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The Bigger Picture is a collection of 10 of Rick Blackson’s original songs performed by Mary Jo and Rick in their signature piano and vocal format. The songs are intended to be positive and entertaining. The CD will also include two bonus sections; a series of Rick’s piano pieces, and a segment in which the two performers discuss the stories behind the songs.

In addition to the songs written for the cabaret performances with wife, Mary Jo Maluso, Rick has written scores of songs for a variety of clients and settings.

 

Original Songs (Q. and A. with Rick Blackson)

Q. You and Mary Jo have been performing all these years – why haven’t you produced a CD before this?
A. I think it indicates how our emphasis has always been on the live performances. We each had done several recording projects in our earlier careers before meeting. In addition, we have a video demo that has served as a wonderful marketing tool.

Q. How would you describe your songs?
A. My stuff doesn’t seem to fall into any category that I know of. I hope it is easy to listen to. My lyrics are straightforward and pretty simple to get. If it’s a song for Mary Jo to sing, I obviously have written from her point of view based on things she shares with me in our daily relationship. Musically, I always attempt to create real strong melodies and harmonies that are accessible to anyone. I like music that sounds appealing the first time you hear it, but is still interesting upon subsequent hearings. That’s what I go for. I’m also aware of our audience as I write, therefore the songs are designed to be positive and uplifting. I could write stuff that’s “edgy” and confrontational, but I don’t care to. That would be totally inappropriate for our style and spirit, and our audiences wouldn’t like that either.

Q. Will The Bigger Picture use piano only as accompaniment?
A. Yes. We debated on this for quite a while. We have done some projects that I have orchestrated and sequenced, but our commercial CD will use piano only. I want it to be representative of our live performances. However, I will use a sequencer to add some notes because I do want to “fatten” up the arrangements a bit. The end result will be like me sitting side-by-side with myself in front of the keyboard.

Q. Are your originals part of your Beyond Broadway shows?
A. Occasionally. As professional entertainers we have long known as a matter of absolute fact: most people want to hear things they are already familiar with. Our repertoire (over 200 songs) is loaded with standards and Broadway favorites. In Beyond Broadway and most of our other shows, when we use novelty songs or country songs or my own songs, they are sparingly and carefully placed in the show to maximize their entertainment potential. We do have a show called From Broadway to Blackson that does feature several of my songs. Our Valentine show, It’s All About Love, includes several original songs from our wedding.

Q. What kind of music do you listen to?
A. I virtually don’t. Between teaching and rehearsing I get tired of it. The last I remember buying more than a few recordings in a year was probably back in the early 80’s. I almost never listen to music on radio and if I do it is classical or jazz.

Q. What is easier for you, the music or the lyrics?
A. Definitely the music! I can create melodies almost instantly, but I labor over lyrics.

 

Songs That Are On The Bigger Picture

The Bigger Picture (Mary Jo lead vocal)
We have a framed letter written to us by David Silverbear, a Native American whom we met on our honeymoon in Arizona. It is directly in front of me as I sit at my piano. In it he extends his blessings and best wishes to us along with some words of wisdom that conclude with the line, “just remember to look at the big picture.” One day as I was sitting at the piano and thinking about some things Mary Jo had been discussing with me, those words jumped out and a new song was born. Since over half the songs on this CD are about putting our past in perspective based on the wisdom we’ve gained at this point in our lives, The Bigger Picture was the best choice for title of the CD.

When I Sing (Mary Jo lead vocal)
Mary Jo has often said that she feels like she is at her very best when she is singing. I certainly would not disagree! I wanted this song to express the euphoria that comes when one is doing that thing they love to do the most.

Rain Song (duet)
The metaphor of the storm giving birth to the rainbow is irresistible. The melody practically wrote itself. The challenge was in the piano parts and (as always for me) the lyrics. Of course it was raining on the night I wrote it, but during a live performance of it at an outdoor park – you guessed it – an exquisite rainbow appeared and framed the performance area.

I Can Start All Over (Mary Jo lead vocal)
This is our most special song written from Mary Jo’s point of view shortly after we first met. It moves musically and lyrically from the darkness of broken hearts and dimmed dreams to the virtual ecstasy that often accompanies a new beginning – this song came at a time when we were both experiencing “starting over” together.

You’re Growing Better (Rick lead vocal)
This song was a birthday present to Mary Jo on one of those “special” birthdays. It was intended to be just what it is: vanilla, sugary, and full of unabashed love!

Dogtalkin’ (duet)
I never had a pet dog, but Mary Jo did for most of the first ten years we knew each other. Mandy was a very opinionated Cocker Spaniel. This is a song that says what some dogs are undoubtedly thinking.

Canine Therapy (Mary Jo lead vocal)
Are there any women out there who have had bad experiences with men? Are there any women out there who sometimes wish they could get along with guys as good as they get along with their dog? It was fun to write this song for Mary Jo because I know how much she loves dogs.

My Father’s Generation (Rick lead vocal)
Our parents grew up during the depression and World War II. When Tom Brokaw’s book, The Greatest Generation came out, I wrote this song. I always appreciated the music, the baseball, and the work ethic and values of the men and women who represent my Dad’s generation.

There Is No Doubt (duet)
We were asked to provide music for the WFMJ* Today TV21 spring wedding of Lindsey and Jeff. I offered to write a song for the occasion based on the couple’s taste and wishes. They both like country music and wished to thank all who supported them. In reference to the good fortune that had come their way regarding the wedding Lindsay had said to me, “There’s no doubt we’re right where we’re supposed to be.” This easy going country duet reflects those sentiments.
*WFMJ is a regional television affiliate of NBC.

Too Many Years (Mary Jo lead vocal)
Mary Jo has often found herself doing what many good-hearted people do: caring so much about their work or their friends or loved ones that their own well being suffers. I wrote this song for Mary Jo to reinforce her commitment to taking care of herself so she can be at her best for her friends and her work.

Climb Till Your Dreams Come True (not on the CD)
Notes from Rick: I was hired by the American Business Women’s Association to write this song to reinforce the theme of national convention. We had discussed the group’s values and goals. They had indicated that an ailing member had been an inspiration to many over the years and asked if a reference could be made to honor her. That explains the bridge. The music would be a typical pop anthem. We did a reading in the middle of the song when we originally presented it at their convention. That explains the unusual “la-la-la” interlude.

Baseball With Bite (not on the CD)
Notes from Rick: Baseball With Bite was written to serve as the theme song of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, a minor league affiliate of the Cleveland Indians Minor league baseball is families – grandparents and little ones all coming together to have fun watching a ballgame on a warm summer evening. The music should be fun and accessible to a wide range of ages and tastes. The lyrics were filled with almost every baseball cliché I could think of. Add a few corny effects, dog sounds (the team’s mascot is a big bulldog character), my vanilla “apple pie and hot dogs” voice, the National Anthem and…Play Ball!