The people at Blizzard entertainment always have something cooking and these WOW sessions always keep me on my toes. It never surprises me to see crazy meters at crazy speeds. The result is always beautiful though. Russell Brower and Neal Acre are wonderful composers!
Disney Concert Hall with Phoenix and Bergersen
That’s me on the top left.
That’s me on the top left.
Today I joined composers Nick Phoenix and Thomas Bergersen as a part of their choir at Disney Concert Hall for their first live concert. Their music is most recognizable from blockbuster movie trailers and their company “Two Steps From Hell” has such a loyal following that just a few measures into a song and the crowd would go wild. It was great to see the audience really fired up. The music was really intense, I got to belt out the first soprano high notes in my “out door voice”… ha! That gives me a thrill like none other. Since singing the music, I now recognize it in trailers or commercials. What a great gig. Not only do I get paid to do what I love, I get to hang out with 59 of my fellow studio singer friends while I do it.
Capitol Records Session with David Foster
It was an amazing session at Capitol Records yesterday with David Foster. Initially I didn’t know what the session would be for, so I was extremely happy and excited when I found out that it was for Mary J. Blige and Stevie Wonder, for each of their newest projects!!
Pictured top right, David Foster holds out his cell phone so Stevie Wonder can sing us our parts. Stevie is redoing all his greatest hits and I cannot wait to hear his final product…. Fast songs are slow, slow songs are fast, meters to songs are changed, polyrhythms are going on, the strings are amazing, the arrangements are incredible! Mary J. Blige is doing a Christmas album and the parts the choir sang just gave me chills when listening back..
This incredible session was definitely one of the highlights of my career. I am so humbled full of gratitude for this incredible experience!
Emmy Rossum CD Release
Yesterday’s second session gave me just enough time to finish at Capitol, then head down the block to sing back up for actress Emmy Rossum (You’ve seen her in the theatrical release of Phantom) at her CD release party. We sang on two numbers that evening, but my favorite one was the Andrew Sisters tune “Apple blossom Time”. I just can’t get enough of those tight harmonies. She really is an amazing vocalist and so easy to blend with. Really hope this takes off for her… she’s amazing.
Psych Sessions at Capitol Records
Yesterday’s first session was at Capitol Records laying down background vocals ala “Disney” gospel choir, Broadway, and just plain silly! It was so rewarding working with Creator, Steve Franks, because he was so easily pleased and open for any crazy ideas we had. The clips will be used for a promotional event for the USA Network series Psych.
Dancing With The Stars Season 16
Had such a great time singing with Josh and the gang on Season 16 of Dancing With The Stars. Instead of the more traditional audience setting we had a huge dance floor in front of us where two of the shows professionals performed a custom choreographed piece to “Brave.”
Vocal Coaching on Rio 2
It’s is not everyday that I get to work with such a lovely client as I did this week while in the studio for Rio 2. Working with my youngest daughter Claira was a total blast. I was so proud of my girly. Even though she seemed to be extra nervous this time, she made it through dialogue, some a cappella singing AND an a cappella modulation to the next key! And to make it even more fun that they let her record her character’s introduction,”Claira the Capybara,” using her own name since it rhymed! (It’s become her new nickname around the house… “Claira Claira Capybara… come put your things awaaaay!”)
I had her try a few different versions… one with a little smaller voice, one a little breathy and a few versions of the song with vibrato. As always, it’ll be really fun to see what they end up using!
Official Video for Brave
We were so excited to see that Josh’s new video included a ton of behind the scenes footage of the recording sessions. About three quarters the way through we are featured singing our respective solos and the ensemble.
Jimmy Kimmel on Valentine’s Day
Because there’s nothing more romantic than Josh Groban on Valentine’s day. Having the opportunity to work with Josh and to perform with him this week has been tremendous. Really a great week.
Monique Donnelly 