Inspired by the onset of my son's birth, En la Orilla de mi Ser is an attempt to bring together the pieces of myself, musical, cultural, and spiritual, that had as yet remained unexplored. The work has not one but several themes, tied together with a careful emphasis on meaning, color and content. I sing most of the songs in Spanish, and the process of exploring the works of Puerto Rican composers Rafael Hernandez, Alberto Carrion, and Antonio Cabon Vale gave me a sense of pride and pleasure. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the States, I have tried to give these compositions the interpretative expression they deserve, hoping to bring out their deepest meanings: the longing to go home one hears in Verde Luz; the childlike wonder at peering into the Puerto Rican countryside in Los Carreteros; respect for the passion of patriotism in Amanecer Borincano. Back in the early 90's, a jazz musician friend of mine suggested that I explore Brazilian jazz. He introduced me to the likes of Antonio Carlos Jobim, and the work of singers like Ellis Regina and Astrud and Joao Gilberto, and composers Sergio Mendes and Laurindo Almeida just fell into my lap. Not too long after my arrival in Los Angeles, Jay Siegel of The Tokens (The Lion Sleeps Tonight) introduced me to a composer friend of his named Dori Amarilio, who played Brazilian jazz at the House of Blues. We became friends, and several years later I collaborated with him on this album. Casa Forte by Edu Labo was his contribution to my song list. Dori's encouragement and musical advice proved invaluable in honing the vocal style for this CD. Most all of the arrangements were conceived on the spot in our recording sessions over a period of three months, as we attempted to finish the CD before my son was born. Till There Was You from "The Music Man" fuses musical theater with a Brazilian style. Breezes, my own composition, is featured here and incorporates the same light Brazilian flavor. Besame Mucho and Besos de Fuego are standard Latin love songs, and I felt that I could add something personal to them. One final theme serves as the glue for all these songs. My friends Nick and Diane D'Amico, founders of The Caroling Company and Variety Artists Group, told me from the start of the project to follow my heart, and so these songs were selected with a great deal of love. Many thanks to Dori and his arrangements, my parents, Nick and Diane D'Amico, my wonderful husband Jim who adds more than a touch of magic to my life, and last but not least, my beautiful baby boy, Nate, without whom this CD would never have been born.

At the Edge of My Soul!