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Now, she has graciously given her talents to a music project that was born in a small Central New York YMCA, an original recording called “A Better Place.”
Mark your calendar for September 21st for the official release of the song and full music video on Play it Forward. To view the music video trailer, visit the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley’s YouTube channel @ymcaofthegreatertri-valley or Facebook page facebook/ymcagreatertrivalley to see the video trailer.
Moore joins a roster of like-minded artists from around the world to bring the message of universal hope, unity, and faith during times when it is most needed through this original song.
Former Billy Joel band legendary drummer Liberty Devitto is on drums and New Orleans’ Mitchell Player is on upright bass. The song is being mixed in Atlanta by 7-time NAACP Image Award Winner and Grammy-nominated mixing engineer Jason Brown and mastered by the incredible Adrian Carr.
“Melba and I became friends about 15 years ago when she came to the Rome YMCA to record a song with our kids. The song, ‘Other Side of the Rainbow’ was wonderful. To hear her soar through the scales was hair-raising. She later came back to speak at our YMCA Prayer Breakfast, and it was incredible to hear her testimony. She is a phenomenal person and artist. I really wanted her on our A Better Place project, for a variety of reasons,” Leo said. “Melba’s complementary backing vocals on the song just add to the already moving and inspirational feel of the song. When she hits those high notes, it makes the spine tingle,” added Leo.
“Music provides a universal language, and the song seemed the perfect way to connect people around the globe– especially during a difficult time. This project features over 40 YMCAs, partners, and collaborators who have contributed in one way or another,” explains creator Hank Leo, CEO of the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley.
Leo and Mathew Beadle, a music teacher at The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley, a small Y in Central New York, began working on a song in 2020 to help raise funds for the Y as it lost a considerable amount of funding due to the pandemic but also to help a struggling music program in Uganda.
“This project was born during a tumultuous time,” he added. “We were all trying to stay connected during a global pandemic. From that, a song reflecting the timeless struggle between fear and hope, hatred and fellowship, ignorance and understanding was born.
Through the international language of music, the song aims to help heal racial divides, challenge pre-conceived opinions and question cultural judgements.
The A Better Place Project includes many other international, national and local talents including:
- Three-time Grammy winners The Soweto Gospel Choir
- Uganda’s Watoto Children’s Choir
- Hope Music Foundation
- Norway’s Holmlia TweenSing
- Local guitarist Justin Smithson
- Central NY-based Zainep Abdelaal
- Cellist Jessica Talbott
A special addition is (Atlanta-based) Christian spoken-word artist Gloria Umanah.
The song was recorded through the generous donation of Big Blue North Recording Studio in Utica, NY.
“We are forever grateful to Pam Jardieu and Jeff Aderman, not only for their contribution but for their involvement from the beginning in helping to make the song the best it can be,” Leo said.
Rob Totaro, Director of Member Advancement of New York State Alliance of YMCAs, Inc. has been instrumental in building the “A Better Place” website, www.abetterplaceproject.org with links to all project collaborators.
“From our small Central New York YMCA, the song attracted international artists and global ambassadors until it became the multi-media event it is today,” Leo added. “It is a shining star offering light and guidance to everyone, anywhere.”
For further information and interviews, please contact:
Stephanie Neff, Marketing Specialist
YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley
315.534.8815
About the Project:
“A Better Place” is a YMCA global project encompassing original music, a documentary, children’s books and curriculum designed to help spread joy and positivity during challenging times. Its mission is to teach kids and adults the value of understanding, accepting and loving the unique differences of others from all around the world through song, a film documentary, children’s books and corresponding curriculum.
About the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley
The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley serves the greater Rome, Oneida and Whitesboro areas with programs and services for the whole family. We are a 501c3 charitable non-profit organization with two primary branches in Rome and Oneida and school-age childcare in the Whitesboro area. The Y’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
