#janemcnealy

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Extracts of the Griffin book, prologue to the musical. Text by Alice Kuhns, graphic design by Julie Flogeac. Etching and acrylic painting. 

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Jane McNealy presents: Why Does The Sky Keep Chaning (Bossa Nova Dreams)

Bossa and vibes great feeling here

Lo-Flo Records presents “Why Does the Sky Keep Changing (Bossa Nova Dreams),” a previously unreleased instrumental recording by prolific songwriters Jane McNealy and Alice Kuhns. Scheduled for release on July 10, 2026, the recording captures arranger and producer Mike Watts' first vision of his proposed orchestration and arrangement for the song before it was reimagined for the acclaimed 2022 album Marsha Bartenetti Sings McNealy & Kuhns. While Watts’ interpretation remained unreleased until now, it served as the creative starting point for the fully orchestrated version later recorded at the legendary Studio A at Capitol Records. This bossa nova-inspired instrumental version offers listeners a new perspective on one of the duo’s most evocative compositions.

A video for the song will also be available on Lo-Flo’s YouTube channel: 

Written by McNealy and Kuhns for their musical Gauguin, the original version of “Why Does the Sky Keep Changing” was featured as the opening track on Marsha Bartenetti Sings McNealy & Kuhns, performed by acclaimed vocalist Marsha Bartenetti. The song is a moody and introspective meditation on love, memory, and longing, pairing sophisticated songwriting with lush orchestration. Upon its original release, the work was noted for its mysterious and romantic atmosphere, recalling the imagery of Gauguin’s paintings through lyrics that evoked “moving shadows, distant faces, close enough to touch.”

Before entering the famed Capitol Records studios to record Marsha Bartenetti Sings McNealy & Kuhns, arranger and producer Mike Watts prepared an instrumental version of "Why Does the Sky Keep Changing” to present his proposed arrangement and orchestration of McNealy and Kuhns' composition. The recording served as the spark for the sessions that followed, with its lush harmonic textures, and lavish arrangements. Although McNealy didn’t move forward with this recording at the time, she remained deeply fond of it as a standalone instrumental work. Now released for the first time, "Why Does the Sky Keep Changing (Bossa Nova Dreams)" documents the evolution of the song, offering listeners a glimpse into the creative process.

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The release also highlights the enduring creative partnership between McNealy and Kuhns, whose collaboration spanned decades and produced numerous songs and original theatrical musicals. Written for Gauguin, their musical inspired by the life and work of French Post-Impressionist painter Paul Gauguin, “Why Does the Sky Keep Changing” exemplifies the pair’s ability to combine vivid imagery with sophisticated musical storytelling.

This newly unearthed recording offers a glimpse into the creative process behind the Capitol Records sessions while continuing Lo-Flo Records’ mission of preserving and sharing McNealy’s extensive musical legacy.

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THE GRIFFIN BOOK, PROLOGUE TO THE MUSICAL #2

Below are some pictures, part of the creative process for the illustration work on The Griffin book. The sixteen illustrations the book counts have been started and finished on computer, but an all handmade work happened in between including etching on linoleum, acrylic painting and Indian ink drawing. We thought that could be interesting for you to know about it, especially with the technological time we live in, when we are all used to perceive textures and matters through a flat screen. Julie Flogeac is the innovative graphic designer on this project.

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Part of the creative process on The Griffin book, by Julie Flogeac.

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The Griffin book, prologue to the musical #1

Below are some pages from the fable, The Griffin, prologue to the musical. The fable was written by my collaborator, Alice Kuhns, the graphic design was created by Julie Flogeac. The project is being printed now and will be ready for release within the month. This fully illustrated book with etchings and paintings will be offered to the public who comes to the show. Separately, The Griffin fable, will be offered to the public for sale on the Internet. I hope you enjoy this highly original and unique collaboration.

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Writing the script to the musical, The Griffin. From left to right: Jane McNealy, Alice Kuhns, Mady Jones.

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COMPOSING THE MUSIC # 3

As I mentioned earlier, in the beginning the composer and sometimes the librettist, record “demos” of what they are writing.  So what you will hear on SoundCloud is Alice and me singing a rough version of the “Animal’s Lament.” This is in scene 1 and is the first part of the setup for the musical. The villagers of Mifanwy sing about how the Mayor and his cohorts are bleeding them dry and starving their animals to death. On page 10 and 11 is a reprise of the “Villager’s Lament” with the Mayor, Bishop St. Bees and an Admiral answering the villagers. I have included pages 6 through 11 which is the text and lyrics from the main song and the reprise.

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Composing the music for the musical, The Griffin. From left to right: Alice Kuhns, Jane McNealy, Mady Jones.