Moonglow

I first heard of Karen Knowles from an Australian audiophile friend who was visiting the April ’92 Stereophile Show – “She’s been the female lead-singer of “The Seekers” y’ know, a major Aussie star in her own right…bigger than “Ben Hur”, y’ know…and she’s heard some of your Vital albums and she wants to record with you…seriously, y’ know…”

DAT-dubs of previous records and newer demos duly arrived from Karen, and we struck up a “phone and fax” relationship, based around her willingness to come all the way from “Down Under” to record with us in Chino, California.

We owed her everything of the best; especially, we had to offer her a musical-director and arranger of the highest echelon: for me there could only be one choice: my longtime British partner Sam Sklair, currently residing in Johannesburg.

Ever enthusiastic about my ideas, Sam immediately agreed to hop on a plane, and arrived a week or so before Karen herself.

Sam and I were totally taken with Karen; her gutsy, talented singing and calm-under-fire confidence during the sessions. The resulting combination of Australian, British, and Californian endeavors comes through on this album. Me? Pleased? More than that, I’m simply over the…whatsit? moon? Yes.

David Manley, California, 1992

Karen Knowles – Vocals
Frank Crawford – Piano, Keyboards
Bruce Bishop – Acoustic Guitar, Dobro
John Leftwich – Bass
Darek Oles – Bass
Josh Sklair – Electric & Acoustic Guitars
Efrain Toro – Drums & Percussion
Bob Summers – Trumpet & Flugelhorn
Larry Klimas – Saxophones (alto, tenor), Alto Flute
EveAnna Manley – Baritone Saxophone
Sam Sklair – Arranger, Music Director, Clarinet
Vickie Leigh, Bruce Bishop – Backing Vocals