Thursday - Friday, August 3 - 4, 2022 - Recording days
Kirstin and I arrived at the studio around 8:45 AM, with plenty of time to meet our producer/arranger, recording engineer and become familiar with our surroundings and get ready to capture the music.
The steps leading up to the studio had an interesting inscription in them. Kirstin said, "Wonder Woman," as she stepped up to snap a picture. It probably actually stood for Wildwood (the name of the studio), but I liked her description better.
Only a wonder woman could have managed the intricate balancing act she undertook in the days leading up to this momentous occasion. With the responsibilities of caring for three children, three non-musical feline companions, a faithful canine friend, a roster of oboe students both in her private studio and across multiple educational institutions, and her commitments as a seasoned performer in various symphonies and trios, the sheer magnitude of her achievements becomes evident. And to top it all off, she expertly crafts her own reeds.
We were warmly welcomed by Phillip Keveren, our arranger and producer. The significance of this moment as a pianist is beyond words. My familiarity with Phillip's arrangements and piano compositions had grown through my involvement with Ed Kee and the collaborative Portraits of White annual concerts. Our connection led us to incorporate some of Phillip's pieces into these events. In 2019, Double Keyed engaged Phillip to craft an arrangement of "I Wonder as I Wander," spotlighting piano and oboe.
Admiring his musical prowess and talents, I was an ardent admirer of Phillip's work. The realization that he would be arranging an entire album for us, while also serving as the producer, was nothing short of a dream actualized—a dream I hadn't even dared to anticipate. Kirstin's aspiration had unexpectedly paved the way for me to collaborate with a true idol of mine.
This experience reinforces the truth that pursuing our aspirations often extends its rewards to others. In this instance, I was undoubtedly reaping the rewards of Kirstin's bold pursuit.
Earlier that morning, prior to our arrival at the studio, I had been engrossed in a motivational message that consistently aids me in maintaining focus on my overarching life goals and daily objectives. My journal entries, captured in their unedited authenticity, mirror the notes I hastily transcribed from the impactful message—an approach I regularly follow. These journal entries also encapsulate my introspective musings during our inaugural day as Double Keyed within the studio.
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Dr. David Fink, M.D., said, "Pay the price."
1. Set a goal.
2. Quit running yourself down.
3. Stop thinking of all the reasons you can't be successful and think of all the reasons why you can.
4. Trace your attitudes back to your childhood and try to discover where you first got the idea that you couldn't be successful if that's the way you've been thinking.
5. Change the image you have of yourself by writing out a description of the person you would like to be.
6. Act the part of the successful person you have decided to become.
– Earl Nightingale, The Strangest Secret
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Five songs done today:
- O Come, O Come Emmanuel - Gorgeous
- O Holy Night
- What Child is This?
- I Wonder - surprised by how difficult this was - reed issues [Kirstin had cautioned me about the capricious nature of reeds, not to mention the temperamental disposition of the oboe itself. As I observed the situation firsthand, I gained a deeper appreciation for the immense pressure she must have been under while recording, solely from this vantage point.]
- In the Bleak Midwinter - Beautiful!
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A few comments I heard today:
"This is going to be a fun day!" - Phillip and Kent said to each other [after Kirstin and I warmed up with O Come O Come Emmanuel].
"Frances, you and that piano are talking to each other." (PK)
"This is going to be a world class project." (PK) I smiled inside - since one of my goals has been to be a world class performer. :-)
"Frances, you have really risen to the challenge." (PK) [Coming from a renowned pianist himself, I was exceptionally grateful to hear this. It was no small feat to record in front of him, while he sat in the control room listening to every note I played.]
"These two [performers] did something we don't often see – they came prepared." [PK said to Ed Kee, who stopped by the studio for a visit.]
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I felt as if my practicing paid off – in so many ways. I wanted to not be the weak link. I held my own. I played in the presence of a master, and didn't fall apart.
"This piano is like a race car that doesn't want to stick with the speed limit." Steve (studio owner) liked that – they all laughed – they'd never heard that analogy... he said that was language he could understand. :-)
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At the end of the two days, I reflected further:
- Sat down and debriefed our experience. Looked at pictures from the photo shoot.
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| At first, we were having trouble remembering all the 'rules'. |
Chin out... head down
(and then there were those dreaded hot flashes)
- Walked around Franklin. Young group of string players serenaded us. Violinist on the corner down the street. Meat platter at Pucketts... sweet tea... Ice cream/yogurt at Sweet CeCe's.
- Came back and fed the cat our [leftover] chicken.
- Talked to Kim, Jack's wife. He had tongue cancer. :-( They used to live on N. Berry's Chapel [near the studio where we recorded] - bought this property later [Airbnb].
- Helicopters
- Turkeys
- Shooting Turkeys
- Deer
- Georgia the cat
- Hank, Diggy - horses
- Chickens
- Photo shoot password: fan :-) hot flashes
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It was obvious that Kirstin was blown away by the whole experience... couldn't articulate all she was feeling, but I understood. It's unexplainable. Unless you go through it, there are no words. I was just incredibly grateful to be back. Never thought it would happen - and SO delightful. The music, the piano, the people – Kent and Steve [and Phillip] - SO much fun.
We're both concerned about I Wonder... and it puzzles me because that one was the least of our concerns. Oh well. They assured us that once they mix, eq and master it, it will sound amazing. [And it did... I don't know what we were so worried about!]
I cried often when they would play the songs back to us in the studio. It moves me – the lonely sound of the oboe, the richness of the English horn. I had to keep myself together. The opportunity to play this incredible piano – the best in town?! Wow!! Just wow!!
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And then...
Kent Hooper's impeccable mixing and mastering skills brought our collection of classics to life, infusing them with a captivating blend of sound. Paired with Phillip's heartfelt arrangements, their collaboration transformed our project into a harmonious masterpiece.
With a title that eloquently captured our journey and an exquisite album cover that perfectly complemented the music, our artistic endeavor was truly fulfilled. The project reached its culmination, leaving us with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
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On November 4, 2022, Midwinter's Gift took wings and flew into the world.
On Monday, November 14, I woke up to an email:
Hello,
Double Keyed (Frances Drost & Kirstin Myers) “Midwinter's Gift” is charting on our Classical Crossover chart tomorrow.
CD 195269192372
Also hoping you can have a copy of the CD sent to me so we can archive.
Thanks so much and stay safe.
Alex Vitoulis
Billboard Magazine
Associate Director Charts Production Manager/Archive Research Manager
Chart Manager: Blues, Classical, Comedy, Jazz, Kid Audio, Music Video, New Age, Reggae, Vinyl & World
Recaps Assistant
475 FIFTH AVENUE, 4th Floor, NEW YORK, NY 10017
Email: alex.vitoulis@billboard.com
Mobile:516-317-0552 | Twitter: @jawsfin
IM:Alex V BPI
www.billboard.com
www.billboard.com/business
In January 2023, Midwinter's Gift was nominated for Instrumental Album of the Year, receiving a 2022 Spot Award for Best Classical/Crossover from Central Pennsylvania Music Awards.
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| What are we going to do next? |
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On the heels of their Billboard-charting and award winning album, Midwinter’s Gift, Kirstin Myers and Frances Drost as the duo Double Keyed continue to delight audiences with their heartfelt interpretations of both classical and contemporary music. Their unique and contemplative sound takes the listener on a journey that resonates long after their performances.
In 2018, Kirstin and Frances formed Double Keyed when they realized that they both had a desire to not only perform together, but to touch others with their music in an uplifting way that leaves them in a reflective state of peace.
Their first album, Midwinter’s Gift, was recorded in 2022 in Nashville, TN and in November of that same year it was nationally recognized by reaching #13 on Billboard’s “Classical-Crossover” chart. A few months later, it was nominated by the Central Pennsylvania Hall of Fame for “Best Instrumental Album of the Year” and was also awarded “Best Classical-Crossover Album” of 2022.
Oboist Kirstin Myers holds degrees in both performance and education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and was also a summa cum laude graduate of Michigan State University in oboe performance. Since the year 2000, Kirstin has been on the faculty of Millersville University and York College and in 2016 was appointed to the faculty of Lebanon Valley College. She is a 26-year member of the York Symphony Orchestra and also plays with local groups like Berks Sinfonietta and the Reading Pops Orchestra. In addition, she maintains a large private music studio for oboe and piano students in both Lancaster and York counties and hosts a podcast featuring local musicians called Life Between the Notes.
Award-winning singer/songwriter Frances Drost is a pianist and concert artist who began her own company, Musical Creations, as a way to encourage people on their journey through life. Take years of life experiences distilled into “three minute messages” of lyric and melody, interwoven with story-telling in between and you get the unique ministry of Frances. As both a singer and songwriter, Frances has a unique way of presenting real-life experiences and meaningful messages that are gently woven throughout her music.
You can find more about Kirstin at kirstinmyersoboe.com and Frances at francesdrost.com.
Midwinter’s Gift is available on CD as well as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and many other streaming services. You can purchase the CD here.
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