Cornerstone Caffe to host CD release party Saturday
BY REBECCA MORTON
Correspondent

FREEHOLD - The Cornerstone Caffe at the corner of South and Main streets will be rocking on Saturday night with a CD release party for local musician Don Lee.

"Change Into Change" is Lee's first solo project.

"I'm very excited about the upcoming release. I wish I could have released it last year, but it took time to record, mix and master," Lee said this week.

The project certainly kept Lee busy as he worked on all aspects of the songs, including writing, producing, playing most of the instruments and handling the vocals.

Although "Change Into Change" is Lee's first solo release, the Freehold Township resident is no stranger to the music scene. He previously performed lead vocals for Red-Headed Boogie Child, which broke up in May 2006.

Music has been a part of Lee's life since childhood when he secretly held the dream of being a "rock star." His inspiration grew from the Beatles.

"The songwriting was always top notch and they had such a wide variety of material," Lee said of the Fab Four.

Lee, who is a graduate of Freehold High School, Freehold Borough, describes his music as a combination of rock, pop and soul.

"I like a wide variety of music so I've usually been drawn to artists who don't just stick to one style or sound," Lee said.

No matter which genre he dips into, Lee keeps a focus on his lyrics. He said, "I like to write catchy yet sophisticated melodies with relatively deep lyrics. Of course, there are exceptions to that, too."

The influences for his lyrics come from different factors. They range from personal experiences to his thoughts on life's issues and even social-political ones.

When asked if he has a favorite among the tracks on "Change Into Change," Lee answered, "Some days I like some more than others."

On this day he was leaning toward track No. 2, "Don't Be a Stranger."

For his CD release party Lee chose to go to the Cornerstone Caffe where he has performed solo and with bands.

"They've been very good to me there. It's like being part of an extended family," Lee said of the restaurant.

The June 30 CD release party will feature a number of guest musicians including Arielle Strauss, A.J. Stone, Anton Daub, Eric Ginsberg, Vinny Rugnetta, Ken Masson, Steve Hackett and Laurie Erienmeyer. The music will start at 8 p.m. and end at midnight.

Does Lee still harbor the dream of being a "rock star?"

"I do wish for all of the world to hear my music, and I'll do what I can to make that dream happen. But if I don't become a 'superstar' I would still be happy if my music has a positive effect on smaller groups. I'll still be performing no matter what level of perceived success I'm at," said Lee, who works as a welfare case supervisor for the Monmouth County Division of Social Services.