Bono said, “Music can change the world, because it can change people.”
January, 2007. The Universe created an alignment of lives.
Paula L. had just finished a very successful run of the “Buddy Holly Story.” The show, done in Pacific Palisades, Ca., had had more publicity, more audience and more revenue than the community theater had ever had. But for Paula, an optimistic, good-natured producer/director, the work had been a grueling exercise in bringing out the best in a nasty company.
Della Rey, the show’s drummer, was the one person Paula had connected with and had grown to love. Della is a gifted percussionist. Kind, generous and uber talented, Della had had her own hands full with the show’s demons and divas.
When Paula said to Della she wished she could just put a few people together and sing for pleasure, Della made it happen. She arranged for Paula to come over to meet her friend, Liz, who played keyboard, to see if they could get a groove going.
Liz O. was tackling her own journey on long road back to wholeness. She was up for a good time, and pretty soon music was pouring out of Liz’s little studio. Liz had an inventive spirit and exceptional arrangement skills with great musical instincts. Everyone clicked…and they found the relief they were looking for.
All three girls were tired. Music….just for the joy of it….was the magic elixir they each needed for different reasons. They became friends. They sang and laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. They didn’t realize it, but they were forming a music fellowship that was to extend itself to serve thousands of people.
It wasn’t long before Paula and Liz realized each was a 12 stepper…and that they had just about the same amount of time in their respective programs. One day, Liz brought out a song she had written as a young girl in Wisconsin. The girls worked out a great arrangement of “Living in God’s Time.” Today, that song is Step 11 in their show called “Twelve.” Paula said she wished they could write a song for every step. Liz said she always wanted to do something like that. And so began the project which resulted in “Twelve,” a musical journey through the Twelve Steps.
It took a year to write and arrange all twelve songs. In 2008 they finished. The work is absolutely true to the Big Book and the Twelve and Twelve. It is an amalgamation of Paula’s story, Liz’s story and the hundreds of stories Paula and Liz had heard in meetings over a span of more than 24 years. It is the genuine journey from despair to peace of mind, body and spirit, told in the universal language of music.
Every Tuesday they wrote and recorded in Liz’s cozy, tiny studio overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Year round, they barely ever missed a session. They bought a little Mac dedicated to the project. They taught themselves to work with Pro-Tools. From this loving fellowship of deepening friendship emerged a finished show, which debuted in the clubhouse of Liz’ development, the sun setting into the Pacific behind them as they finished their first concert to a standing ovation of fellow program friends. People were very moved. The music penetrated their souls.
“Twelve” is emotional, healing, inspiring, music. It is the whole journey through the steps. Audience members are always so appreciative. Paula, Liz and Della have never performed without a spontaneous “Standing O” at the end. But here’s the thing…and it’s a true thing.
Paula, Liz and Della never take credit for “Twelve.” In all the times they have performed…from recovery houses to the Avalon Ballroom to retreats to birthdays to Betty Ford…they just know the project is “Higher Powered.” They are joyful and grateful and feel privileged to be messengers. The stars of the show are the 12 Steps.
In 2015, “Twelve” has been re-recorded by Greg Hilfman, an extraordinary musician and recording engineer, who has played with everyone from Bangles to Bette Midler. His genius adds so much to the experience of “Twelve,” and he was generous to the max lending his talents to the project.
As Is practices every Tuesday—it’s their own little mini-meeting– up at Paula’s in Topanga, overlooking the mountains and ocean, bringing the steps alive with music, one day at a time. The band, As Is, is ready to carry the 12 Step message anytime and anyplace they are able.