Biography
Fred Moolten revealed one of the most distinctive songwriting voices to enter the music landscape with his debut album, The Way We Are. Years earlier he had worked as a stage and television actor, then earned a medical degree and turned to scientific research. His theatrical instincts remained undiminished and resurfaced in vivid musical form once the album appeared. Listeners frequently inquire whether the intimate, emotionally charged songs draw from his own life; Moolten states that most do not, though “Cat Lullaby” comes close. He prefers to gather fragments of experience from himself and those nearest to him, then merge lyrics and music into coherent songs.
The album’s impact owed much to the skillful arrangements supplied by Mike Lewis and Don Vappie together with the vocal work of Bryan Harden, Michelle Amato, Don Vappie, and Rachel Perry. Recording occurred in Miami and New Orleans. Drummer Bernard “Bunchy” Johnson, whose résumé includes an extensive and celebrated roster of musical credits, also participated. On the project Don Vappie sang and played banjo on “Expedition Rag” while arranging and producing three tracks. Mike Lewis, serving as arranger, producer, and composer, handled the arrangements and production for the full set of ten songs.
The album’s impact owed much to the skillful arrangements supplied by Mike Lewis and Don Vappie together with the vocal work of Bryan Harden, Michelle Amato, Don Vappie, and Rachel Perry. Recording occurred in Miami and New Orleans. Drummer Bernard “Bunchy” Johnson, whose résumé includes an extensive and celebrated roster of musical credits, also participated. On the project Don Vappie sang and played banjo on “Expedition Rag” while arranging and producing three tracks. Mike Lewis, serving as arranger, producer, and composer, handled the arrangements and production for the full set of ten songs.
Albums
