joey mcintyre · thank you's
MY HIGHER POWER the heaviest of all hands. the one who holds me up when i think i'm the genius who put this together. but as father would say, "God's work must truly be our own." and this work of art could not have been done without so many talented human beings and a few celestial ones. JOE CARRIER - you gave wings to my words and let my music fly. j am speechless. all i can do is look to the heavens in thanks. we wouldn't be here without you. DONNIE WAHLBERG - my consigliore - pickin' me up from my bootstraps since i was 12 years old. i know you'll be there in the future. you've been a quiet inspiration for me and have lead by example. that's the most any friend could want. you'll always have a special place in my heart. DANNY WOOD - you "got my back" since way back. your belief in me helped me believe in myself. you were there in the beginning with this and i'll never forget that. PHIL GREENE - to the fastest man in the east. yeah right! because of you, i will always look fondly on my first album.a lot of laughs, alot of stories, unfortunately they were all told on the clock. but you still make great records. VINCE EVANS - one of the angels i was talkin' about. you are so unselfish with your talent. i really look forward to working together again. god bless you. LARRY THOMAS - you added that little somethin' whereever and whenever it was needed. your belief in me meant a lot. TOM SOARES - the tone man. not a better set of ears in the business. thanxfor keepin' me in the pocket. for your talent and friendship, thank you. MARYA LOWRY - for teaching me what voice is really all about. i know we've only just begun. thank you. NORMANDY SOUND - an institution. thanks to RALPH, DICK, FRED, ROB and CHUCK. and the town of WARREN. JOANNE NICI AND EVERYONE AT DON BUCHWALD AGENCY. thank you for handling me with care. GARY STROMBERG - for the inspiration to fly solo. JAMIE ROBERTS - shattering all the myths about laywers. thanks for hangin' in there. and finally to my manager JERRY JAFFE - my main man, may this be the beginning of a beautiful partnership. thanks also to ROSE and BILL MCGATHY. a special thank you to TOMMY, DONNIE, JERRY, CHARLIE, LEE and everyone at Columbia. Like Tommy said, "i'm back home where i belong." To DENNIS and everyone at C2 - remember I was your first! BOSTON - first to DAVID COREY and JOHN IVEY at KISS 108 and the dream team - MATTY SIEGEL and he morning show team - BILLY COSTA, SUE, CORINNE, JODY and RANDY, ED MCMANN, DALE DORMAN, ARTIE and SKIP KELLY - my gratitude is immeasurable. SETH GREENBURG - kid! PATRICK LYONS - thanx for the key to the city. RICHIE BALSBAUGH - for all you've done in the past and all you'll do in the future (hint, hint). to DANNY OCEAN and VANESSA DICHELLIS at jam'n 94.5 thank you for your insight. LARRY MOULTER and WOOLF ASSOCIATES - thanks for the tix (hi to #4). VINNIE DEL ZOPPO and everyone at BLUE HILL C.C. (the gun room wants this c.d. to do well). MIKE COZ - buddy! MICHAEL HOEY - c'mon gaffah!. JAMES "BO" CLEARY - seize the moment, kid. JOE KELSEY - good lookin; out, dog. PATRICK PETTY - the freshest wears in town. HOUSE OF CULTURE. RYAN, all your work has paid off. you da man. DAVID MARCELLINO - my ace in nyc. LAUREN MARTIN HARKINS - thanks for your spirit. to the WAHLBERGS, the WOODS and the KNIGHTS - thank you for raising four very important people in my life. to the WOOLF FAMILY, thanks for your love. love to the ROSENTHAL FAMILY. DANNY, JIMMY, ELLEN and LENNY LEWIN - you guys are the best. thanks to Maurice and DICK - i hope i made you proud. and to NINA, the sweetest girl in the whole world - i hope you always stay the same 'cuz there's nothin' 'bout you i would change. JAMAICA PLAIN - the POND, the SUGAR BOWL, the MONUMENT, PINARDI'S, CLASSIC CLEANERS, SAME OLD PLACE, J.P. LICK'S and the town that is my home (sorry BROOKLINE). and to two guys that need to get the hell out of there (but never will) MIKE n' RYLAND (that's Ryland, not roland, not rydel, not rahrah. it's R-Y-L-A-N-D). to my whole crew - gettin' my back all these years. BIZ, RICE, KEV, NOODLES, DINI, EGG, RADAR and REGGIE. see you at the 'horn. MY FAMILY - i don't know how people get along without: 1) at least 7 sisters who are there all the time, even when you don't want them to be, and 2) a brother to fullback as you walk into the endzone. JUDY - your talent and creativity inspire me. ALICE - my grandmother, you've always looked after me. SUSAN - you teach me how to care. PATRICIA - brings me home. CAROL - your love for me makes me be all i can be. JEAN - my moral meter. KATE - the great defender. and i know why i only have one brother because he's all any brother could ever want - the imitable TOMMY MC, i love you, dude. to my parents, KATHERINE and TOM. you have given me so much. my only retribution is to live by morals and values that you have taught me. and MOM, i promise to "be a good boy" and DAD i promise to "tell 'em who i am." my brothers-in-law, JOE, JOE, LES & GREG and my beautiful sister-in-law, STACY. to the cutest nieces in the world - KAYLA, AUDREY and LEAH, and my nephew DANNY. also to my godson, SETH. i love you all. thanks to all my cousins - the MCINTYRES, uncle DICKIE, the BOWENS, the YOUNGS - PEACH and CONOR, the McManus family, the DALY's and the ROACHES. lastly, the FANS - the hard core ones, the crazy ones, the ones that grew out of it, the ones that grew into it, the ones in the past, the ones in the future, and you - the one that matters most, thank you for listening. i hope you understand where i'm coming from and where i'm trying to go. it's not too heavy, it's not too deep, but i believe in every word of it. i hope you do too. Dedicated to MR. ADAMS of MISSION HILL. God called him a little too soon, but he lived with a spirit that could fill three lifetimes. He was young at heart. Plus, he thought I was going to be the next Frank Sinatra. This one's for you, Mr. A.
As with all things good, there were a lot of people that were more than helpful with this project, album, CD, LP, etc., etc. Jerry Jaffe-my commandant, my conciliere-and to those who know him best-"the f***ing DOCTOR." You're always there for me-working harder than anyone else. You're a gentleman and a scholar.BUDDYYY!!! Kenny McPherson-you've been there on this from the get-go. You threw me back in the ring and gave me the spark I needed to start writing again. Scot Sax-true to the game. Thanks for all your encouragement. You laid the Rock-n-Roll foundation for this album. "Good to hear from you, Scot." Mark Plati-Mr. Platski and I had a lot of fun makin' music and there's no greater joy than that. You make great records. Thank you for introducing me to so much and so many. Mary Wood-I really enjoyed writing songs with you, even if you don't returnphone calls for months. You're the first girl I ever wrote with and it was dead sexy. Craig Young-Dude, thanks for the song. How it wasn't recorded already. I don't know. I lucked out. I'd write more about you but "I'd just get the words wrong." Walter Afanasieff-Dear Walter,...I'm writing you to request the use of your guesthouse in Marin on the third weekend of every month. Please arrange for your regular cast of world-class writers and musicians to stop by and make beautiful music with me. It is not entirely necessary that you be home. However, your presence is always a plus. Sincerely humbled and flattered to be working with you,-Joseph Mulrey McIntyre. Greg Bieck-so talented. So nice. Thank you for taking the song to another level-you freaked it. And to your talented, beautiful bride for making it happen. Emanuel Kiriakou-my mentor. I have flourished under your tutelage. Your integrity, your unwavering committment, your musicianship, your temper, your open mind, and your open heart. My gratitude cannot be measured. p.s.don't throw this back in my face the next time we argue over a bass line. Special thanx to some serious cats: Fred Schneider-I still can't believe it. The "cool points" on the album go way up. From Charlie Drayton to Earl Slick, the musicianship on this record is somehigh quality "ish." Thanks to Pat Thrall for adding so much to the overall semblance of the music. To Mollie for all the hard work. Goldie Gareza for the invaluable creative input (sorry Josh). To Kathy, Linda and Kevin at KSA-thanks for making me look cool. And to Spiro Phanos whose insight and guidance were important. Shout out to everyone at Dubway from Lil' Al to Big Al...but first ve vill double you! Cheers to Greg and Steve at Sterling Sound. Finally to the mixers - Kevin, Pat, David, Jean-Marie and "the Godfather" of all of them, Mr. Neill Dorfsman...Soups On! To Alan Rubens and everyone at Q Records-in a "Big Brother" record business. I feel very fortunate to have a group of people that give me the support an artist needs to be creative. Thank you, Alan, for reaching out to me. Here's to a great future! TO MY FANS-The BRAVEHEARTS-get the WAR paint ready! To David Corey and Jon Ivey at KISS 108 and to Davey Morris and Tony Bristol at PRO-FM. To my friends-"I don't know why I love you, but buddy you know I do. To my family-"I don't know why you love me, but, baby, I'm glad you do." (for all sappy, heartfelt regards, see "Stay the Same" credits.) And lastly about Mrs. Callahan...there is a Paul Michael Callahan. He was my best friend growing up. His family was very good to me. That is why I feel the need to explain. "Mrs. Callahan" is about the delicate relationship between parent and child, the danger of pride. It's about my family as much as anybody's. When you're writing a song, you are influenced by everything. Eman was playing some chords and "Mrs. Callahan, is Paul Michael home?" rolled off my tongue. That's how it happens. I'll get the evil eye from a few Boston Irish, but it's worth it. "Mrs. Callahan" is the most important song I've written.
Joseph and Emanuel would like to thank Jerry Jaffe and Spiro Phanos for rockin' in the free world. Thanks also to Justin Fraser, Randy @ Effanel, Marc Katz @ Evolution and Jamie Roberts.
Special thanks to everyone at Joe's Pub.
And finally, to the great city of New York, we feel blessed to walk your streets, take your subways and cross your bridges everyday. We love you.
It was the best of times; it was the worst of times...
This record was made by a team- a small group of people that came together creatively, spiritually, and truthfully, and I'm am grateful.
Emanuel Kiriakou is a man who can only make music he believes in. Ny only giving his best, he brings out the best in me. Even if it kills me. We left it all out on the field and we have won.
David Channing played a huge role in making this record
he kept his studio open so we could finish it. So smart, its scary. Quick, to the Unitor! Thanks to Ross Hogarth for finding him.
Walter Afanasief has once again opened his heart and his studio to me. Thank you for all the free stuff you did for me...I could never afford you. You being a part of this is an honor.
Thanks to Clark and Konesha.
Richie Balsbaugh, my council. Thank you for all your energy, and your friendship and your friends.
Charlie Drayton, you've done it again! You funked it up.
We almost gave you writing credit on This Is Different, but it was already finished. Maybe. Eman will give you some of his points.
Doug Petty is a funny guy. He is also a greta and generous talent. Thanks for bringing "the stuff" to the sessions.
Jeff Bova, the man behind the curtain. I've never seen you but your strings are gorgeous.
Bobby Tahouri, you brought great energy to this record. The sounds were killer. Especially, the loop on the second verse of This Is Different. Bananas!
Ed Sussman who played so groovy his theraflu... I mean his theraman. Far out, man.
London Jones you freak. You really got the party going'. You're an amazing talent, but you're still a freak.
Jim Anton, I know you are on here somewhere. Thanks for jammin' out in the beginning.
Pat Thrall. Haya doin', man? Thanks for always bein' there for us. Thanks, Zoe!
Tony Maserati is nice in the studio, like Paul Pierce is nice on the court. And that's the "Truth." Thanks, dude.
Jack Joseph Puig, you are right-we have already won.
Greg Calbi, thanks for the pixie dust.
Thank you to everyone at Artemis Records for excepting me and embracing my music.
Big thanks to everyone a radio for playing my songs.
Rigberg Rugolo Entertainment for their continued dedication.
Spiro Phanos for your unique insight and outlook.
And finally to the guy, who makes it all happen. Jerry Jaffe. Forget James Brown, Jerry Jaffe is THE hardest working man in show business. Its noy easy managing such a temperamental artist, but he pays me 80% to do it!
To my fans: The young ones, the fun ones, the old ones, the bold ones, the crazy ones, the lazy ones and most importantly, you-thaks for buying my record.
Thank you to my entire family. You are open like Store 24 with everything I need.
And most finally to the girl who gave me such material as she had me chasing her all over town, Mrs. McIntyre. 8:09, baby! I love you.
THE "STANDARDS" ARE HOLLOWED GROUND AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED, SO HERE I AM AT THE PEARLY GATES. WHAT DO YOU SAY TO ST. FRANCIS ALBERT? "I'VE TRIED MY BEST. I DIDWHAT I THOUGHT WAS RIGHT. I FOLLOWED MY HEART AND GAVE IT A SHOT."
I HOPE IT'S GOOD ENOUGH. I BELIEVE IT IS.
THE FIRST TIME I EVER SAW FRANK SINATRA WAS AT GREEK THEATRE IN HOLLYWOOD. I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE CONCERT AT THE LAST MINUTE AND I FRANTICALLY CALLED AROUND TOWN TO SEE IF I COULD SCROUNGE UP A COUPLE OF TICKETS. NO DICE. IT DIDN'T MATTER THAT I WAS IN THE BIGGEST POP GROUP IN THE WORLD AT THE TIME. THIS WAS FRANK SINATRA.
SO I THREW CAUTION TO THE WIND AND DROVE UP THE HILL TO THE GREEK BY MYSELF AND PARKED ILLEGALLY RIGHT OUT FRONT. I ASKED A LIMO DRIVER TO WATCH THE CAR. HE WAS FROM BOSTON. BUT I TRUSTED HIM ANYWAY. AFTER COMING UP SHORT AT THE BOX OFFICE, I FINALLY SCALPED A TICKET-A GOOD SEAT ABOUT 20 ROWS BACK DEAD CENTER...GOT IT FOR FACE VALUE TO BOOT! AND, SUDDENLY, THERE I WAS, FIRST TIME EVER FOR THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. HE WAS STILL KICKIN' AFTER ALL THOSE YEARS. THE VOICE WAS A LITTLE DEEPER, BUT SO WAS HIS STORY. AND I SAT THERE ENRAPTURED BY IT ALL.
HOW CAN SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE SUCH A PERSONAL CONNECTION TO ONE MAN?
I REMEMBER HIM ACKNOWLEDGING THE BAND SAYING, "I'VE BEEN ALL AROUND THE WORLD, AND I TELL YOU, THE BEST MUSICIANS ARE RIGHT HERE IN LOS ANGELES." HE ASKED US TO APPLAUD THEM AND WE GRATEFULLY OBLIGED.
FRANK SINATRA WASN'T ALWAYS RIGHT, BUT HE WAS NEVER WRONG. I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE SOME OF THE GREAT MUSICIANS IN LOS ANGELES PLAY ON THIS RECORS. REAL PROS. I GRATEFULLY APPLAUD THEM ONCE MORE...THERE'S NOTHING LIKEKNOWING YOU HAVE THE BEST.
I'VE SUNG THESE SONGS MY WHOLE LIFE-ON STAGE, IN MY DAD'S CAR, AT FAMILY GATHERINGS-BUT RECORDING THEM FOR POSTERITY IS A MUCH DIFFERENT VENTURE. THE CHALLENGE OF MAKING THESE SONGS NEW WAS A LABOR OF LOVE, BUT I THINK WE WERE ABLE TO CAPTURE OUR OWN UNIQUE TAKE ON THEM-TRYING THEM ON FOR SIZE AND MAKING THEM FIT COMFORTABLY.
THE FINE TAILOR IN THE STUDIO WAS DOUG PETTY. FROM THE FIRST DOWNBEAT, I KNEW HE HAD IT RIGHT. HE HAD SUCH A CLEAR VISION OF WHAT WE WANTED TO CREATE. WE WERE ALL ON THE SAME PAGE AND WITH A FEW HONEST DAYS' WORK, "WE GAVE IT A SHOT." AND IF HE WASN'T ENOUGH, HE'S GOT A TWIN BROTHER! DAN PETTY ENGINEERED AND PLAYED GUITAR THROUGHOUT THE RECORD. THE VIBE WAS PERFECT AT DAN'S STUDIO. VIBE IS EVERYTHING WHEN YOU'RE DOING THE STANDARDS, AND WE HAD IT AT THE PATH.
MY GOOD FRIEND EMANUEL KIRIAKOU TOOK TIME OUT OF HIS BUSY "POP" SCHEDULE TO SHEPHERD THIS RECORD INTO THE RIGHT HANDS AND LEND HIS FINE DISCERNING EAR TO THE MUSIC. I HAD A CERTAIN SENSE OF CONFIDENCE, KNOWING HE WAS GOING TO BE INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT. I TREASURE THE FACT THAT WE ARE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO WORK TOGETHER AND REMAIN GREAT FRIENDS.
MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS CONTINUE TO LOVE AND SUPPORT ME AS A PERSON AND PERFORMER. I AM A LUCKY MAN, ESPECIALLY WITH THE SMARTEST, KINDEST, MOST PATIENT WIFE IN THE WORLD. (DID I MENTION SHE'S BEAUTIFUL)?I LOVE YOU, BABY.
THIS MUSIC FEELS LIKE HOME. IT TALKS TO ME. I HOPE IT TALKS TO YOU.
-JM