The Harold Arlen Project
Donation protected
PROJECT MISSION
The legacy of Harold Arlen is an enigma: while many of his songs are well-known, the very mention of his name is apt to elicit a blank stare, beyond the cognoscenti and musicians. Mister American Music himself, Irving Berlin, said that while he is not as well-known as some of the other Great American Songbook composers, he was the better writer. So why is it that he is more than occasionally omitted in a list of the major composers of that era, whenever they are mentioned?
I have no suitable answer to that riddle of recognition. I only hope that this project perhaps will increase in the public consciousness his name with his songs.
There have been several retrospectives of his work, most notably Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, and a rare look by Peggy Lee. But none of those works have the scope I have imagined for this project, which will include the vintage classics, the rare, some instrumentals, some novelty tunes, and part of a suite. The strength of these songs, that hold up against time, is a testament to his profound humanity, integrity, ingenuity, and artistic depth. For here was a composer, not just a songwriter, who clearly had a touch of genius.
My decision to keep this project small and intimate with a jazz trio ensemble was to allow for the songs to be prominent and not lost in overproduction or elaborate arrangements. On this CD I just could not resist to add a guitar on three of the tracks and a string quartet on four of the tracks. I don’t think their addition have led to overproduction, but instead, have brought a welcome enhancement.
This is a labor of love and a legacy I will be most proud of. Thank you in advance for your kind support of my project.
Sincerely,
Ken Greves
$10 USD
Early Digital Copy
A digital download of Ken’s album will be emailed directly to you BEFORE THE OFFICIAL RELEASE! You get to say you heard it first!
$25 USD
Autographed CD
When the album is released, a physical copy of the CD that has been autographed by Ken will be mailed to you.
$100 USD
Happy Birthday Message!
I'll send you a personalized Happy Birthday Video Message! + Signed photo, and digital album!
$200 USD
Three CD Set
Get a three CD set of Ken’s recent recordings and “The Face of My Love”, “Night People” and “The Songs of Harold Arlen” Vol.1
$300 USD
Let's Facetime or Skype
Let's get to know each other better, and what better place to do it then through social media! You'll get one 30 minute session where you can get better acquainted and ask questions about the making of the latest project or musical journey :) + Digital download.
$400 USD
Music business services with Ken
Music business services provided by Ken Greves outlined on his website. One service to be provided upon consultation and scope of the project.
$500 USD
Come Visit the Studio - in NY
You and a guest will spend 1 hour with Ken in the studio as he records a song for his new album. You will be listed under the 'special thanks' section inside the liner notes of the new physical CD release. You'll be a part of the album forever! This will be arranged in advance with artist's manager for regularly-scheduled recording sessions. Transportation and accommodations not provided.
$2500 USD
Associate Producer Credit
You will receive an Associate Producer credit on the album. Additionally, you and a guest will receive VIP tickets to Ken’s CD release party along with a three CD set of “The Face of My Love”, “Night People” and “The Songs of Harold Arlen” Vol.1. You will be listed under the 'special thanks' section inside the liner notes of the new physical CD release.
$7,500 USD
Co-Executive Producer Credit
Includes a studio visit in New York at donor’s expense. This perk includes all additional items.
$10,000 USD
Private Home Concert
Ken will play an intimate private concert for you through live stream or in private location that is conscious of the pandemic guidelines! Pledger must provide roundtrip air travel and hotel for band (amount TBD) (for two nights), sound, lights, backline, ground transportation and catering per artist’s rider requirements for a two day trip.
The legacy of Harold Arlen is an enigma: while many of his songs are well-known, the very mention of his name is apt to elicit a blank stare, beyond the cognoscenti and musicians. Mister American Music himself, Irving Berlin, said that while he is not as well-known as some of the other Great American Songbook composers, he was the better writer. So why is it that he is more than occasionally omitted in a list of the major composers of that era, whenever they are mentioned?
I have no suitable answer to that riddle of recognition. I only hope that this project perhaps will increase in the public consciousness his name with his songs.
There have been several retrospectives of his work, most notably Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, and a rare look by Peggy Lee. But none of those works have the scope I have imagined for this project, which will include the vintage classics, the rare, some instrumentals, some novelty tunes, and part of a suite. The strength of these songs, that hold up against time, is a testament to his profound humanity, integrity, ingenuity, and artistic depth. For here was a composer, not just a songwriter, who clearly had a touch of genius.
My decision to keep this project small and intimate with a jazz trio ensemble was to allow for the songs to be prominent and not lost in overproduction or elaborate arrangements. On this CD I just could not resist to add a guitar on three of the tracks and a string quartet on four of the tracks. I don’t think their addition have led to overproduction, but instead, have brought a welcome enhancement.
This is a labor of love and a legacy I will be most proud of. Thank you in advance for your kind support of my project.
Sincerely,
Ken Greves
$10 USD
Early Digital Copy
A digital download of Ken’s album will be emailed directly to you BEFORE THE OFFICIAL RELEASE! You get to say you heard it first!
$25 USD
Autographed CD
When the album is released, a physical copy of the CD that has been autographed by Ken will be mailed to you.
$100 USD
Happy Birthday Message!
I'll send you a personalized Happy Birthday Video Message! + Signed photo, and digital album!
$200 USD
Three CD Set
Get a three CD set of Ken’s recent recordings and “The Face of My Love”, “Night People” and “The Songs of Harold Arlen” Vol.1
$300 USD
Let's Facetime or Skype
Let's get to know each other better, and what better place to do it then through social media! You'll get one 30 minute session where you can get better acquainted and ask questions about the making of the latest project or musical journey :) + Digital download.
$400 USD
Music business services with Ken
Music business services provided by Ken Greves outlined on his website. One service to be provided upon consultation and scope of the project.
$500 USD
Come Visit the Studio - in NY
You and a guest will spend 1 hour with Ken in the studio as he records a song for his new album. You will be listed under the 'special thanks' section inside the liner notes of the new physical CD release. You'll be a part of the album forever! This will be arranged in advance with artist's manager for regularly-scheduled recording sessions. Transportation and accommodations not provided.
$2500 USD
Associate Producer Credit
You will receive an Associate Producer credit on the album. Additionally, you and a guest will receive VIP tickets to Ken’s CD release party along with a three CD set of “The Face of My Love”, “Night People” and “The Songs of Harold Arlen” Vol.1. You will be listed under the 'special thanks' section inside the liner notes of the new physical CD release.
$7,500 USD
Co-Executive Producer Credit
Includes a studio visit in New York at donor’s expense. This perk includes all additional items.
$10,000 USD
Private Home Concert
Ken will play an intimate private concert for you through live stream or in private location that is conscious of the pandemic guidelines! Pledger must provide roundtrip air travel and hotel for band (amount TBD) (for two nights), sound, lights, backline, ground transportation and catering per artist’s rider requirements for a two day trip.
Organizer
Kenneth Greves
Organizer
New York, NY
