Blessed Out of the Blue
Track notes written by Dr. Lyn Schenbeck

Have you ever felt sad, as if nothing would cheer you up? Suddenly, without thinking about it, something amazing happens and the blues just disappear. You realize that blessings will come when you need them most. Whether or not you have had that experience, you will feel it just by listening to this inspiring song.
Diane said, “A surprise literally, blessed me right out of the blues. This is her story.
“A childhood friend of mine called me and said, “I’ve got this fabulous place in Florida and I’m going to be gone for a couple of months. I listen to your music and know that getting away to write is often inspiring. How would you like to come and stay at my place?” I was thrilled that she thought of me.
My friend and her family had been refugees of Castro’s Cuba. Fearing persecution and death, they had escaped to United States. They were welcomed with open arms at Second Ponce de Leon church on Peachtree Street in which I grew up. Since so many families were having to flee Cuba, at that time the church shared their chapel and set up a Spanish mission to help them. That’s where she and I met.
On Wednesday nights while the adults were in choir practice all the kids got to roller skate in the gym. That’s where we first became friends. As young adults we studied at Mercer University together and sang in the choir. She went on the be an international lawyer and still a music lover. Our friendship grew over the years. I was sitting at her place inspired by her thoughtfulness. And how crossing paths with true friends over a lifetime is such a blessing, enough to bless me right out of the blues."
The melody and chords are a perfect fit. The strong foundation is secured by Melissa Junebug on drums, Fuji Fujimoto on bass, Yoel B’nai Yehuda on the Hammond B3, and Adam McKnight on background vocals. Diane’s powerful, intense vocals sing the story. The beautiful and complex guitar of John ‘JP’ Pagano provides the introduction, and we hear his skillful improvisation in between vocal phrases and over the story. The song ends with Diane’s pure joyful improv.
“We just had a blast doing this. I hope it makes people get up and dance, throw their hands up in the air, feel good, and be blessed out of the blue!”