Press Release for RAISE ME UP (New CD)

YES WE CAN! Music for a New Inspired World
RAISE ME UP
Nov 2008 / Lil’ Girl Creations
New Album Release by Positive Music Artist, Faith Rivera

After the historic vote on Nov 4th, it is clear that there is a vibrant movement for a different, more loving world that works for everyone. Now more than ever, people are ready to roll up their sleeves, open their hearts, bring their brilliance forward and serve the greater good!

If this inspired time has at all moved you, then ‘Raise Me Up’, the newest album release from Emmy-winning Singer/Songwriter, Faith Rivera, is the music for you. It is an album that reflects the hope and the vision that has swept America and stirred every heart.

‘Raise Me Up’ is filled with some of the most uplifting songs of our time like “What a Wonderful World,” “All You Need is Love,” “You Raise Me Up” to “Amazing Grace.”

Like the youthful approach of President Obama’s campaign, there is a pop freshness and musical vigor that drives these new versions of classic songs. This upbeat posi-pop album flows with head-boppin’ grooves, exciting arrangements and Rivera’s stunning vocals; a cross between Norah Jones’ intimate delivery, Kelly Clarkson’s boldness and Mariah Carey’s soul-filled approach.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Rivera’s stylish pop albums have always had that warm, welcoming, aloha-vibe and ‘Raise Me Up’ is no exception. This highly-awarded Filipina artist brings a “mixed-plate” approach to her latest eclectic pop release, choosing songs that her Mom has always wanted her to record like “Ave Maria” and “Wind Beneath My Wings” to Rivera’s own childhood favorites like Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” and “This Little Light of Mine.”

With the partnership of producer Ted Jacobs, together they breathe new life into these songs with colorful arrangements and unexpected grooves. The album is rounded out by “Holy Now,” a poignant pop/rock song written by Peter Mayer and a toe-tappin’ acoustic original by Rivera entitled “Thing Called Life.”

Prior to this release, you have heard Rivera’s original music on TV and Film including her Emmy-winning song “Forever Near” on the show Passions. She has sung with artists like Luther Vandross, Sheila E., Neil Young, and on World Peace One’s theme song “Give Your Love” with singers Al Jarreau, Brian Mcknight, and others stars calling for an end to all war.

Earlier this year, Rivera was featured on the soundtrack for the hit film Forgetting Sarah Marshall with “These Boots are Made for Walking” sung in Hawaiian. She continues to travel the country as a Positive Music Artist sharing empowering songs and dynamic performances at conferences to concert halls, churches to living rooms.

Wherever and whenever her groovy conscious music can be an inspiring support, she is there to fuel this wave of new-found, peace-driven activism! Rivera’s full calendar and music clips can be found at her website.

If you want to make any day, a day with wings - be elevated by ‘Raise Me Up’ now available for purchase at www.faithrivera.com. Digital downloads are coming soon to I-Tunes, Rhapsody and many more.

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For information, interviews, & reviews, contact NOLAN HEE
nolan@faithrivera.com (310) 712-3946

For bookings & guest appearances contact CHRIS FLETCHER
ccmusic@pacbell.net (818) 376-1380

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New CD is here - ALBUM NOTES

11/4/08 - As if this wasn't a special enough day already, the Fed-ex guy made my day by finally delivering 2000 units of my new CD, Raise Me Up! 100+ of them are going out in the next couple days to you patient fans & friends! Thank you again for your support :) Can't wait to hear what y'all think of our latest creation...let us know!

<--------this is a pic of the lucky ukulele cat from the album cover

Below are some ALBUM NOTES on the songs that I could not fit onto the CD. You can also hear a few new clips on the jukebox player on my blog page or my homepage at www.faithrivera.com

Enjoy & see you in the skies!!!

Love,

Faith

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RAISE ME UP - Album Notes

(#1) The album opens with a starry night, crickets singing, & a soft wash of music as AMAZING GRACE begins. The 1st soothing verse ends...then the acoustic guitar kicks in & this traditional lost&found song takes on a new rockin' life.

(#2) A baby tinkle on the ivories opens ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE. The lush groove & vocals are hypnotic as we're reminded of the most powerful force in the universe. Duh...LOVE!

(#3) If you've ever been uncomfy with the limits of your religious or spiritual beliefs - this is YOUR song. HOLY NOW is the song I wish I wrote. It is a heart-opening gem by Peter Mayer that simply says - "Everything is holy now. Everything's a miracle." Expect simple yet profound lyrics, rockin' guitars & a funky jam at the end.

(#4) The electronic dance groove kicks in & you know this ain't your typical THIS LITTLE LITGHT OF MINE. It's an empowering, updated version with this Chinese proverb as the bridge: "When there's light in the soul, there is beauty in the person. When there's beauty in the person, there is harmony in the home. When there's harmony in the home, there is honor is the nation. When there's honor in the nation, there is PEACE in the world!"

(#5) Dedicated to my mom & dad WIND BENEATH MY WINGS done with a lilting R&B groove ala Alicia Keyes . One of the most intimate & authentic vocal performances I've ever recorded.

(#6) Gorgeous acoustic guitar starts this sweet, soulful version of WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD driven with a juicy bed of percussion/hand drum.

(#7) Soaring melody & vocals (even a bazouki) over a bubbling bed of rhythm on my version of YOU RAISE ME UP.

(#8) A lonely rhodes sets the tone for this warm, ambient, jazz rendition of Schubert's AVE MARIA with some reharmonization by yours truly.

(#9) Finger-snaps kick in this fun, acoustic, bluegrass-ish song THING CALLED LIFE. It's my only original on the album.

(#10) This was the toughest song on the album to record: Freddie Mercury's DON'T STOP ME NOW. The backing vocals ala Queen's version - saved the day. Expect a fun mix between a driving dance groove & an empowering Sheryl Crow swing.