GLOW is the title of one of the songs on this record, and it also happens to capture the theme of this project. When I first met Tarik Greene at a Restorative Justice panel 3 years ago, he GLOWED as he described the work of M.A.D.E. Transitional Services, a grassroots, non-profit organization in Rockland County, NY that he and Toney Earl, Jr. co-founded to advocate for men and women coming out of prison. I was struck by his determination and dedication to make a difference in the lives of formerly incarcerated people, in essence to help them GLOW, despite the stigmatization and discrimination they face when they come out of prison. Whether they were falsely accused, or actually committed a crime, these people have served their time and deserve a second chance, a chance to GLOW!
My husband, Paul and I began brainstorming concrete ways we could be of support to M.A.D.E. Transitions. We’ve organized 4 Benefit Concerts (two in Brooklyn, NY and two in our Nyack, NY backyard), thanks to the generous hearts of gifted professional musicians in our daughter’s circle: Julia Adamy, Ross Pederson, Addison Frei, Bob Lanzetti, Joel Cross, Melissa McMillan and Tahira Clayton, who GLOW with their investment in dignity and humanity for all, particularly the most marginalized. We are so grateful to our son, Wil Adamy, who also GLOWS as he graciously filmed and photographed all the events.
At last summer’s benefit concert, as the musicians were performing soulful songs of social justice, our dear friend, Matt Balitsaris was so inspired by the work of M.A.D.E. and these talented musicians, that he offered to enrich their GLOW, by recording the band in his Bucks County, PA studio. Matt and his wife, Margaret, GLOWED with the warmth of their hospitality, generosity and laughter, hosting us for a magical week of recording meaningful music.
Thanks for keeping the GLOW lit, by increasing your awareness about the alarmingly disproportionate numbers of people of color in our prison system, by caring about this project, purchasing this album, spreading the word to others, while helping us create an additional avenue to raise funds for M.A.D.E.
Let’s GLOW as we all take a step, a few steps can turn into a courageous stand, to dismantle injustice, one action at a time! Namaste from Deb Adamy
aka Mama A December 2019
released August 4, 2020
Credits:
Joel Cross, vocals, acoustic guitar, lead vocals on "Tables Will Turn" & "Look at Me"
Melissa McMillan, vocals, lead vocals on "No More", "Glow" & "The View"
Tahira Clayton, vocals, lead vocals on "Black Gold" & "Stand By You"
Addison Frei, piano, Fender Rhodes, synth
Bob Lanzetti, electric and acoustic guitars
Julia Adamy, electric bass
Ross Pederson, drums and percussion
Executive Producer: Matt Balitsaris
Produced by: Matt Balitsaris and Ross Pederson
Recorded and mixed by Matt Balitsaris at Maggie’s Farm
Video & Photography: Wil Adamy
Musician Coordinator: Julia Adamy
Special thanks: Margaret Dulaney, Deb and Paul Adamy
YouTube Video Channel:
www.bit.ly/3hZoOob
“Look At Me”, written by Joel Cross
“Black Gold”, written by Tahira Clayton
“Glow”, written by Ross Pederson & Melissa McMillan
“No More”, written by Melissa McMillan & Brad William
“Stand By You”, written by Addison Frei
“Tables Will Turn”, written by Joel Cross
“The View”, written by Melissa McMillan & Ben Cina
All proceeds from the sale of these recordings go to support
M.A.D.E. Transitional Services, 66 N. Main Street, Spring Valley, NY
Contact Tarik Greene/Toney Earl Jr. at
www.made-transitions.org
917-243-2929
To learn more about Tarik, Toney, Matt, Margaret, Joel, Melissa, Tahira, Addison, Bob and Ross, check out Dr. Deborah Adamy’s podcast “Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire”, where they all have been featured guests.
www.enlighten.nyc