Liner Notes by Nick Perito: The words that came to mind the first time I heard this album were "exciting" -- "fresh" -- "innovative". However, after the second and third listenings, I realized they didn't come close to describing the true substance of this collection of beautiful songs -- some old, some new -- all arranged and conducted magnificently by Ed Vodicka. His solo piano playing is an absolute joy -- tender and delicate on the ballads, percussive and dynamic on the up tunes. It warms my heart to heard good music arranged like this (covering so many different styles) and played by a group of musicians who obviously had a wonderful time working with Ed. Their ensemble playing is truly impressive! . . . I feel too many young instrumentalists today seem to focus on technique -- to "dazzle" rather than to "communicate." The soloists here -- starting with Ed on piano, John Frigo, violin, Mike Smith on alto, and Howard Levy on harmonica are much more concerned with substance. You will get the feeling they are "talking to you" -- delivering a soulful and personal message. What a delight! I'm happy this kind of music is still alive and well and thriving in the hands of these talented musicians. So do yourself a favor. Get comfortable . . . kick back . . . and listen to the musical magic of Ed Vodicka, his piano and orchestra - Nick Perito - Hidden Hills, California, October 1988 PERSONNEL: Piano: Ed Vodicka Bass: Jim Atlas (except Dennis Johnson on “Heart To Heart” and “Caught Up In The Rapture” Drums: Chuck Christiansen Guitar: Frank Hastik Percussion: Bob Wessberg Alto Saxes/Flutes: Angelo Basagos, Mike Smith Tenor Saxes/Flutes/Clarinets: Ray Migascz, John Smarzewski Baritone Sax/Alto Flute/Bass Clarinet: Lenny Druss Trumpets/Flugle Horns: Danny Barber, Jim Booth, Warren Kime, Dave Frohlechstein Trombones: Loren Binford, Scott Bliege, John Mose Bass Trombone: Mike Meyers Horns: Glen Estrin, Beth Mazur-Johnson Violins: Joseph Golan (cm), John Frigo, Elliot Golub, Sol Bobrov, Adrian Gola, Florentina Ramniceanu, Ruth Goodman, Peter LaBella Violi: Everett Zlatoff-Mirsky, Roger Moulton Celli: Barbara Havvner, Susan LaBella Produced by Ed Vodicka Assistant Producer: Frank Panico Recorded and mixed at Rivernorth Recorders, Chicago IL September 1987 Chief Engineer: Larry Millas Digital Mastering: Acme Audio & Recording Mastering Engineer: Paul Smith Kawai GS-70 Grand Piano courtesy of Gus Cordogan/Geneva Piano & Kawai America Piano Technician: Mark Capelli Music Preparation: Jeff Turner – Mike Meyers – Charles Rich Photography: Rick Frigo/Images Jacket Design and Graphics: Joel Bogart Title: Connie Cain/Chrysalis Design Cover Photo Reprocessing: Bloomquist and Associates Production Coordinator: Jim Atlas A special Thank You to Jim Reid This album was recorded and mixed using digital multi-track and 2 track equipment. Due to problems with the digital 2 track tape, the album was digitally mastered from an analog safety master tape.