenging class, take the Vinyasa.  Life In Motion really stays true to the authenticity of the practice and the philosophy behind it, in fact, April often gives a little inspirational talk just before class.  I also love the vibe of the studio.  For gym-haters who want a great workout that will heal the mind as well, this is the place!  

4.  The Harlem Meer & Conservatory Gardens in Central Park.  Even in winter, these spots are magical and peaceful.  The Boathouse is pretty amazing for the vibe, food & drinks too! :-)  

OK, I'm sure the guide books cover just about everything else like Gospel Brunch in Harlem; windows at Bergdorf Goodman; the fabulous museums, shopping etc.  The above mentioned are my favorite spots.  So enjoy a peaceful time in NYC for the holidays and any time for that matter!

 

Now for the News:

I'm going into the studio tomorrow to begin recording the NEW CD!  The CD will be released this spring on Ruf Records and I'm super excited about the musicians who will be on it with me!  

Of course me and my songwriting partner/guitarist/co-producer, Jon Diamond along with NYC's best engineer Tim Hatfield, who will also co-produce. Tim has worked with many of the great legends, including Keith Richards, who has been quoted as saying, "Tim is one of the best!"   

We also have...drum roll please....

Shawn Pelton on Drums - (look him up or just check him out on SNL any Saturday night!)  Shawn has played with everyone I love and made some of my favorite recordings.  The list is far too extensive.  It was a longtime dream wish-list of mine to work with him and I learned a month ago that all I had to do was ask!  It turns out he's a fan of "Across The Universe," which I'm sure helped a bit ;-)

Jack Daley on Bass - (Lenny Kravitz, Joss Stone, etc)  I recently got to do a show with Jack and we hit it off IMMEDIATELY, both personally and musically. 

He and Shawn have also done many recordings together so I know they'll be one tight, rockin', monster rhythm section - and a BLAST to hang with for 5 days straight as we get our basic tracks down!

We'll be bringing back the extraordinary Glenn Patscha on Keys (Levon Helm, Roger Waters, Sheryl Crow, Ollabelle, etc).  Glenn is the guy that can play the sh*t out of any genre but it's always unique and quirky which makes him stand out above many great organ and piano players. 

On Background Vocals, I will, of course, have my usual gals, The Diva Express! Vivian Sessoms (Joe Cocker, Pink & her own amazing thing!) and Jenny Douglas (Pink, Toto & many more).  They are the most soulful gals I know, both in voice and friendship!

We are aiming to get some other special guests but that will have to be a 

surprise if it works out!  

I'm really so grateful that I even have a reason to make this album!  It's because I have all of YOU who give me the gift of listening to my songs and my stories and sharing your stories with me.  You have no idea how much so many of you have influenced my songwriting and how all of you have influenced and will continue to influence and inspire my show, my life, my music and my heart.

Have a peaceful, beautiful holiday and to all of my friends and fans in the US, I PROMISE we are working very hard to see much more of you in 2013.  It's high time! Stay tuned for more info on this and things to come...

Much, Much, Love and Gratitude,

Dana