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    The Threefinger Opera CD includes all 13 album tracks plus the bonus track "Do It Again." The package includes a 6-panel gatefold booklet with color photos and song illustrations by Chris Taylor.

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  • The Threefinger Opera: album cover design, Mr. Ping design. Receive one of each. 3 inch by 3 inch vinyl stickers.
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  • Full Digital Discography

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about

The tumbling acoustic folk of “Moan” becomes regal with a stirring brass ensemble recalling George Martin’s arrangements for Sgt. Pepper or Dan Fogelberg’s “Leader of the Band.” John Mark Painter and Martin Wenk lead the way on trombone and trumpet. Elbel plays the euphonium his Dad gave him for fifth-grade band. The song is a chin-up pep talk from Mr. Ping’s inner voice, featuring harmony by Beki Hemingway.

lyrics

Moan if you think it makes you better
Moan but no matter what you do
Long way off, without a doubt
Just gonna have to wait it out and see it through

Moan if it gets you through the morning
Moan if it carries you to noon
But don’t moan during happy hour
No one wants to see your flower’s a wilted bloom

It’s hard to make the best of it
“At least you got a song from it”
Be happy
What can you do
It’s life and ‘tis the season
No peace in chasing reason
This is happening to you

Moan when the riddler doesn’t need you
Moan when another gig falls through
Bone by bone, rebuild the tower
The wish of your returning power is coming true

It’s hard to make the best of it
“At least you got a song from it”
Be happy
What can you do
It’s life and ‘tis the season
No peace in chasing reason
This is happening to you

Moan ‘cause it’s all coming apart now
Moan but a smile is better glue
Long way off, without a doubt
Just gonna have to wait it out
And see it through

credits

from The Threefinger Opera, released May 5, 2022
Vocal on “Moan” by Beki Hemingway. Slide guitar by Randy Kerkman. Beki and Randy recorded by Randy in Dundalk, Ireland. Vocal by David Santos, recorded by Dave in Thousand Oaks, CA. Brass by the Coronation Horns: John Mark Painter, Martin Wenk, Michael Pritzl, Brien K. Meehan, Mags Roethler, Jeff Elbel. John Mark Painter (Fleming and John, the Perfect Foil) recorded by John at IHOF Studio in East Nashville, TN. Michael Pritzl of the Violet Burning recorded by Michael at Nowhere, CA Studios in Beverly, MA. Brien K. Meehan recorded by Brien in Royal Oak, MI. Brass arrangement by Jeff Elbel. Hammond B3 organ on “Moan” by Johnny Iguana of the Claudettes. Recorded by Johnny in his piano room and basement lair in Chicago, IL. Johnny appears courtesy of Forty Below Records.

John Blum: drums
John Bretzlaff: guitar (tracks 2–8, 11)
Mike Choby: electric piano, organ
Jeff Elbel: vocal, guitar, euphonium, trombone
Maron Gaffron: vocal
Stacey Krejci: bass
Tom Sharpe: percussion
Chris Taylor: interior artwork

Written by Jeff Elbel. Copyright © (P) 2021 by Marathon Records (ASCAP). Published by Zimbalon (ASCAP). Unauthorized use is a violation of applicable laws. Request use anytime!

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Jeff Elbel + Ping Wheaton, Illinois

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