“Seven Songs of Women’s Lives” was recorded for PAL (Project Arts & Longevity) from live performances. These are songs I wrote for some of the women interviewed by Amy Gorman for her book, “Aging Artfully.”

It all began when I accompanied Amy on interviews with women from 85 to 105 years old, all of whom had continued to practice their art well into their last years. Inspired to write these songs, which I arranged for voice, piano, violin and cello, I formed an ad hoc quartet (“The Crones Kwartet”). I played piano with these remarkable professional musicians as we offered several local performances that helped launch Amy’s book.

 Debbie Golata, with her beautifully expressive soprano, sang my songs along with Cathy Allen on cello and Rachel Durling on violin, lifting my music to its highest possible level. Furthermore, they gave their amazing talents gratis—an act of love and generosity!