From the Producer

Greetings! This section gives you an insiders look at the YULETIDE FRIENDS CD. I will update you about interesting "behind the scenes" info as the Yuletide Friends story continues to develop. Enjoy your visit!- Doug Gazlay (Writer/Producer www.bydoug.com)

AUGUST 26th, 2006

Yes! It's been a while. There is news on the MABLE'S CHRISTMAS (2005) Video. I just uploaded the video to YouTube.com last night. So, it is ready to be sent further around the world this season. Once again, enjoy the story of "Mable" and please pass the warmth of the message along to your friends and family this 2006 season!

I am planning on releasing the songs CAROL OF THE BELLS and the title track- YULETIDE FRIENDS this season on the same chart that MABLE'S CHRISTMAS (2005) was featured on last year. Keep checking back for future updates on that progress.

Finally, I've been (unsuccessfully) trying to get the YF CD tracks uploaded to Apple I-tunes via CDBaby.net. For some strange reason, Apple has not placed the CD on it's site. So, it is my hope, with CDBaby.net re-submitting the CD, that the individual tracks should be available for download by November (or sooner)! Tracks for my PIANO IN THE SNOW (2002) CD are downloadable right now!

That's all for now. I hope everyone is having a great summer and hope you're gearing up for a great fall and Christmas season this year! All the best!- Doug

DECEMBER 22nd, 2005

It's late afternoon on December 22nd, 2005. I'm fighting a cold and getting packed to leave tomorrow for Michigan to celebrate the Christmas Holiday. I've been forced to take a break over the past few days due to the illness. It allowed me to FINALLY reflect and chill out. I realize I've been wonderfully blessed this year with many fine people helping me put together a pretty nice Christmas CD.

MABLE'S CHRISTMAS was introduced to thousands more than she has ever been before with radio play in Europe, Australia and even here in the USA. Next year, the rest of the world will hear the story of the homeless woman in the snow.

I've just discovered that one of my acquaintances is an entertainment attorney and will be hiring him to help me promote this project even further for next holiday season. So, please keep checking back and see what's happening with the continuing celebration of the YULETIDE FRIENDS! God's happiness and peace to all this season! All the best!- Doug

DECEMBER 9th, 2005

The road that has gotten us to this point seems very long. But, it's getting more exciting with the passing of each day. Last Sunday- my Comedian friend- Karen Mills- introduced MABLE'S CHRISTMAS to her friend- Jim Gos- who works with the Kimmer on GST Talk Radio. MABLE is making her way into that station as we speak.

Then, my friend Adrian Naccari- sent MABLE to his friend and DJ in New York City to present to his Radio Programmer for WLPJ Radio up in the "Big Apple". Exciting!

And Amy Thorn- the soloist for MABLE- today, personally delivered two copies of the YULETIDE FRIENDS CD into the hands of Cary Purvis- the wife of Morning DJ- Kelly McCoy of B98.5 FM- which is THE station for Christmas music here in the city of Atlanta!

Friends---- KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED!- MABLE'S CHRISTMAS may be on the radio this season yet! If you'll all pray for a Christmas miracle with me, we may just see one VERY soon! Thanks for all who are helping bring this positive message of hope to the radio airwaves! More later! God bless!- Doug

NOVEMBER 26th, 2005

The Thanksgiving holiday has come and gone now. I had the privilege of spending a quiet day by myself with my two dogs- Sailor and Dolly. We simply ate cold-cut turkey and Bugles and watched MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (the original). (I do believe in Santa Clause again! LOL)! It was a great day!

This year has been incredibly busy with the production of the YF CD. I needed a day to relax and not "be on stage" as I call it. I'm very thankful for all who participated in this project. And also very grateful for the response, good and bad, that the MABLE'S CHRISTMAS (2005) single is getting world wide! I never dreamed it would ever get to so many places in the world. But, it has, because of NCM in England! It was the best decision I've made so far this year. Thanks to Paul Davis for including me on his Christmas collection this year. So far, the song has peaked at No. 7! It's still in the top ten as of this writing. Pretty good for an unknown producer, artist and song, don't you think? I'm grateful the doors that God has opened so far and for the continued good things that will happen in the future. And grateful to each of you who have purchased the CD and supported each of us on this project! I wish each and everyone of you a very happy Holiday Season! All the best!- Doug

NOVEMBER 2nd, 2005

Today, MABLE'S CHRISTMAS (2005) is being released on the NCM Chart in Europe! To say I'm excited, is an understatement! I hope it is received well and everyone plays it on stations across the Continents! I've not given up on TOP HITS U.S.A. picking up the song. I will be in heavy promotion of the song to many other avenues!

I thank God for Amy Thorn stepping in during the last minutes before mixing and doing a wonderful job with my very special song. Many doors have opened for me since Amy came into my world. I'm also now an official ASCAP songwriter and music publisher! Very exciting! All things work out for good in the end, no matter how stressful or difficult they may be in getting there. More updates coming soon.

The YF CD has a new price now: $16.50 (including $1.50 shipping and handling). Please see any link on this site that says: ORDER HERE! to order your copy. A special SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS Collection is available also for MABLE'S CHRISTMAS (2005) song and DVD. See here for details: Spirit Of Christmas Collection, More later! God bless!= Doug

OCTOBER 30th, 2005

The day is here that I've been planning for for months. The CD Release Party for DOUG GAZLAY: YULETIDE FRIENDS! As many of you know, I perform for many events including weddings and receptions. I often am amused by the bride as she goes crazy worrying about every little detail. I am NOW understanding a bit of the stress they go through! I've planned and planned and believe I'm ready to go to the venue- The Continental Restaurant in Historic Downtown Norcross. It's going to be wonderful. I'll update tomorrow! All the best- Doug

Very late, that same day: The party was a huge SUCCESS! The room was packed; standing room only. Each performer was featured at the "Star" table, as they signed copies of the CD which people had purchased tonight. The food was great! The ambience was wonderful and I'm thrilled that a "no budget" party went so fabulously! Thanks to Matt & Jeannie Zak at the Continental for all their input and help with the event! I'm very blessed to have them as friends. Thanks to all the performers of YF CD and MABLE'S CHRISTMAS (2005) DVD, which debuted formally that night. Thanks, finally to all the friends who came out to celebrate the release of this labor of love from all of us, at D-GROOVES RECORDING STUDIO and Yuletide Friends! Now, it's time to get to selling the CDs! All the best!- Doug

OCTOBER 21st, 2005

Digital Downloads for tracks on Doug Gazlay: YULETIDE FRIENDS will be online by November 21st, 2005. CD Baby, an online independent CD marketer, will contact many of the online stores like i-tunes.com and napster.com to make available, and monitor the sales of, the tracks form this CD! The whole album wil also be downloadable for a special price, too. It was easier than I thought! I just sent a letter of request to the publishers involved and 30 days from now, I'll have the downloads online! Pretty cool, heh?

This means that each of my former albums will eventually be available in the same way. Keep checking back for progress on this part of the YF saga! All the best!- Doug

OCTOBER 14th, 2005

Great news!!! Christmas came early! The CDs are back and they look and sound great! So, rather than just make everyone wait until the end of the month, I'm filling online pre-orders NOW!!! The performers will pick up their copies at the CD release party on October 30th, 2005. But anyone ordering online will receive their copies within three (3) business days of ordering! So, order while supplies last!

Thanks once again to everyone who had a helping hand in getting this project together. It has been a blast. God's best to all!- Doug Gazlay

SEPTEMBER 30th, 2005

So many things have happened the past couple weeks! First: The CDs were sent off this past Monday for duplication. Special thanks to all my Executive Producers, Mitch Cole, Michael Hicks, and my parents- Dave and Delores Gazlay, for all their financial help bringing this project to fruition. It's a blessing to have your support.

DiscMaker is pressing the CDs as I type and they should be back by mid-October! The proof of the album cover looks fantastic! Everyone looks great and it will definitely look VERY professional and "store-bought"!

Another exciting event: I will be returning home to Michigan for the Christmas weekend thanks to my friends Eleanor and Bob Russell. It will be great to see many friends in Michigan once again and spend the holiday weekend with my family. This all came together TODAY! My family is very excited! Eleanor will probably sell half the CDs I've ordered, too. She loves MABLE'S CHRISTMAS in particular! FUN!!!

SEPTEMBER 15th, 2005

It keeps getting better and better! Today I was invited to be part of www.newchristianmusic.co.uk 's Christmas promo CD #26- coming out in November. Paul Davis, the founder, will promote my song- MABLE'S CHRISTMAS (featuring Amy Thorn)- in his service to DJs, radio stations, agents and other industry professionals all over Europe! Yes, MABLE is traveling overseas this year and will have a chance to become an international release, maybe more.

Also, TOP HITS USA, my subscription DJ service I've used for years, is going to listen to MABLE'S CHRISTMAS, YULETIDE FRIENDS and CAROL OF THE BELLS to see if any of them would work on their promotional Christmas CD coming out in the US at the beginning of November!

So, keep your fingers crossed! - This could be a wonderful holiday season, musically! Thanks again to all who have made this such an incredibly rewarding experience! The best is yet to come!- Doug

SEPTEMBER 10th, 2005

What an exciting week! It just keeps getting better! The crew and actors for MABLE'S CHRISTMAS music video went to ONSTAGE ATANTA, in Decatur GA on Wednesday (Thank you, Barry West and OSA!!!) and filmed all the scenes in one day! Special thanks to Jennifer West, who drove all the way from Alabama to film the shoot! It was the most fun I've had since being in the studio with each of the performers who sang on the CD project. The energy was incredible and the people involved could not have been more suited for the part.

There was a scare on Tuesday night, when the original "KIND STRANGER" (Michael Hicks) called form Boston to inform me his plane home had been cancelled. On top of that, he had "pink-eye" and could not play the part. So, Charles W. Gillilard, who was already going to play another role, stepped in and played the part perfectly. I'm so grateful, Charles.

There were about 15 of us at the shoot. Most of which were students of Amy Thorn (STORY TELLER). I could not have pulled this project together without the help of Amy. Amy, I am SO grateful for your friendship, talent, your voice, and your ability to deliver when it comes to production. You really made this happen for me and all of us. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Thanks to ALL who participated and made it a wonderful day! There will be more about each performer posted soon. Too many to mention in this little section.

The video has been put into a rough edit. I'll get the opinions of a select few, make changes and the final version should be online within the week.

I hope everyone is following their dream! It's been 13 years since I conceived the story of MABLE, and I cried my eyes out as I was editing. So, be ready for a new, heart-opening and timely experience, when you finally do see my first music video- MABLE'S CHRISTMAS!- Doug

SEPTEMBER 2nd, 2005

KATRINA- Who doesn't have a pit in the middle of their stomach right now about the horror going on in our country. It breaks my heart to see the utter destruction left behind by the worst natural disaster in the history of our country. My thoughts and prayers go out to our fellow Americans who are suffering so badly.

I, as an individual, feel mostly helpless with what I can do to make a difference. Then I realized the uncanny synchronicity between the featured song on my new CD - MABLE'S CHRISTMAS- and the current crisis. The intent was always to have a portion of the sales ($.50 each CD, and $.10 each downloadable .mp3) go to homeless organizations in Atlanta, Georgia. Now the homeless have just skyrocketed with the attack from Mother Nature.

So, with Katrina victims in mind, I am officially declaring that the portion of the funds allocated to help the homeless which are collected from the sales of my CDs and .mp3 downloads will be going to Katrina Hurricane relief funds. It's not much, but it is a way I can contribute, with the help of your purchases.

Each CD sold will help bring you a true sense of "the Spirit of Christmas" and you'll be helping our fellow brothers and sisters in their time of need. May God bless, care for, protect and uplift those suffering, and in kind- all of us as a nation during this difficult time. - God's best- Doug

SEPTEMBER 1st, 2005

Final day of mixing DOUG GAZLAY: YULETIDE FRIENDS CD individual tracks. After this, it's put the tracks together to form the CD. It's going very quickly and very well. Thanks to Ricky Wibel (who has spent the past four days "camping out" here at D-GROOVES RECORDING STUDIO) for his wonderful "ear" and for bringing over some REALLY expensive monitor speakers to listen to the project as we mix. You're a great friend and wonderful sound technician, Ricky!

To those purchasing, there will be an update on how your purchase will help the victims of KATRINA when I can actually work it out in my mind. God bless America during this difficult time. I'm very glad I've been so busy during the past four days. Otherwise, I'd been sitting and staring at the TV coverage 24hours a day. It's truly MIND-BLOWING what's going on in the deep South! God bless all in the home that God has given tonight! - Doug Gazlay

AUGUST 27th, 2005

Today, I had to make an executive decision to change the lead singer of MABLE'S CHRISTMAS. Amy Thornburg (a/k/a Amy Thorn) will be replacing Connie Forté because Amy is more comfortable in front of a video camera and making public promotional appearances. Without proper promotion, nothing sells in the world of sales. Amy will do a wonderful job with my original. I thank Connie for all the other contributions to YULETIDE FRIENDS, including co-writing and performing the title song.

AUGUST 16th, 2005

OK- I have no excuses. This is one of those days when it all was put in perspective for me. Two things: First: I was driving home from checking out the theater where we will be filming the MABLE'S CHRISTMAS video, when I noticed a young boy mowing his lawn. Not a big deal until I noticed he had no forearms on either arm. Then, I noticed his right leg was a prosthetic. He was mowing for all he was worth. It brought back a conversation I had just yesterday morning about how hard the new mower I'm using is to use because it's alot bulkier and heavier than the older one I used to use. Ladies and gentlemen, no more complaints for me. I'm thankful I got to see this inspiring young man doing something we all take for granted in spite of his shortcomings.

SECOND: The HBO series SIX FEET UNDER aired its last show tonight. For those who don't know about the show, it's revolved around a family owned funeral home and their tormented and challenged lives. In the last episode, during the last song, they sped ahead into the future and showed how each characters life came to an end. It was amazing the feeling I had about my own life and how short the time here on earth really can be.

So, for all those who are in my life, thank you for sharing it. All the parts of it, the good, the bad, the ugly, but mostly all the beauty that is this life we have been given. And I'm particularly grateful for my friends working on this project at this time. We all have a time capsule which we've added something to during 2005 which can be enjoyed for as long as someone has a CD player to play it on. Our voices and music will be here long after we're gone!

Enough of the heavy stuff! Check out the new album cover for DOUG GAZLAY: YULETIDE FRIENDS!

Thanks to Mitch Cole for working his magic once again! It will be fine tuned before going to print, but this is what this year's Christmas CD looks like on the front cover.

AUGUST 16th, 2005

Amazing! I've been starting to get overwhelmed with items to attend to with the production of both DOUG GAZLAY: YULETIDE FRIENDS CD and the video: MABLE'S CHRISTMAS (2005). But God is good! Last week I met a great jazz singer/piano instructor - Amy Thornburg (hereon known by her stage name- Amy Thorn).. This dynamic, talented soul has agreed to come on board for a short time as my Production Coordinator for MABLE'S CHRISTMAS! So be looking for much more information about this wonderful new friend and colleague- Amy Thorn.

Pre-production for the video has begun! Jennifer West, of WEST WEDDINGS (AL), has pledged her support in professionally filming the video in September! Thanks, Jennifer! Today, I'm ironing out the last few details of the Theater schedule. Barry West, of ONSTAGE ATLANTA has been an absolute dream.

Judith Baker, brand new Nashville, TN resident and the last vocalist to record for the CD, arrived yesterday and we've already knocked out three or four background vocal projects. We'll spend today and tomorrow recording her featured song: MARY'S BOY CHILD as well as various other background vocal pieces. All the best! - Doug

AUGUST 10th, 2005

Today I had the privilege of recording a fine young lady for the first time: Paige Williams of Atlanta, GA. She will be featured shortly on the ARTIST BIO section. What is unique about this "soul singer" is that she is only 13 1/2 years old! That's right! Make sure and find out more about this surely to be famous young lady who appears in the chorus on O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL. Paige is joined there by another Soul Sister- Cheryl Thomas. In this particular session, these two ladies have a vocal jam session with the lead- the ever soul-ful Jennifer Ferren. Sample online soon!

I got my wires crossed with Levon- Paige's mom- and returned from dinner to find Paige, and her parents, in their car, patiently waiting for me to get back for recording. Since this is the first recording she is on, this will be part of her story for life and I shall never live it down! Thanks for being so patient with me, Williams family! Love ya! -Doug

AUGUST 9th, 2005

The project gets more fun all the time! I've made contact with several folks about the possibility of producing a music video for my song: MABLE'S CHRISTMAS. Response has been overwhelmingly YES. Several actor and director friends from the Atlanta Theater Community have agreed to lend support, props, stages, etc. to help film the video about the "hopeful homeless woman"- MABLE. Keep checking back in as progress moves along. It's all very exciting!

On the CD front, I've had the privilege of working with Todd Honeycutt the past week or so. He has brought such a musical depth to this project and I am in awe of his creativity and talent. You will hear the amazing work of this brilliant man from the opening SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN to the funky MISTLETOE JAM and throughout the entire CD as background singer. His tracks samples will be online this week! Thanks to Elton John for letting him off tour long enough to help with this project. Todd has admitted he's having a great time, too! Thank you, Todd!

This is the "crunch month" for wrapping up the CD portion of YULETIDE FRIENDS. So much to coordinate and have ready by the day after Labor Day (when the CD master will be sent for duplication). Prayers from y'all would be greatly appreciated. My prayers go out to you in whatever projects you have going. Let's all remember to be "happy" while we work toward accomplishing our goals. Otherwise, what was it all worth? Enough philosophy. Back to "Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la! All the best- Doug

AUGUST 1st, 2005

The session with Mike was fast and fruitful! Time just flies when you're creating fun music with a super talent like Mike Stewart! We laid down tracks for six songs in four hours!

Mike has many businesses of his own that take him traveling around the world. Music is important to him, but he doesn't play "gigs" as much as he used to in the past. But, his guitar work will be quite appreciated when you hear the return to the bridge on HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS and the haunting solo in CAROL OF THE BELLS. He also brightened the tracks for ROCKIN' AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE, YULETIDE FRIENDS, MISTLETOE JAM, and just jammed on O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL (which rocks!- Sample online shortly).

Thanks Mike for your help and support on this! All the best-Doug

JULY 31st, 2005

Mike Stewart- Guitarist and personal friend- is laying down the guitar tracks for the CD. Update on this session coming soon.

JULY 27th, 2005

Dear friends: I'd like to take a moment to express my appreciation for you, the reader, for coming to visit this site! This is the first time I've used a website during the CD creation process and it's really been a blast for me. I know several people check in from time to time and I hope you're noticing the new clips that have been added. As each song progresses in the development, it will be updated. So, check back at event the ones you've listened to before!

Production has been pretty steady for the past two months. There was one interruption when Tropical Depression Dennis came through Atlanta. It dumped 10" of rain in two days on our fair city and flooded the D-GROOVES RECORDING STUDIO. Thankfully, NO equipment was damaged. Just the carpet had to be replaced. But, we dried out the old carpet and used it to line the hallways and carpet another room. So, really, the only thing that got trashed was the carpet padding. And all this only took a couple days and we were back in business! Thank, God.

I've had the opportunity to work directly with 8 of the 10 performers on this project. Two more, Todd Honeycutt and Judith Baker will begin production in August.

The difference of having others involved in this CD has made me realize that this is the way I want to do CDs from now on. The single man- JUST PIANO CDs were great for their time, but the fun I'm having recording these talented performers cannot be put in words. There have been moments of laughter to sheer frustration that melt away into happy tears when the final sound is recorded. Each one: Cheryl Thomas, Marcia Sandford, Dixie Smith, Michael Hicks, Connie Forté, Dana & Robert Schultz, and new-comer- Jennifer Ferren- have each been completely supportive and given their best for each of their respective songs!

Todd Honeycutt- a musical genius- is excitedly creating the arrangement for SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN. This is a first for me, too, having someone else arrange the music on one of my CDs. The collaboration is exhilarating and challenging as well. Todd has just a few weeks and he'll be back on the road touring with Elton John.

Judith Baker- who honors and serves us all in the US Military- will be coming to record her track on August 17-19th, 2005. She hired me to produce her first album- IN SPRIT AND TRUTH- which was released in May of this year. We are long-time college friends and it's a blessing to have her in my life once again.

Another first is that I've been fortunate enough to have interest in helping to financially produce this CD, which has always been solely my job with CDs before. Mitch Cole has always created the CD inserts and covers for me. And he will again for this project. Both Mitch Cole and Michael Hicks have contributed to the financial end and thus have earned the title EXECUTIVE PRODUCER for this project. Thank you, Mitch and Michael! I really appreciate your support. And Michael sounds GREAT on MARY, DID YOU KNOW. (Sample coming soon)!

I thank God for this opportunity to join with these special people to create something that I know we all will cherish through the years. Because, it's a Christmas CD- the chances are it will be brought out every year and each will be able to relive the fun we had making this for all the hear. Please check in from time to time for more updates. Until then- All the best! Doug Gazlay