Touch Somebody's Life

ABOUT THE CD: Touch Somebody's Life, a CD of inspirational sacred songs, offers timeless and timely solace for these troubled days. The recording features 10 traditional spiritual and gospel standards. For more than seven decades, soprano Irene Day's voice has consoled the bereaved and lifted spirits over several generations. The original master of her solo album, He's Everywhere, recorded at Chicago's historic Brunswick studio in 1982, had all but disintegrated through metallic erosion and was nearly forgotten. But after 9/11 her music may have a second life in the form of a newly released CD, Touch Somebody's Life, which has been digitally re-mastered and musically enhanced with new arrangements, and dedicated to the memory of the victims of 9/11. Executive producer Dennis Day hopes that the new CD will find a new generation of listeners. Irene Day has the unique ability to make her listeners feel that there are only three people in the sacred space of worship: The soloist, the listener, and God. Gifted with a rich lyric soprano voice, a fully two-octave range, and perfect pitch, Irene Day's delicate, sweet singing resonates with a personal faith tested by the vagaries of human experience. Anchored by the able accompaniment of pianist Marilyn Hairston, this re-mastered recording also features several renowned New York City-based musicians; J.D. Parren on woodwinds, Bob Cunningham on contrabass, and Dr. Gregory Hopkins, tenor/pianist extraordinare. The music of Irene Day offers the listener that special personal place of meditation, prayer, and reflection. "This is music inspired from a Christian perspective, but its raw emotion and power resonates with all people of faith," says Dennis Day. The CD includes songs like "Precious Lord Take My Hand," "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow," "Balm in Gilead," and others - songs that have traditionally provided hope and comfort to people in distress. ABOUT THE ARTIST: Sunday morning. Every mature African American who attended a Baptist church remembers the sweet, significant meaning of these descriptive words: Sunday morning. At Antioch and at Zion Progressive Baptist Church in Northwest Indiana, the mission of restoring congregants to their rightful, dignified place in God's creation was frequently given to Irene Day (later Irene Day-Comer). The experience of listening to her became a spiritual rite of passage for those of us who were growing up and privileged to hear her sing or give a concert performance. Whether at Sunday morning or evening services, or upon countless special events such as weddings, funerals, or any occasion celebrating the human experience, Irene Day-Comer's rapturous voice infused spiritual uplift across several generations. In later years, her stirring renditions of sacred standards have drawn national acclaim. She not only accepts the musical responsibility of transforming lives within the local community, but she also embraces a broader commitment of witnessing to America through song. As a soloist with the Blakely Singers' National Gospel Tour, in concerts, at political and union rallies, religious conventions, and even national sporting events, and now with her re-mastered 20th-Anniversary release of this CD, Mrs. Day-Comer continues her life's mission of communicating God's message through song. The accolades for Mrs. Day-Comer's talents span her 70 years as a soloist. Mrs. Day-Comer appeared on programs with the late, great Mahalia Jackson and the famed Barrett Sisters. She received the African Methodist Episcopal Church's highest honor for contributions to humanity through the arts, and was selected to represent the International United Steelworkers as its ambassador of song, performing the National Anthem at the Las Vegas Hilton in the early 90's. As a young woman, Mrs. Day-Comer was offered opportunities to pursue other styles of music but politely declined, preferring sacred music. In recognition of her life-long contributions she has received other awards and acknowledgements, including the Black Expo Award and special recognition from the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus. Gifted with a rich, lyric soprano voice, a fully two-octave range, and perfect pitch, Irene Day-Comer's delicate, sweet singing resonates with a personal faith tested by the vagaries of human experience. She conveys the universal message of God's love as being everywhere and for everyone who seeks, drawing each listener into his or her own personal journey. She persuades us to experience the reality of God's love as she sings freely and clearly in a combined language of heart, soul, mind, and spirit. Perhaps the legendary Leslie Uggams best sums it up. After listening to this recording, she stated, "In the kind of world that we inhabit today, after September 11, we all need Irene Day-Comer's music. She takes us back to church, and the songs are performed beautifully."