It's Been A Long, Long Time
June Bisantz & Gordon Morrell
2023 - Americana
It’s Been A Long, Long Time is a true labor of love -
created for the sheer joy of it. Seven iconic American songs recorded to celebrate the enduring musical partnership and friendship of vocalist/visual artist June Bisantz and guitarist/vocalist Gordon Morrell. These two long-time friends recorded this EP remotely - June on the East Coast and Gordon on the West. The trick was getting the harmonies smooth and tight while never being in the same place at the same time. June and Gordon relied on the connection they share that allowed them to follow each other's phrasing seamlessly, even remotely. It was a new experience for both - and the result is this wonderfully successful collaboration.
Inspired by June and Gordon’s original playlist from the ‘70s, and featuring their signature close vocal harmonies, It’s Been A Long, Long Time is an upbeat reimagining of the eclectic Jazz/Americana that has always characterized their sound - a unique blend of bistro, New Orleans jazz, folk, and traditional country.
June and Gordon met in 1971 and immediately connected through the smooth, easy combination of their singing voices. Over the decades, they made music from Maine to California and back again, in clubs, concerts and studios - sometimes with years between reunions. But however long the separation, their voices always recombine as easily and naturally as breathing and laughing.
On the 50th anniversary of their meeting, they searched for the best way to celebrate this personal and musical milestone, while living on opposite sides of the country.
Enter brilliant guitarist/arranger/producer David West. Together with his talented crew of internationally renowned musicians and the magic of remote recording technology, It’s Been A Long, Long Time became a happy musical reality - one that June and Gordon want to share with everyone.
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June Bisantz - voice | Gordon Morrell, voice | Gilles Apap, violin | Nick Coventry, violin | Jim Mooy, trumpet | Tom Ball, harmonica | George Friedenthal, piano | Tom Lackner, drums |
Lorenzo Martinez, percussion
David West, all guitars, banjo, string bass, piano
Produced by David West for Play Ball! Musical Services
Mixed & Mastered by Emmet Sargeant
at Beagle Studios