During the original recording of this song, at one point someone said – you know what would be nice on this track, a cello. Everyone agreed that indeed it would sound nice on it but as no one knew a cellist that idea went as quickly as it came.
By coincidence I was in the city centre a day or two afterwards and a girl walked by with what looked like a cello case on her back. I ran after her and asked – is that a cello you’re carrying? She answered – yes (slowly) and gave me a look that said, you better explain yourself real fast. So I did and then I asked her – would you like to play cello on the song? She answered – no, giving me a look as if I’d asked her for the family jewels. So much for that!
When I recounted the story to someone a bit later they said, you should put a note up at the music school. I’m sure there’s someone there who would be willing to do it. I thought that was a good idea so off I went and put up my note on the noticeboard. I waited… and waited… and waited and eventually came to the conclusion that no one was going to beat a path to my door to add some cello to the song.
So why am I writing about this now?
Well, on the 12th of March this year I attended a benefit concert for the people of Ukraine because as you’re no doubt aware, Putin and his henchmen decided to go to war with them on the 24th February.
It was a nice concert, with lots of classical music played on cellos. It was only as I lay in bed that night that my mind suddenly connected the dots – that was a lot of cellos… cellos… cello… Adam & Eve!
I contacted the lady who organised the concert and she put me in touch with someone called Anna Litvinenko, a cellist from Ukraine. Unlike my previous attempt, she said yes immediately and was very enthusiastic. The only problem after that was to pick a date. She’s incredibly busy these days – playing all over the world, giving lessons, taking part in benefit concerts and on top of that she’s busy recording her first album!
… but as you can hear, we managed to get together and do it and I have to say I’m thrilled with the result. She has such a beautiful touch and tone.
So never mind living next door to Alice and waiting 24 years for a chance to tell her how you feel. I recorded Adam & Eve for the Peace Within album back in 1998, so it’s taken me 24 years to finally get some cello on the song.
Footnote: the lady who organised that benefit concert is Russian and without her help I wouldn’t have been able to get in touch with Anna and make this happen. I just think it’s important to mention that fact.
Beautiful – the cello adds musical depth and the story adds a layer of meaning. Thanks.
Thanks, Roger… wonderful comment. You describe exactly what’s going on.
Always one of my favorite songs, now with story and cello: even better!
Lovely to hear from you Henk… and that you like the update to the song.
24 years….so it`ll now be called Adam & Alice….
Ha ha, that’s brilliant!!
A GREAT Song deserves a GREAT Story behind it …… Well Done, Barry and Anna!!!!!!
Thanks, Don. Lovely to hear you like it.