Fifteen years ago, six Moreno Valley residents wile were full time professional studio musicians, came together to form “Tue Moreno Strings & Brass + Voices, to work as a unit, doing studio work In Los Angeles. Each member came to the group after working with world acclaimed musical artist that Includes, Tony Bennett, Nelson Riddle, Johnny Mathis, Marvin Gaye, The L.A. Philharmonic, The Florida Grand Opera, Johnny Nash, Nancy Wilson, and Tom Jones. As a unit, they’ve worked with artist that Include Opera Star Kevin Bell, Herb Jefferies, motion picture star and singer With The Duke Ellington Orchestra, Mary Love, Grammy award wining, and rhythm and blues artist Ruth Brown, and Grammy winner Bobby Womack. They made their movie soundtrack debut with the horror film classic, ”Pumpkinhead 2, composed arranged and conducted by Moreno Valley resident, Jymmi Briggjanos. Fifteen years and twenty additional members later, this recording marks the first of many projects that presents The Moreno Strings & Brass+Voices, as the featured act. “Moreno Valley Set To Music” is a three act musical written for spoken word, orchestra, anti singers. Its’ running theme is the history of, and the quality of life in this Southern California city.

The first movement, covered in CD#1, tells the story of how it all began, and of the colorful figures who participated in master mining its’ rise. A short prelude opens the violins shimmering In anticipation of the entrance of tile violas, cello’s, anti oboe, that set the stage for the rhythmic percussive rush of the orchestra, that reaches its’ peak, then dissipates into the quiet melodic piano entrance by Jymmi Briggjanos, for the Introduction of the song, “It Feels Like Home”. This vocal selection, performed by Mary Love, covers the initial feelings experienced by most people upon their arrival here. Her performance brings back all of the memories and feelings each of us had as newcomers, coming here from the hustle and bustle of the crowded cities of the world, and realizing that for once we had found somewhere that made us feel that we belonged. Caressingly the orchestra turns its’ attention to, “The Moreno Valley Address”, which Is this acts dramatic spoken word segment set to music. “The Moreno Valley Address is an open letter to residents of this city, and to the world at large, about the dreams and the dreamers who turned their gift of foresight, into one of the fastest growing cities in America. David Anthony Johnson, who sharpened his oratory skills at Oakwood College In Huntsville Alabama, a school long known for turning great preachers. His performance brings to mind all of the electrifying southern preachers in the tradition of Reverends C.L. Franklin, and Martin Luther King. From the moment he speaks his first words, to the ringing echoes of his final statement, David Anthony Johnson Keeps you hanging on to his every breath and nuance, as he weaves historical facts Into a tapestry that becomes as memorable and as vivid as a Moreno Valley sunset. Streets and places that were just names on a signpost, now take on a different meaning, because now you know the stories behind the vision shared by generations of dreamers who devoted their lives to making things better for those of us who call Moreno Valley home. Says Jackie Ashe, a Moreno Valley Unified School District board member, “This is a production that explores the city’s rich history, and should be seen, and heard by everyone”. ... ... ......... ......