Ashes was X-Tempo’s first formal recording, released in 1996, and features Peter Venezia on piano, Kevin Roth on drums, John “Ropeman” Roppa on percussion and Thor Fields on guitar. Recorded and mixed at BeSharp Studio in Astoria, New York, Jerry Halaytyn engineered the recording with all of the music written, arranged and produced by Peter Venezia and Kevin Roth.
The freshman album contained six original songs, Intro/Encore, Don’t Jump, X-Tempo, Jazz, Dance with the Devil and Ashes. Dance with the Devil vocals were performed by Khari Paige and Ashes was sung by Mark Venezia. Several of the songs from this album were rereleased on Selections in 2008 and are available in itunes [hot link to itunes]
There were special thanks given to many individuals who influenced the music on this album, which was dedicated to the memory of Peter Venezia’s father, who passed away in 1995 and who influenced the music of his life.
Ashes
Lyrics written and performed by Mark Venezia
She has angels hands that touch
the coldest heart flesh from ashes
pale sheets moon light
horses hoofs make no sounds in the ashes
Make no plans for
the dazzling life in my hands for no future
blind as lies cages
hearts lie down and fade out in the ashes
She wants you to feel at home
summer’s gone
and she’s tired
