Waiting (Song)
“Waiting” is a mini audio movie of sorts, originally featured on Staying Out of the Risky Zone, a CD complication of songs related to AIDs and sexuality and is dedicated in loving memory of Steve, Ruth’s brother.
From Ruth:
”The verses and bridge of this piece were inspired by my brother Steve. During most of Steve's hospitalizations, he was one of the few AIDs patients who had visitors. The chorus was inspired by the many patients who I met on the 11th floor (the Aids wing) of St. Josephs Hospital in Chicago, Illinois throughout 1994. Steve died on February 11, 1995 at home. With all my heart, I give thanks for his Ascension and pray for all those men and women who are still waiting on the 11th floor. What a day of great beauty it will be when - en masse - the living choose compassion over fear, and the dying are loved. Blessings to all in all Dimensions.”
AUDIO SAMPLE:
PROJECT INFO:
Everyone who played and sang on this song volunteered.
Rattles: Penny Olson, Brenda Albee, Pat Connolly, Ann McGovern, Ruth Mendelson, and many unseen friends.
Dialogue: Laurie Goldsmith, Bo Chu, Bob Grove, Kate Gallivan, Jan Kolb, Brenda Albee, Sally Barnes, Jerry Gulla, Pat Connolly, Carol Marton, Ginger Brown, Heidi Larisch, Stan Selib, Hershey Hirschkop, Jack Rothschild, Lisa Edmonds, Claire Boskin, Eric Brown, Chi Loo, Jeff Chatlos, Sandy Dixon, Ray Olson, Keena Keel, Cheryl Procaccin, Brian Olson, Heather Roster, Megan Bolinger. Lorrie Scheppler, Ellen Papadeas, Julie Woods, Laura Anderson Wood, Clare Ellis, Jill Soley, Penny Olson, Marisa T. Dery, Tim Butler, Tony Armelin, Andy (the mayor), Pat Berry, Nancy Nocera
Vocals: Dennis Montgomery III (lead, background), Julie Woods (lead), George Blackman (lead)
Handclaps: George Blackman, Ruth Mendelson
Drums: Jonathon Able
Bass, chimes, cymbals, synthesizers: Ruth Mendelson
String orchestra conducted by: Dennis Leclair
Violins: Stanley Silverman, Alison Kirchgasser, Rick Slevira, Howard Katz, Brian Clague, Alan Hawryluk, Vicky Citron
Violas: Elisa Birdseye, Gayle Rich, Dale Hall, David Hobby, Harold Lieberman, Eric Kurtz, Roland Vasquez, Jason Totzke
Cellos: Claire Garabeedian, Johan Solts, Millard Irion, Ben Peterson, Laurie Strubber
Double Bass: Debbie Jones
Engineered by: Frank Coakley (strings), Huck Bennert (everything else)
Digital Editing: Dave Ackerman, Tim Barnes
Mixed by: Huck Bennert, Ruth Mendelson
All tracks were recorded at Wellspring Sound (Concord, Ma), except for the strings, which were recorded at the Campion Center (Weston, Ma).