Tracy Newman and the Reinforcements
A Place in the Sun
© 2007 Tracy Newman (837101349987)
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Great songs, great vocal blend. This CD makes you feel like you're on vacation.
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notes
From 1989 to 2004 Tracy Newman was a television writer and producer. She had a partner – Jonathan Stark. Their first staff writing job was on the 10th season of "Cheers." After that they were on staff at "Bob" (starring Bob Newhart,) "The Nanny," "Hiller and Diller" (Richard Lewis and Kevin Nealon,) "Ellen" (Ellen Degeneres,) and "The Drew Carey Show." In 1997, they won the Emmy for co-writing the ground-breaking “coming out” episode of Ellen. In 2001, they created the ABC comedy, "According to Jim," starring Jim Belushi. The show is now in its 8th season of production.
Tracy left the Belushi show during the third season to return to songwriting and performing, which is what she had been doing before her TV career. She says, “I found it easier to make a living in television. In my years as a song writer I had one significant placement: In 1985, Mel Tillis and Nancy Sinatra did an album together. The single from it was a song I wrote called, I Would Fly. I bet to this date I’ve made a whopping $400 on that recording.”
This CD, Tracy’s first -- “A Place in Sun,” features Tracy and singers Gene Lippmann and Lorie Doswell, (www.loriedoswell.com) otherwise called “The Reinforcements.” Gene also plays guitar on the CD. The three of them met in Harriet Schock’s (www.harrietschock.com) songwriting class. Tracy started singing in coffee houses and clubs around town, and Lorie and Gene would show up and sit in front and harmonize with her. Soon Tracy invited them to join her on stage, and they’ve worked together off and on, for about two years.
About some of the songs:
"Laraine" – I wrote this about my sister, Laraine Newman from the original Saturday Night Live “Not-Ready-For-Prime-Time” Players which also included John Belushi, Danny Ackroyd, Gilda Radner, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin and Garret Morris. If you’re one of Laraine’s many fans, and enjoy a bit of inside trivia, I think you’ll love this song.
"A Place in the Sun" – Written after a trip to Palm Springs. My boyfriend and I stayed at a bungalow-type resort located on a quiet little street called San Lorenzo. (www.aplaceinthesunhotel.com) This little jewel was named A Place in the Sun after the classic 1951 film starring Liz Taylor and Montgomery Clift. It was built to house the crew while they were shooting some of the scenes. As the song says, you can take your dogs there – each bungalow has a private little backyard.
"My Kisses are Your Kisses" – My boyfriend and I wrote this after a fight. He actually said some of these things to me, my favorite quote being, “Don’t flatter yourself...” I love singing this song. It is my fondest wish to have Merle Haggard cover it.
"Waffle Boy" – The first thing I did after I left the Belushi show was go to Nashville and hang out for a while. One Sunday morning I went to a Waffle House next door to my hotel, and pretty much saw this story play out in front of me. In 2006, this song was one of the top five winners in the novelty/holiday category of the Great American Song Contest.
"Mama, I Know You Ain’t Santa" – My friend, Lynne Stewart, came to me some years ago with most of these lyrics already written. (A little trivia about Lynne: She is “Miss Yvonne” – the most beautiful woman in Puppetland, from the amazing TV show, “Pee Wee’s Playhouse.”) In 2005, this song won 2nd place in the holiday category. We actually won $500! That was pretty exciting.
Some words about Tracy by others:
Her melodies have an inevitable, yet not predictable quality which makes them pleasing on first hearing and better each time and then you can’t get them out of your head. Her lyrics reflect a wry, unique and unusually refreshing viewpoint, a sense of irony that is present in great writing. And, of course, she’s very smart, droll and likeable on stage, which helps. I know that’s not a songwriting comment, but think back over all the performances you’ve sat through. The entire package of Tracy Newman is a delightful one. That’s why she keeps getting invited to perform. (Harriet Schock-2005)
Very few songwriters ever attain the sheer musicality and elegance in their writing that is the common thread throughout Tracy's catalog of songs. A gifted writer with an understated, captivating performing style, she gives the listener a glimpse into a simpler, better, world...one song at a time. (James Hurley-July 2005)
For more detailed information on Tracy’s career, or if you think you might have gone to school with her or something, go to www.tracynewman.com.
reviews
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Cherie Kerr, author/artistic director of the Orange County Crazies
author: Cherie Kerrracy Newman is incredible! Her songs are poignant yet many have that satirical bite or ironic twist that make you want to listen to them over and over again. She puts her messages across so clearly in voice but oh so effortlessly. Her Reinforcements add just the right backup to compliment her vocals. What's best about the CD is that it has appeal to any age range. My only question to Tracy is: When does the next CD come out?
A Mini ‘Vacation’ That Is Nothing Short of Overwhelming!
author: Brian Ball, Music Editor/Director of Music & Talent--WomensRadioFrom the opening notes of Tracy Newman & The Reinforcements’ debut album, A Place In The Sun, we are treated to the warm and comforting vocals that harmonize and radiate throughout each and every song while reminding us that there is more to life than merely our home or our jobs… …that there are infinite amounts of beauty, joy, sadness and intoxication which can be found throughout any given moment of what may seem to be an ordinary ‘day in the life’ of any one of us, if we were to just open our eyes! Tracy and the Reinforcements warm up the album with their own mixture of something similar to that of Merle Haggard-styled country songs with a definite singer/songwriter edge that fashions their unique genre into a hybrid of sorts that this group makes very much their own, while continuing to draw the listener in with a finely-crafted combination of storytelling and imagery. Examples of this touching and heartwarming style of songwriting can be found throughout the album, and shine prevalently on such early songs as, “Night Blooming Jasmine” and “Laraine,” which is a love song about Tracy’s sister, Laraine Newman, who was part of the original cast of Saturday Night Live. In “Laraine,” we are treated to a masterful 3-part harmony made up of both male and female counterparts along with poignant lyrics that reach deep within the soul of the listener--creating a feeling that is quite difficult to accomplish and even more rare to discover in most of today’s ‘overproduced’ music. As we move through the mid-section of A Place In The Sun, we are reminded of the courageous souls that devote themselves to the art of cooking for the masses with a cleverly imagined song titled, “Waffle Boy.” Tracy’s daughter, Charlotte Dean also deserves recognition for her illustration of this ‘waffle boy,’ which is included in the inlay and perfectly depicts the expressive and creative songwriting which when combined makes for ‘one heck of a tune!’ Before the album comes to a close we are treated to several gems, including a cover of Charles “Badger” Clark’s 1947 classic, “Desert Silvery Blue,” a slow & steady ballad dealing with the internal struggle of a woman who relies on plastic surgery to find herself, “Diane Wants A Man” and a moving song that portrays the traditions that families perpetuate throughout the years along with the ‘mystere’ that holidays play in a child’s life on “Mama I Know You Ain’t Santa.” “If you’re looking to experience real-life situations accompanied by the tender care and craft of those who have endeared them… …A Place In The Sun will take you there and back again on a mini ‘vacation’ that is nothing short of overwhelming”—Brian Ball, Music Editor/Director of Music & Talent
- author: Annette
This is just the sweetest, most melodic music! Quite some time before the album came out, I was fortunate to hear Tracy Newman and the Reinforcements play live -- which was an unadulterated joy -- and was wondering whether the music would be as captivating on CD as it is in performance. It is! This is transporting music, with gorgeous melodies and wry, witty, wonderful lyrics. "Night Blooming Jasmine," "My Kisses Are Your Kisses," and "Goodbye, Aloha" are my favorites.
music teacher/player/composer
author: Scott MoyerEnjoyed all the soft shuffles and 6th chord harmonies as well as unique subject matter. Hope to see you at Bellissimo on Tues. to catch up. Best, Scott fscottmoyer@earthlink.net
A Real Keeper!
author: Dan'lIt's not often you find a CD that fires and delivers on all cylinders. "A Place in the Sun" does with every track! Tracy is an excellent song crafter and storyteller. As if that were not enough these songs stick with you all through the day. Our Favs are "Night Blooming Jasmine", "Laraine" and "Waffle Boy"! Besides adding this CD to your collection I recommend seeing Tracy Newman and the Reinforcements live they are even more fun in person! Tracy tell your little Sis Dan'l says Hello!!
You have to buy this cd!
author: Hugh LehaneI don't know where to start, what a great piece of work this cd is. I have so many things to say about it. First, Tracys voice is so good. Everyone's caught up in pitch and power I say RUBBISH! give me character, story telling ability and subtlety.... and Tracy has them all! Her voice has such a soothing tone, its easy on the ear and perfect to deliver her lyrical songs. The song 'Diane' is amazing and 'Mama I know you ain't Santa' is both heartbreaking and uplifting...so powerful. The track about her sister 'Laraine' and the opening track 'Night Blooming Jasmine' are great songs too. Then I laughed out loud at the title track,'A Place in The Sun'....Tracy says "I'm not trying to make you drool but there's a TV by the pool" and later "you bring your vicodin", truly hilarious, you've got to hear it. Tracys comic timing and delivery are spot on. My favorite song is 'Waffle Boy' it is quiet simply, pure genius. I could go on all day about the songwriting craftmanship but I'll just focus on one great part of it.....The waffle boys nightmare building to the excruciating moment of the food congealing and children crying then Tracy hits us with a left hook "who cares how a teenagers feeling?" but before you hit the canvas Tracy gives us hope.....the waffles on a plate, his smile takes our breath away.....followed by another killer left hook-disaster! the waffle flies like a Frisbee! and then it hits the egg man in the face AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH! What an emotional roller coaster ride....genius.....followed by an amazing pay off, "look what my boy did". This song is a lesson in brilliant songwriting it showcases just how amazing Tracys talent is. Goddamn you just have got to buy this cd!
Killer--no filler!
author: BobThank you, Tracy and your terrific Reinformcements! This CD wins you over right from the start, then just gets better and better with every listening. Great album!
One of My Favorite Storytelling Performers!
author: Kiki WowAs host for six years for the live music webcast at Kulak's Woodshed, I had the privilege of hearing many, many singer/songwriters tell their stories in song. Tracy Newman and the Reinforcements are definitely one of my favorite acts because of the humor, wit and harmonies that are demonstrated in each song. Tracy has perfected her craft in songwriting and there is no doubt that it brings great joy to her listeners by the smiles on their faces and the tapping of their feet to the rhythm. Now that the CD is available, think of all that smiling and tapping going on! Great job on the CD - love the artwork - and now I have the lyrics so I can sing along! You should feel very proud! Miss you.
- author: Declan Zimmerman
The first time I heard "Goodbye, Aloha" it was just the song I needed, mid-breakup. Tracy's songs are always deftly written, and sung in a voice that sounds like she's singing to me, personally. Rather than gloss our pain, these songs find the humor, riches and beauty which renew me in the certitude that it's good to be alive, no matter what life deals us.
Instant vacation when you listen to this CD!
author: Liza CranisLove, love, love all the songs on this CD. If I had to name favorites I'd have to say: Night Blooming Jasmine (even my 10 year old son loves this song!), Laraine, Waffle Boy (another of my son's faves), Mama, I know You Ain't Santa and Goodbye Aloha. Listening to this album lifts the spirits and transports me to a hammock on a tropical island. An instant vacation while stuck in traffic on the 405 freeway! Thanks Tracy, great album!
A wry sunniness and a wink, with no little irony
author: Andrys BastenI love Newman's songs. The cover says it all. A day in the sun, even when the sun isn't shining. She finds a somehow delightful irony in her tales of less ecstatic times we've all known and she can cure the blues. Sometimes her songs are Celebrations of the everyday wonders we take for granted. And then there's the lightly sad but razor sharp laments, as for Diane's losing herself (literally) to get a man (one of my favorite songs). But most of all it is the humor and the "I love it anyway" attitude that so shows in the voice and delivery, beautifully natural. Songs you'll find yourself singing too. Love the album art too. Very fitting.
My heart is calm and smiling, as I float carefree through these stories.
author: August GeorgeThis cd is filled with wonderful stories, full of touching emotion, humor, and realness. These stories are delivered in a refreshing and uplifting Island/Country feel, that lifts my heart and makes me smile. A Place In The Sun perfectly sums up the vibe of this collection, and is a must hear for everyone.
Tracy Newman has great storytelling, great melodies, chords and performance.
author: Harriet SchockTracy Newman is a born writer. She observes life and pulls out the meaning, the irony, the pictures and mesmerizes us all in her storytelling of it. To find this talent along with great melody writing and chords that make people run to her guitar and say "what was that?" -- now we're talking total package. On stage, she's charming and droll and the audience wants her to sing at least 6 more songs when she's done. I've waited a long time for this CD. Tracy wrote 5 of the 10 songs when she studied with me either privately or in the songwriting class she's attended for over two years. She was incredible when she came to the class. Now I like to think she even incredibler.
Great album, a pleasure to listen to and enjoy
author: Marlene DreyfussThe CD starts with Night Blooming Jasmine which has such a catchy tune and great lirics you immediately get you into the album. The words of "Laraine", "Waffle Boy", "Diane wants a Man", "Mama, I Know You Ain't Santa" are so touching that they stay with you...I feel that Tracy is a great song writer and poet and wish that everyone will listen to an buy the CD as it is really a find.
Sheer sunny delight
author: Art Podell (Art & Paul, The New Christy Minstrels)One of the most delightfully deceptive singer/songwriter albums I’ve ever enjoyed. Tracy’s uncomplicated delivery paints pictures with no smudges. Love, fun, whimsical satire, the songs flow like casual conversation that seems so effortless, you wonder why anyone couldn’t do it, even you. That is, until you try it yourself and realize why the word ‘craft’ was invented. Add the perfectly matched back-up of “The Reinforcements” and the instrumental ensemble that supports Tracy meticulously without intrusion, and you've got a song after song sunny day visit with a lovely person I’m happy to know, and if didn't, I'd wish I did. More, please.
- author: Amelia Barg
Her songs are haunting. I keep hearing the music throughout the day. It is an excellent CD and I heartily recommend it to those who love Country as well as other modes of music. It is a worthy trip.
Clever, insightful, music to relax you while making you think at the same time.
author: Rowena MuldavinWhat an stunning debut effort for Tracy Newman and the Reinforcements. Ms. Newman has been writing songs for a long time, and her efforts have paid off in spades. Her use of language is unique--rhyming drool with pool in the title track and penning a lyric worthy of Stephen Sondheim with three waitresses waiting for waffles in Waffle Boy. With astonishingly perceptive observation, she addresses the dog in the manger mentality of men who chase women only to drop them once they've made the conquest in You Loved Me Better with the lines, how could I ever have guessed that what you really liked best was to lose. The opening strains to Diane are reminiscent of Kurt Weill's music and Bertolt Brecht's lyrics, whose songs lampooned corruption and vanity in the guise of high moral standing, but were somehow sympathetic to all of us who are seeking unconditional love. This is a CD you will listen to over and over again, and each time will bring out something you missed the last time. It is a perfect blend of extremely memorable tunes that evoke both humor and pathos. I am proud to play this CD on my Internet show, All Things Country.
great melodies and storytelling
author: denise carlinI just love this CD...I am instantly in a relaxed place with Tracy's calming voice, hooky melodies, and clever storytelling. This collection is intimate and sweet, and a great way to lose the stresses of the day. I am a big fan!