Various Artists - A Love Worth Fighting For

On this new CD, America's most influential gay and lesbian songwriters have united with promising new discoveries. Over two years in the making, the project is the brainchild of network television writer/producer Mitchell Gallob.

It's impossible to listen to this collection of gems without being moved. Michael Callen sets the tone for the album with the title track. Jess Hawk Oakenstar follows and reminds us that "we are gold in the tapestry of the world." The incomparable Steve Sandberg offers sheer magic in the World Music track "Human Being Blues." Ani DiFranco comes out of left field with the offbeat "Circle of Light," Grant King delivers a shimmering production of his phone sex song "Ghosts," and Cris Williamson performs David Friedman's touching and comforting "Help Is On the Way." A new Janis Ian track, "When Angels Cry," destined to be a classic, follows a Holly Near favorite, "Sit With Me."

The music heard is as diverse as the gay and lesbian community itself. The album is not meant to be a definitive expression of that diversity, although the artists come from many worlds -- from film and Broadway to folk, cabaret, classical and pop. ~ Will Grega, All Music Guide

Name Credits Allen Moore Engineer, Mix Down Allison M. Sniffin Cello, Vocals (Background) Ani DiFranco Guitar (Acoustic), Performer, Producer, Percussion Ann Reed Performer, Producer, Guitar (12 String) Anthony Pirollo Cello Ariel Jones Photography Arnold McCuller Vocals (Background) Arthur Fiacco Cello Ben Smith Percussion, Assistant Bill McKinley Performer, Producer Bobby Osborne Vocals (Background) Bonnie Hayes Piano Bruce Kurnow Harp Catherine Bent Cello Chopper Black Engineer, Mastering Cris Williamson Producer, Performer Dale Anderson Producer Dan Clements Engineer Dan Martin Performer, Producer, Keyboards, Piano Dave Sinko Engineer David Lasley Vocals (Background) Derek Nakamoto Electronic Orchestration Diana Grasselli Vocals (Background) Ed Stone Producer, Engineer Eleonora Alberto Photography Emily K. Eyre Vocals (Background) Gary Bankston Performer Gary Bruzzese Percussion Gordon Johnson Bass Gordon Knudtson Drums Grant King Performer, Guitar (Acoustic) Greg Horn Trumpet Greg Wells Keyboards, Producer, Programming Gregory Purnhagen Vocals (Background) Holly Near Performer, Producer Irene Young Photography James C. Moore Piano Janis Ian Guitar, Performer, Producer Jeff Dayton Mix Down, Guitar (Acoustic), Producer, Lap Steel Guitar, Guitar (Electric) Jerry Vivino Flute Jess Hawk Oakenstar Performer, Guitar (Acoustic) Jesse Plumley Engineer, Mix Down Jim Scott Arranger, Producer, Mix Down, Engineer John Bucchino Piano, Producer, Keyboards John Jennings Producer Julian McBrowne Mix Down, Engineer June Millington Engineer, Guitar (Electric), Producer Ken Hutton Engineer Ken Lockwood Vocals (Background) Ken Sebesky Guitar (Electric), Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (12 String) Kim Hanson Photography Laura Love Bass, Vocals (Background), Mix Down, Performer, Vocal Arrangement, Producer Lavender Light Vocals (Background) Lee Lessack Producer, Performer Linda Severt Vocal Arrangement, Vocals (Background), Guitar (Rhythm), Percussion, Assistant Mark Harmon Assistant Engineer Marsha Malamet Performer, Keyboards, Producer Mary Louise Knutson Keyboards Mary McFaul Assistant Mary Watkins Korg M1 Michael Biello Producer Michael Callen Performer Michael Graham Engineer, Mix Down Michael Lord Mix Down, Engineer, Producer Michael Orland Piano Mike Fennel Engineer Mitch Gallob Liner Notes, Executive Producer Morgan Brooke Illustrations, Graphic Design Neil Hoffman Engineer, Mix Down Orville Johnson Banjo Pam Hall Performer, Guitar (Acoustic) Randy Hansen Mix Down, Engineer Rich Hutchins Percussion Richard Bomersheim Photography Richard Dworkin Producer Ricky Ian Gordon Keyboards, Producer Rod Cook Guitar (Steel), Vocals (Background), Assistant Ron Herndon Piano, Keyboards Russ Skaggs Bass Sal Skog Photography Steve Sandberg Performer, Keyboards, Engineer, Producer The Black and People of All Colors Lesbian and Gay Gospel Choir Vocals (Background) The Flirtations Performer Thomas Bogdan Performer Todd Murray Vocals (Background) Tom Kochan Synthesizer Programming, Percussion Tret Fure Bass, Mix Down, Producer, Engineer