Covita's Biography

April, 2002

"I feel complete – connected to my deeper self when I'm writing a song," explains Covita Scelsa Moroney in describing her passion for creating original music." And I've learned that the deeper I dive into the truth of my experience, the more likely it is that the song will tap something universal."

Following the example of her three older brothers, Covita began playing guitar very early. In addition, she sang in her school choir from first grade through high school. After graduating from high school in 1974, she landed her first paying gig on Cape Cod, and enrolled as a classical guitar major at Lowell (Massachusetts) State College. Covita transferred to the Berklee College of Music (Boston) as a jazz guitar and arranging/composition student, but eventually dropped out to play profesionally.

In 1977 Covita Moroney co-wrote a handful of songs that were recorded by her brother Greg Scelsa, for his popular educational music duo, Greg & Steve. That same year she used a small inheritance to set up an 8-track recording studio in an apartment shared with her husband, Christopher. In 1980 they moved to Texas. Covita set up a studio, and began recording demos for San Antonio area bands and songwriters.

Covita Scelsa Moroney has performed with a diverse range of ensembles, from the San Antonio Symphony to the Smith Brothers blues band and everything in between. During her first years in Texas, she landed gigs with a variety of bands: country, jazz, blues, folk and rock. Covita has performed in Texas Dance Halls, elegant theaters such as San Antonio's Majestic, and major cathedrals across the United States.

In 1989, having been active in choral music in school, Covita founded the San Antonio Vocal Arts Ensemble (SAVAE). SAVAE has three recordings of early music from Latin America, one of which appeared on Billboard Magazine's World Music charts. SAVAE tours frequently, and has performed for audiences from New York City to Seattle. As a SAVAE member Covita sings as well as plays a variety of instruments.

In the early 1980s Covita recorded an album for singer-songwriter Melissa Javors, the year after Melissa won the top prize at the Kerville (Texas) Folk Festival. "Just Beginning" contained original music written and arranged by Javors.

"Working with Melissa showed me what was possible, but I really didn't get serious about songwriting until I hit 40," explains Moroney. "By that time it was something I had to do to realize an important part of myself. I believe that if I left this world without giving songwriting my best shot, I would have blown it."

Sofia's Table, Covita's debut recording of original songs, was released in January of 2002.

"Moroney's songs are about seeking and discovering, about the spiritual, about renewal. Sofia's Table is peaceful and gentle and well textured. Moroney has a fine voice and an excellent touch on guitar," wrote San Antonio Express-News music writer Jim Beal, Jr.

"In the 1960s, when my family still lived in Southern California, we lived around the corner from Johnny Mercer, the legendary lyricist," Moroneys recalls. "We kids used to hang around his house and play with his dachshunds. Once he gave me an autographed copy of a record with his songs. I had no idea how significant that would be to me one day. Now songwriting is my passion, and part of my spiritual journey."

Moroney currently lives in San Antonio, Texas. She is a member and founding manager of SAVAE, a peaceCENTER volunteer, retreat facilitator, Dances of Universal Peace leader, member of the American Society of Authors, Composers and Publishers, a Reiki II practitioner, and performs her original music at coffeehouses, retreats and house concerts. Covita follows the Sufi spiritual path, "Toward the One."

Acknowledgements

Many thanks for inspiration and encouragement to my Texas, East Coast, West Coast, and Hawaii families; the peaceCENTER; Mama Rosalyn’s Reiki Academy; my SAVAE family; the compassionate souls who choose healing as their work, helping many (like me) to become fuller expressions of Self; all artists and fellow troubadors who create authentic beauty; the Dances of Universal Peace and Abwoon Study Circle communities; my Emmaus Sisters; and the spiritual teachers and seekers (and finders) that keep the path well lit. In addition to engineering and mixing this recording, Joe Treviño contributed many creative ideas and cast several of the musicians, helping it to shine. Special thanks to dear Susan Ives for jump-starting this project by providing moral and material support. Blessings and thanks to Patricia Moroney for seeing to it that it got finished! Thank you, Christopher, my life partner, who’s loving and supportive hand can be felt, seen, and heard everywhere in my life ... including this recording.

Love and Thanks to You All – Covita

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