Elaine Lucia - A Sonny Day (2006)

“A Sonny Day” is a “day in the life of” concept, beginning with Duke Ellington’s prayerful “I Like The Sunrise,” and ending with the hymn-like homage “Final Remembrance.” After the sunrise song, the ‘day’ progresses with songs that serve as metaphors for life’s journey. As the sun rises higher in the sky, the songs gain in intensity and climax at high noon with a samba treatment on “I Only Have Eyes For You.” The day goes on, the sun begins to set, and the songs get quieter as we remember and dream of those we love, and those we’ve lost. “In The Land Of Make Believe” and the lovely song “When The World Is At Rest” are like lullabies, ushering in night time, where the bittersweet song “You Are There” reminds us that our loved ones are never truly gone; they live in our hearts and within the small moments of every day life that evoke cherished memories. The last song, “Final Remembrance,” was originally an instrumental song by vibraphonist Gerry Grosz. I heard the! song on the day of my father’s funeral, and the simple, beautiful melody haunted me for days. I wrote the lyrics shortly after, and it says all that was in my heart on that day.