Description

Singles Collection EP

Liner Notes

Written, arranged, and performed by Walter Runge, except for the following artists: Dave Renz, saxophones, Ross Bellenoit, guitar. Rod Hicks, drums. Doug Grigsby, bass. Engineered, mixed and mastered by Glenn Barratt at Morning Star Studios.

When I recorded 32 songs between 2017 and 2019, I had not given any sahrious thought about getting them on the radio. I probably had some daydreams about the possibility, but there was no real consideration directed at how I would make that happen. I was way too busy trying to group these songs into two complete albums to contemplate the implications of my decision; the decision to “create the illusion of being prolific”. So in April of 2019, when I quietly posted an announcement about the release of a new album called Bakers Dozen, I was shocked to receive an email from a DJ in Kansas City MO. Ricky Colston introduced himself as a DJ who broadcasted on 4 radios stations in western Missouri, in and around the Kansas City area. “Walt, I am going to play 6 of these songs on my shows over the next few weeks.”

We talked about this on the phone, I sent him WAV files of the tunes that he had chosen, I started recording “drops”, the short little messages “This is Walter Runge, and you are listening to my music on KCPS, or Ricky Colston “DJ Professor Smooth Jazz” Host of Smooth Jazzin’​ In The Early Morning, 90.1 FM KKFI, or The Professor, Smooth Jazzin’ On the Vine KOJH-LP 100.5 FM & Smooth Jazz KUAW in Kansas City…” 

Mr Colston and I started communicating pretty regularly and I began to think about “What Next?” I called Michael Tozzi. Quite Frankly, Michael was the only person I could think of in Philadelphia who might be able to help me sort things out. He graciously talked to me about where I was headed now that I was determined to capitalize on this unexpected opportunity. Michael’s truly profound moment in the conversation was to say, “ In the age of the Search Engine, whatever you do, do not create a pseudonym for yourself! How many people are going to pop up when someone Googles the name “Walter Runge”? There was a good hour’s worth of nuggets to collect after I hung up the phone, and began sorting out the advice of one of the more famous DJs and music promoters in Philadelphia that I knew. So much to think about!

After my conversation with Mr Tozzi, I immediately called Ricky back and asked, “Do you have any radio promoters that you work with, or do you personally seek out music for your shows? Of course, Ricky gave me a phone number to call. I was disappointed when this first promotional team decided my sound was not what they were looking for. However, they gave me a number for a promoter named Adam Leibovitz. (You can read more about Adam by clicking his name or the Creatives Tab in the menu of the website) Adam was my second call. He listened to two albums worth of material before calling me back and saying, “I hear three songs I can get placed on Smooth Jazz stations. You’ll have to do some editing on the album versions, but I am confident I can place these for you if you make the edits.” I must say he was very surprised when I said, “I’ll do whatever you ask of me!” “Wow, he said, “ I’ve never heard that before!” In my mind, I got my Jollies already. I wrote and recorded the songs, working next to Glenn Barratt, the best recording engineer in the city of Philadelphia in my humble opinion. From this agreement was born The Singles Collection EP. Three songs edited and recorded for the soul purpose of getting them placed in rotation on Smooth Jazz radio stations world wide. I believe the versions of these songs are better than the album versions for listening. Of course, the album versions will be what you can expect to hear when you attend Live performances by CounterParts, the fabulous group of musicians that perform wherever there is a room full of “finely-tuned ears”. (Quote by the great Bob Perkins, an American radio personality who worked as a jazz program host and DJ in Philadelphia.[1]

My adventures in music are like stepping stones across a vast ocean! Every time I step out on Faith, something amazing happens. I work at writing, I perfect my skills in recording, and of course I rely on many experts and friends to guide and help me. I leap! I stand my ground every place I land, whether on solid rock, or slippery slopes. The next step always appears just over the horizon! I work, with gratitude for the opportunities. I listen to all the people that sign on to assist me on this journey. I keep my eyes wide open for the next step. By the Grace of God, that next step always makes itself available for me and I leap again. 

This body of work will be my testament to all things beautiful, to the fortune found in being Bold, to all the great people who recognize the value of collaboration, and the artists that encourage me. And certainly, Many heart-felt Thanks to my listeners! I will never underestimate your importance.

God Bless Us All.

Website exclusive features edited versions of three singles: “Back It Up”, “Why Dontcha Do It” and “No Doubt” – all of which received substantial play on contemporary jazz radio. These versions differ from the album cuts.

Written, arranged, and performed by Walter Runge, except for the following artists: Dave Renz, saxophone. Joe Anderson, trumpet. Ross Bellenoit, guitar. Rod Hicks, drums. Doug Grigsby, bass. Engineered, mixed and mastered by Glenn Barratt at Morning Star Studios.

Track listing:

1. Back It Up

2. Why Dontcha Duit

3. No Doubt