A Long Way by Laura Gabriele
A Long Way infuses Laura's classic jazz and blues stylings with a deeply personal message - a story of victory through faith.
Recorded at Round Table Recording Company in Broad Ripple, Indianapolis.
On this page, find information on the song, its lyrics, and learn about the people who brought the message to life.
Lyrics & music Laura Gabriele
Collaborators Barb Kaufman, Frank Felice, Rick Wagoner, Kevin Kaufman, Dave Hepler, Corey Miller
photograph by Melodie Yvonne
Winter Wonderland pre-release from the same recording session
Lyrics
I’ve been hungry, it’s a long way to the bottom, but I’ve been there I’ve been thirsty, yes my eyes have searched the desert, I’ve been there How does a girl from loving family and education Go so far astray from the fold? Well I tell ya, it can happen in an instant Just a wink from the devil at a heart without a home! And it’s a long way, it’s a long way, when he gets you all alone It’s a long way, it’s a long way, and you’ll reap just what you sow I’ve been dirty, I’ve been caught up in the brambles, I’ve been there I’ve been burnt out, been abused and been abandoned, I’ve been there How does a girl who can’t bear her own reflection Rise from the ashes of her wayward soul? Well I tell ya, it can happen in a heartbeat Take the hand of the Father, for the Son says you’re His own And it’s a long way, it’s a long way, it’s a long way and there’s mercy at the throne It’s a long way, it’s a long way, it’s a long way as the East is from the West It’s a long way, it’s a long way, it’s a long way now that Jesus calls me friend
Meet the Combo
Barb Kaufman
Saxophone
Laura and Barb met at the Jazz Kitchen open mic and began working together right away on big band and small combo projects. Barb shares her deep study of jazz improvization on her YouTube channel.
Frank Felice
Bass
Frank is an eclectic composer and bassist whose music has been performed around the world, with commissions supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Omaha Symphony. He teaches composition, theory, and electronic music at Butler University and performs with jazz and rock groups throughout central Indiana. Laura began working with Frank in the West Winds Big Band.
Rick Wagoner
Drums
A deep love of music and people drives Ricks groove, as a school band director for over 30 years. He currently works for Paige's Music in Indianapolis. Laura met Rick in the West Winds Big Band.
Kevin Kaufman
Trombone
Kevin is a lifetime trombone player, performing since the 5th grade! For the last 13 years, he has dedicated himself to Big Band Jazz alongside his wife Barb Kaufman.
Dave Hepler
Piano
Originally a trumpet player, Dave brings a deep devotion to jazz music. He has been working with Laura for the past couple of years and featured her on his recent album release, “Now’s the Time To...”, also recorded at Round Table Records.
Corey Miller
Chief Engineer, Producer, Instructor
Corey brings nearly three decades of experience as an audio engineer and producer, working across genres including jazz and blues. His credits include work with Alanis Morissette and Ben Folds, as well as music for television and film, including The Voice (NBC).
Special thanks to those who helped to fund this recording project
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