JAM Sessions Music Publishing Company

An Exciting Homage!

I appreciate the laid back but bold Lounge atmosphere created by the prominent piano, accordion and the smooth feminine background vocals. This is a throwback 40's-60's music with an 80's twist; and that's credit again to the crisp female backgrounds-these could find voice in any era.

They effectively effect a Manhattan Transfer sound.

The lead here is fine as well; he's soft enough with his tenor to not distort or distract the nostalgia, even though his reels could lend this song to an advertisement jingle (the lyrics help create that feel) - for a great place, by the way. But that's a fine element; a listener knows instinctively that there's no sneak-in product placement here. No, this is an honest homage, exciting and well done at that. But that said; it would still be a great tune for a commercial or tourist advertisement.

It sounds like a studio mix where the band deliberately went after a nostalgic effect; the piano and the throwback drum rat-a-tat-tat carry the upbeat tune successfully to it's destination.

Well done!

Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Female Vocals, Drums, Keyboards, Production, Lyrics, Melody, Mood, and Originality.

Alberta Records

New York City, New York

February 18, 2010

UTICA

Composed by James Millbower

Utica, that’s where I want to be,

In Utica, the heart of the Mohawk Valley.

Utica, four seasons beckon me,

To Utica, distinguished by diversity.

I want to grow there, expand there, learn all I can there,

In Utica, the Handshake City.

Utica, sing out loud, sing out strong,

For Utica, sing out now it won’t be long,

Before we’re building the merits of everyone’s spirits,

In Utica, the Handshake City.

Oh what a place, I really love it.

I’ve got to make that move back.

Back where there’s space and plenty of it.

Got on my travelin’ shoes,

I’ll leave behind these blues,

Come on and help me pack!

Instrumental

Utica, that’s where I long to be,

In Utica, the heart of the Mohawk Valley.

I want to live there and work there,

Build all my dreams there.

In Utica, Utica, It’s all waiting there for me.

I want to live there and work there,

Build all my dreams there.

In Utica, Utica, It’s all waiting there for me.

Copyright © 1982

JAM SESSIONS MUSIC PUBLISHING CO. (ASCAP)

P.O. BOX 8098,

Utica, New York 13505-8098

Ph. # (315) 798-1306

We at JAM Sessions Music, are thrilled to be bringing your ears our Remixed/Remastered toe tappin' tune, Utica! We invite you to: Sing Out Loud! Sing Out Strong!!! 

Written as a birthday tribute to the City of Utica for their Sesquicentennial Celebration in 1982! I wrote the lyrics before I actually lived the life. Like the lyrics, I moved away and came back years later to buy a house, raise a family, and open a business. In 2004 when I had an opportunity to record Utica, I leapt at the chance! I pulled the song out of my filing cabinet and went to work. Vastly improving the lyrics by using my life experiences to make very minor, yet important lyrical changes that created a cohesiveness that the earlier version was lacking. In addition, re-harmonizing the supporting chord structure made it more interesting. These improvements (including the contributions of Lenn Millbower - Background & Harmony Vocal Arrangement, & The Phenomenal Piano stylings of Rick Montalbano) resulted in a rousing version that received a SAMMY (Syracuse Area Music Award) Nomination from LeMoyne College’s Music Department, under the direction of concert pianist/composer/educator Andrew Russo, for the best Pop Recording of 2005.

What an incredible honor it was to be nominated! I am forever grateful. We didn't pull off the win, but a song called Utica being nominated for a Syracuse area music award is a win all by itself!!! 

We now stand a mere 10 years away from the city's Bicentennial celebration, one for which, "I Can't Wait" (more on that later)! It's going to be SPECTACULAR, so mark it on your Calendar! 

"James, It's great!!!

Nice going, I want to go to Utica!

Great job singing and the whole production! Congrats!!

BTW I know Rick Montalbano, Piano,

Great Stuff!!!

I wish you the best with the Utica video, keep me posted when you make more!!

Best to you and Rick!!"

Doug Ferony, Peekskill, NY

"Awesome...Great job on the remixing and remastering - very 'polished!"

Leisa adds that she is equally impressed by your musicianship AND your photography skills...

You have a good eye. (Or TWO! LOL) 

I still say that what they will play in 2032

(the original) has its own charm,

but this is certainly a superior finished product."

Anthony Bogardus, Southboro, MA

"I remember you doing this song from the Utica sesquicentennial in 1982!

Loved it then and the remix is terrific!"

Frank Montecalvo, Utica, NY

"Loved this!"

MBI Hollenberg, Philadelphia, PA

"Great work, James Millbower!"

Koko Conley, Overland Park, Kansas

"I see you shot a lot of new spots, 

Bank of Utica, Utica Coffee. Etc, real nice. Great job, Jim!" 

Errol Denyes, Utica, New York

"Love it, thanks from California!"

Edith Szatko

"My advertising agency….Evans Garber & Paige…..created the “Handshake City” promotion for the Chamber of Commerce. We had national personalities (Joan Rivers among them) touting the city and its welcoming message. I’m heartened by the fact that the concept is still alive in my hometown."

Michael Evens, Utica, NY

"Great job, Jim!!"

Dianne Adams McDowell,

Fairmont, West Virgina

"Love it!"

Janie Teresa, Pensacola, FL