The Transition Project
About the
project...
Between the years 1999 and 2001, I began finding myself in the midst of a period of soul searching, where spiritually, emotionally, financially and intellectually, I was hungry for more. During this time, I began searching for a new church community to fellowship among and to grow. In 2001, my search lead me to a leader whom I had known from several years earlier, who had established a new ministry called Christian Concepts International Ministries. Prior to making my first visit, I had this melody running through my head that I simply couldn't forget, but I had no idea what to do with it, or what to call it. I just simply remembered it. After I visited CCIM for a few months, I made the decision to join and follow under the leadership of Pastors Brian and Carla O'neil and become a member of the CCIM family.
After joining the ministry, I still had this unanswered hunger with things in my life. Things were changing and my life was taking me in another direction that I needed to understand. Still this melody was in my head that I couldn't shake. At that time, Pastor Brian began to teach on the subject of Transitions. It was almost as if I were the only one in the room at the time and the message was intended for my ears only; one of those quintessential a-ha moments. I then understood why I felt the way I did.....and I also understood what that melody was about. I thought more about the message, the melody and my life and I tucked it away for several years until finally, I couldn't contain it inside anymore. I needed to write it and express it musically so I could release it from within.
After some time, I decided to devote entirely to the composition, arranging, production and financing of my first CD. I decided to title it The Transition and it was important for a number of reasons. But, reflecting on how I felt all that time, it's important to understand that we all go through transitions in life. Transitions where what we think we know is challenged, when what we're familiar with is no longer able to sustain and what lies ahead is completely unknown. Transitions are common and uncomfortable, yet unavoidable and beneficial. I needed to face a few "unknowns" in my life and committing to this project was just one of them.
I've needed to wear many hats while undergoing this project. I've been composer, arranger, engineer, art director, talent scout, producer, accountant, web-master and the beat goes on. Whew! As challenging as this was, it may not be as tremendous a challenge as the transition you may be facing right now reading this. Regardless how monumental your transition may be for you, just remember that you can get through it. This is something I've never done before, but after much work and frustration, I can say I'm glad I did. You can do it too!
Between the years 1999 and 2001, I began finding myself in the midst of a period of soul searching, where spiritually, emotionally, financially and intellectually, I was hungry for more. During this time, I began searching for a new church community to fellowship among and to grow. In 2001, my search lead me to a leader whom I had known from several years earlier, who had established a new ministry called Christian Concepts International Ministries. Prior to making my first visit, I had this melody running through my head that I simply couldn't forget, but I had no idea what to do with it, or what to call it. I just simply remembered it. After I visited CCIM for a few months, I made the decision to join and follow under the leadership of Pastors Brian and Carla O'neil and become a member of the CCIM family.
After joining the ministry, I still had this unanswered hunger with things in my life. Things were changing and my life was taking me in another direction that I needed to understand. Still this melody was in my head that I couldn't shake. At that time, Pastor Brian began to teach on the subject of Transitions. It was almost as if I were the only one in the room at the time and the message was intended for my ears only; one of those quintessential a-ha moments. I then understood why I felt the way I did.....and I also understood what that melody was about. I thought more about the message, the melody and my life and I tucked it away for several years until finally, I couldn't contain it inside anymore. I needed to write it and express it musically so I could release it from within.
After some time, I decided to devote entirely to the composition, arranging, production and financing of my first CD. I decided to title it The Transition and it was important for a number of reasons. But, reflecting on how I felt all that time, it's important to understand that we all go through transitions in life. Transitions where what we think we know is challenged, when what we're familiar with is no longer able to sustain and what lies ahead is completely unknown. Transitions are common and uncomfortable, yet unavoidable and beneficial. I needed to face a few "unknowns" in my life and committing to this project was just one of them.
I've needed to wear many hats while undergoing this project. I've been composer, arranger, engineer, art director, talent scout, producer, accountant, web-master and the beat goes on. Whew! As challenging as this was, it may not be as tremendous a challenge as the transition you may be facing right now reading this. Regardless how monumental your transition may be for you, just remember that you can get through it. This is something I've never done before, but after much work and frustration, I can say I'm glad I did. You can do it too!
Credits
Produced, Written, Composed and Arranged
by: Mark
Elliott Davenport for Riverside MidiWorks
All tracks recorded by: Mark Elliott Davenport for Riverside MidiWorks
Sequence and synth programming by: Mark Elliott Davenport
Tracks 1, 2 and 7 mixed by: Zach Goheen at Studio Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Tracks 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 mixed by: Larry Schara at ARS Studios, Alsip, Illinois
Mastering Engineer: Larry Schara at ARS Studios, Alsip, Illinois
Track 1 Voice Over by: Joni L., courtesy of Voice Talent Now
Photography by: William Brett Kramer
All tracks published by: Riverside MidiWorks Music Publishing ASCAP
Wind Synth Sound Design: Matt Traum of Patchman Music
Samples and sound effects: Courtesy of Audio Sparx, Domino Sound Effects, Sound Rangers, Frank Bry/The Recordist
All Samples Cleared
All tracks recorded by: Mark Elliott Davenport for Riverside MidiWorks
Sequence and synth programming by: Mark Elliott Davenport
Tracks 1, 2 and 7 mixed by: Zach Goheen at Studio Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Tracks 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 mixed by: Larry Schara at ARS Studios, Alsip, Illinois
Mastering Engineer: Larry Schara at ARS Studios, Alsip, Illinois
Track 1 Voice Over by: Joni L., courtesy of Voice Talent Now
Photography by: William Brett Kramer
All tracks published by: Riverside MidiWorks Music Publishing ASCAP
Wind Synth Sound Design: Matt Traum of Patchman Music
Samples and sound effects: Courtesy of Audio Sparx, Domino Sound Effects, Sound Rangers, Frank Bry/The Recordist
All Samples Cleared
Acknowledgements
I'd like to
give thanks first, to my Lord Jesus for
giving me the opportunity to do this CD.
You've given me the concept, creativity and
courage to see this through. Thank you for
sustaining me through it all and putting
the right people in my life to push,
challenge and encourage me. A very special
thanks to my biggest supporters of all, my
mom and dad. Thank you for your steady
support all these years and making me feel
like I could do it. Thanks to my family for
believing in me and keeping me moving
forward. I'll never forget your love and
support! Thanks to pastors Brian and Carla
O'neil for giving me the understanding of
"The Transition". Pastor B., thanks for
giving me the encouragement to pursue my
goals and giving me the extra push I
needed. You always made me believe it would
be worth it. Thanks to Robin Edwards for
taking me under your wing and showing me
the ropes when your schedule was already
hectic. Special thanks to John Connolly for
your instruction and intense knowledge of
the piano. I'll never forget what I've
learned from you. You're truly one of the
best players I've ever met and I want to be
like you when I grow up. Thanks to
Stephanie Malave for opening up the
opportunity for me to begin this project
and devote to writing the music that had
been kept inside my heart for so long.
Thanks to Roy Eaton for your friendship,
encouragement and keeping me grounded.
Thanks to the Pugh family for your love,
support and friendship - keep doin' your
thing, Drew! Thanks to Garry Cobb, Larry
Schara and all the guys over at ARS Studios
for putting up with me all this time. Your
expertise and patience is greatly
appreciated. Thanks Larry for your creative
input. The little touches here and there
made a fresh difference in the end results.
Rest easy, it's finally over! Thanks to
Zach Goheen and to all the friendly folks
at Studio Chicago for making me feel at
home. I so much appreciate your work and
creativity on this project. Dude, you got
ears of gold! Special thanks to pastor
Lonnie Posley for blessing me with the use
of your historic church for my cover shot
concept. It's just what I was looking for.
Finally, thank you to all those who have
heard my creations and offered me advice,
feedback and constructive criticism to help
me improve my craft and by simply saying
that you enjoyed it. Thank you all from the
bottom of my heart.
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