Meant To Be by Brenda Morie

Two of these co-written recordings, "Through Brenda's Eyes" and "After The Rain", received national attention and the Mac Gavin Chart Hit list. Although many of Chet's recordings have been chart topping, "After The Rain" to date been one of McCracken's highest placements on the Jazz Charts. Morie and McCracken plan to begin a new collaboration project in the near future.

In 2000, Brenda completed a tour with Nancy Sinatra, playing acoustic, electric guitar, harmonica and flute which included sharing the stage with Rickie Martin and Blondie at Dodger Stadium in front of an audience of more than 50, 000 people.

In Canada, Brenda was well known from numerous television appearances and specials particularly the internationally syndicated "The Tommy Banks Show" as well as the national 'Sun Country Show' hosted by Ian Tyson. She performed frequently with guitarist, Amos Garrett, known for his unique and infamous style on Maria Muldar's "Midnight At The Oasis".

"Meant to Be", Brenda's solo CD, features the supporting performances of friends, old and new, from her days in Los Angeles coupled with the some of NC's best. Among these are Los Angeles's drummer and recording artist, Chet McCracken and lead guitarist, Chris Pinnick, formerly of "Chicago" as well as Herb Alpert and John Klemmer. North Carolina's well-known and respected "The Ken Rhodes Trio" consisting of keyboardist Ken Rhodes, bassist Matt Kendrick, and drummer John Wilson bring their smooth warmth to the project as well as Rhodes' compositional skill with "Peace Chant". Jazz trumpeter, Joe Robinson is featured on "Stolen Moments" and "Ghost of a Chance". His bittersweet performance on "Ghost of a Chance" brings a rich flavor to Brenda's own interpretation, making it one of the highlights on the CD. Brazilian guitarist, Paulo Barata, contributes to Brenda's version of, Djavan's, 'Puzzle of Hearts' along with Chris Pinnick's lead guitar and McCracken's drumming. Also contributing are conga, percussionist Roberto Orihuela, and film composer David McHugh (Mystic Pizza & Moscow On The Hudson).

Brenda's "lead guitar-like" flute performance on "Liberated Brother" and Chitins Con Carne, shows the influence of her work with Garrett and Nancy Sinatra.

The CD was recorded and produced by NC School of the Arts' professor, John Sisti who's recent credits include Sound Supervisor on "Mad About You' which won two Emmy's for Best Sound, and "Bram Stocker's Dracula" which won an Oscar for Best Sound Mixing and Best Sound Editing. Before his film work, Sisti, was a recording engineer at several studios such as A&M Records and Record Plant with artist Joni Mitchell, George Harrison, Captain & Tennille ("Love Can Keep Us Together"), and Billy Preston (Nothing from Nothing) etc. John taught sound and production at Berkley School of Music in the mid 80's, and now as well as teaching at in the Film School has a small studio here, Granite Sound. At Granite Sound John has mixed the David McHugh's score for the Lifetime Series " Strong Medicine" and the soundtrack for the Gary Hawkin's Award winning documentary " The Rough South of Larry Brown".

Morie's distinctive flavor is established by the coupling of her smoky vocals along with the rich flute quality, a combination of the unique "wood head joint" and her diverse musical interpretation. This all blends to make exciting and entertaining jazz expressions articulated by the fortuitous combination of talents Brenda Morie embodies.

Please enjoy.

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