PRESDIENT DIMENNA ROCKS ON BLUE HAWK RECORDS’ AFTER MIDNIGHT

​Author: Hannah Clyne ‘19
​
Blue Hawk Records’ Applied Music Industry II Class is proud to announce that Monmouth University President Grey Dimenna will be featured on its upcoming album, After Midnight, which is scheduled for release on April 18. Dimenna, a budding guitar player, said he was thrilled to be included in the project. “Blue Hawk Records is one of the coolest student activities. I have several of the CDs they have released and am always amazed at the quality of the music and the professionalism of the production.,” Dimenna said.
 
The groundbreaking album, which marks the 12th release for Blue Hawk Records, includes the first cover song in the history of the student-run record label, J.J. Cale’s “After Midnight.” The song, which became a breakthrough hit for Eric Clapton in 1970, is also the name of the spring album. Dimenna said that he was extremely honored that students asked him to play on the titled track. Recorded with Dimenna on guitar at Lakehouse Recording Studios in Asbury Park, N.J., the cover song is a collaboration between Monmouth University faculty, and members of the Music Industry program.

Photo by: Anthony Deprimo

Joe Rapolla, chair of Monmouth’s Music and Arts Department, said that Dimenna’s involvement with the project exemplified the core values of a Monmouth University education. “Our students always hear about our commitment to a personalized education experience. Having President Dimenna contribute to the record is a terrific example of our commitment in action,” Rapolla said. “Our chief executive was learning right alongside our students in one of the most legendary centers of music in America,” Rapolla added.

​In the weeks prior to the recording session, two members of the Applied Music Industry class, Antonio Gonzalez and Zack Sandler, prepped President Dimenna for the session. “President Dimenna has a great passion for music and learning how to play the guitar. What other University President do you know that does a photoshoot on his motorcycle wearing a leather jacket?" Sandler said. “After we finished each guitar lesson, President Dimenna would go home and practice his parts. He even took his guitar on the road when traveling with the school’s basketball team so that he could perfect his part.” Sandler participated in the recording session and was thrilled to work with President Dimenna and all members involved.

The class is in the final stages of preparing for the release of the album, which includes five original songs; “Hold on Close” by Brianna Scangarello, “P. T. L” by FRANCESCA, “Live it Up” by Brad Kraft, “Give Up” by Wynward, “All on U” by Shadiyah Jai and Carlos Forde, along with the cover of “After Midnight.” The formal release show is scheduled for April 18, starting at 2:45pm, on Monmouth’s Residential Quad.