SWEET PETUNIA (Carol Craig) – This song offers a timely message that can, perhaps, help others to cope with life’s difficulties, as it has Carol.
Despite the many struggles and losses life can present, the words remind us to keep on being “calm despite the fear” knowing that our loved ones are “only a thought away,” as is Carol’s wonderful Sweet Petunia (of course, her son, Chesley).
The song reminds us of the loving memories that we carry in our hearts.The soft guitar and simple presentation stand out above the noisy crowd, much like the calming influence of love that lights the pathway towards healing. Take care, stay healthy, and keep on loving……..
WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT (Carol Craig)– Carol sings this simple song with her guitar in a straightforward manner about the importance of sharing with others. She shares her thankfulness for the cohesive bond that unites us which is truly “what it’s all about.”
SUNSHINE PRAYER (Carol Craig) – Carol sings this heartfelt prayer to Sunshine asking for help–to bring light to the darkness of those who are lonely and in despair. The song recognizes that we are all alike and deserve to be treated with kindness, love, and gentleness symbolized by the warmth of the sun’s light that is inherent in this prayer.
This song is dedicated to many amazingly brave souls, who have endured despite it all. These special souls include the beautiful women in the locked wards of Napa State Hospital, who shared their stories with Carol when she would sing and play her guitar; the women and men at the Federal Correctional Institute in Dublin, CA who she met while counseling them; the homeless persons living under bridges, on the streets, and wherever they could find shelter, that she learned survival skills from when she traveled across the states; the homeless that she met on the streets of San Francisco when she played her music and sang to her heart’s content as part of the Street Performers Program and the countless others who have shared their unique, heartfelt stories with her.
With deepest respect, gratitude, humility, thanks, and love always.
MENDOCINO COLLEGE SYMPHONIC BAND
Phillip Lenberg (12/12/2019) conducts the Mendocino College Symphonic Band in this unique presentation of Gershwin & Schostakovich music. Particularly special is the piano piece featuring Anne Rainwater. 
For a copy of the entire program, please contact Chesley. He did a great job recording this live performance for members and audience enjoyment.
Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 2 in F major, Op. 102 – Anne Rainwater, piano
THE OUTSIDE SONG – An Instrumental written by Justin Moritz on the guitar and tambourine. The chorus is provided by Kelsey Creek crickets outside on a starry night with violin backup by Carol and Chesley as engineer.
TIP OF MY TONGUE (The Civil Wars) – Performed by The Back Porch Project band on January 2017 at the Ukiah United Methodist Church, Ukiah Unplugged Concert Series. Members: Rodney Grisanti (mandolin), Sid Bishop (guitar), Steve Hahm (guitar and vocals), Rosie Wetzel (vocals), Ken Ingels (percussion). See YouTube Back Porch Project band for other performances. Thank you.
TUM-BALALAIKA – A traditional “Russian Jewish folk and riddle song, Tum (טום) is the Yiddish word for noise and a balalaika (באַלאַלײַקע) is a stringed musical instrument of Russian origin” (Wikipedia). A short, English version is sung by Carol with guitar. Rodney Grisanti plays mandolin and Sheridan Malone plays upright bass. Rodney Grisanti & Chesley Craig are the engineers. Check out YouTube for Pete Seeger’s & Ruth Rubin’s memorable version of this song.
SINNER MAN – This traditional African-American spiritual is sung by Carol accompanied by her guitar. Rodney Grisanti plays the mandolin with a blues emphasis inherent in this traditional song. Sheridan Malone’s bass brings a strong beat helping to portray a man running away from judgment day. Chesley Craig & Rodney Grisanti are the engineers. Nina Simone (1965) performed an incredible rendition of this song that’s well worth viewing on YouTube.
PUPPY LOVE – A bouncy, fun song for children and adults alike, Puppy Love was written for Sam, who was rescued from the Animal Shelter. He will always be remembered for the love and joy he brought to his new home. Thank you, Sam, for showing us about the strength of love and faith through thick and thin. (Carol, vocals & guitar; Rodney Grisanti, mandolin; Sheridan Malone, bass; Caleb Morelli, bass intro; Chesley Craig & Rodney Grisanti, recording engineers.)
RED HAIRED BOY – A bluegrass foot-tapping favorite, this song brings together the vibrant tones of fiddle, mandolin, and bass. (Rodney Grisanti, arrangement & mandolin; Carol, fiddle; Sheridan Malone, bass; Rodney Grisanti & Chesley Craig, recording engineers.)
OH CHESLEY, MY BABY LOVE – Sung and composed by Carol on guitar with Sheridan Malone on bass and ukulele. This tribute speaks from the heart with joy of the mother & son journey. Thank you, Chesley, you are a great son and a talented recording engineer, along with Rodney, of course.
TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY – A beautiful, calming lullaby for babies of any age. Carol sings with her guitar accompaniment. Chesley Craig, mix & master; Michael Cogan (Bay Records) recording. Its simple, reassuring message makes it ok to go to sleep and dream of a wonderful tomorrow full of love.
WHISKEY BIRD – a beautiful album of original songs by Jim Williams, owner Strings & Things, Lakeport CA. Not only is Jim an amazing musician, songwriter and poet but a kind, humble man, as well, who Lake County is blessed to count as one of its own. (Rodney Grisanti & Chesley Craig, recording engineers) Please contact us if you wish to purchase this beautiful cd. Or, better yet, visit Jim at his store: 901 N Main St, Lakeport, CA 95453
Cross Streets: Near the intersection of N Main St and 9th St
(707) 262-0622)
Snow on the Mountain
MENDOCINO COLLEGE SYMPHONIC BAND
AMERICANS WE – (Henry Fillmore/ed. Foster – Carol Fischer LLC)
Luiz Coehlo (12/2017) conducts the Mendocino College Symphonic Band, Ukiah CA with Chesley Craig and the Mendocino College Rat Club serving as recording engineers (Cds of entire program available to interested parties.) Note: Carol plays her violin with the band, who so graciously let her join them. A special thanks to Gail, an incredible oboist, who helped Carol learn the second oboe part. What a fun challenge. Keep an ear out for upcoming band performances to follow.
DEVIL DON’T YOU DARE – FOLKHOP – Folk & Hip-Hop music: Traditional Street Music.The Bay Area, California has always been a cultural beacon, given its diverse population. Sounds of the various street musicians intermingle creating a unique collage of heartfelt music. Both from the Bay Area, Sylvester with his hip-hop beat and Carol with her folk melodies have interwoven their musical heritages to create Folkhop. (Carol, guitar & vocals; Sylvester Moreno, beat; Justin Moritz, electric bass; Chesley Craig, recording engineer.) Thanks to Jesse Timm, who dubbed the genre for this special blend, along with the Rat Club, Mendocino College, who “endured” the creative deliberations of Carol & Sylvester. Enjoy
MENDOCINO COLLEGE SYMPHONIC BAND
Dr. Phillip Lenberg (05/2019) conductor
Chesley and the RAT Club (Recording Arts) recorded and prepared a CD for you if you want. Some of the songs performed included: “Overture to ‘Candide'” (Leonard Bernstein), “Danzon no. 2” (Arturo Marquez), “Great Themes from Great Italian Movies” (John Cacavas) and Kitty Hawk (John Cheetham).
Phillip Lenberg (12/2018) conducts the Mendocino College Symphonic Band, Ukiah CA with Chesley Craig and the Mendocino College Rat Club serving as recording engineers (Cds of entire program available to interested parties.)
OYE COMO VA – (Tito Puente, Composer; Michael Brown arr.)