Four Shades of Gray

In March 2016. my mother and l went to I Bogui Jazz, Madrid’s most prestigious jazz club, to see my wonderful and extraordinarily talented friend, Celia Vergara, perform. It was a magical night in which that rare and most sought after experience occurred: we were trans-ported. The music filled us and we vibrated with ecstasy to Celia’s incredible voice, the steady yet playful beat of the drum, the resounding rhythm of the bass. the soulful trombone, the delicate embrace of the piano and the lifting intoxication of the guitar. My 87 year old mother looked at me and said with a passion that belies her years: "I want to do another cd, and I want to do it with THEM". Since we were in the mood to make all of our dreams come true, we had to include my talented sister, Lydia Gray, whom I treasure as a sister, but also really enjoy working with professionally. For the cherry on the cake, my beautiful and ` amazing 17 year old daughter, Betty, joined us to make the dream a reality. Seventy years separate the two Bettys, but if anyone in this family has inherited my mothers unbelievable talent. it is my daughter Betty. Now that we had the voices. we needed the music, and since I always do what my mother asks, I called Roberto Bazán, and asked him to be the musical director family project. He was thrilled to work with the legendary Betty Johnson, and the other musicians jumped at the chance to work with her as well. Of course, they got a few other family members in the bargain! I love working with talented people, and not only is Roberto talented, but he has such a wonderful attitude. We worked together closely to get the sound that worked for each of the Gray girls and I am so happy with that he has done. His arrangements are wonderful, his horn playing incredible, his direction in the studio and onstage- absolutely perfect. Simply the best.. What can I say about the other talented musicians? My friend of many years, Antonio Calero, the most talented drummer I have ever met. The charming and magnificent Victor Merlo on his bass is a spectacle to behold. David San José who constantly surprised me with his incredible ear, always carefully listening and playing exactly what needed to played, no more, no less. Wow. As for as Israel Sandoval on the guitar, I think it’s safe to say that he is not of this world. Listen to him play and you'll understand. These men shared their talent. creativity, good humor and professionalism with us and helped create a memory that will nourish us for years to come. THANK YOU. To my good friend Dale Sindell, who invited us to perform at a benefit concert to support t-oigo, her non-profit association that does marvelous work with hearing impaired children in Spain, I so admire your your drive and tireless effort in helping others. You touch the lives of so many. To Enrique, Javier and all the wonderful people at Club Alma in Madrid. Thank you for inviting us to perform and share and evening of music and laughter with you! I feel so blessed to be a part of the Club Alma family! To Pedro and Pablo BaseIga at Infinity Studios in Madrid. Incredible energy, incredible taIlent, incredible ears, incredible people. Thank you! To my niece, Katie. thank you for being our costume designer and go-to consultant on all things fashion! To my amazing husband, Carlos, without whose love, support and constant help this would have been impossible. To Stephen, Carli, Nick and brother Dick for being there even when you couldn’t. We love you. And last, but certainly not least, to my dearest, most wonderful father, Arthur Gray, without whom this REALLY would not have been possible. There is nothing that would have given him more joy than to have shared this wonderful week in Madrid, witnessing the magic… watching his girls sing. We love you Daddy. Elisabeth Gray