by on

Hallo lovely people I hope all is ok in your world at this crazy time and you are all taking care of yourselves. So now we are in 2020 lockdown there might be time for you to get a spot of hobby out ( knitting , basket weaving , sandblasting-too noisy) ) and have a listen to this interview I did for the wondrous Welsh Connections with writing partner Andy ( the second interview he get a word in edgeways !)…I listened and did not do much toes curling ..there are some great bits of music too…. let me know …

by on

 

New Video in One Take.. Nothing fancy…we did 8 takes, some in half speed some in slow motion some in normal speed.. and I was gonna spend a couple of days picking

all the best bits and I came to take 5 and went…yes! it is practically perfect in every way…Had just the right amount of stillness and emotional quality the song needed

One take is a magical thing in film or in music and so much of our lives we don’t do much in one take, we correct , we edit , we ‘grammerly’ ( when the frog did that become a verb..I don’t by the way!).

There are certain bands that used to  swear if you don’t get the recording on the first take the magic has gone… I made an album in 2003 where did every vocal in one take because I wanted to have that performance quality to it..Lots of people would not notice the difference. It may be very subtle and just arsey rather than arty… Maybe you agree….In love with this video today like a new born baby….

 

 

by on

Good day.  Trying to spread the word these days is quite a bumpy ride. You can completely inundate, or people just don’t receive news – even with  bombardment or algorithms.

Even though I posted the video yesterday. I wanted you to hear how beautiful the choirs sounded without any of the video and to encourage you – my lovely blogees to share this song with all and all and then some..

It is available on https://www.choircommunity.net as audio practise file and sheet music at the most reasonable cost.

I cannot thank the singers enough, and know they would be happy for their voices to be taking this message around the world. Here are some quotes from them about how singing this particular song made them feel. ( Gratitude Again)

 

‘Music often lifts the soul but this song is special. There’s a feeling as you sing it, an awareness of those around you, singing as one, minds and voices in a musical prayer for the sanity of the world’

 ‘The power we all have individually, and how that is magnified when we are many. Whether it is voices or ideas or revolution. Singing this song gives me goose bumps, makes me feel hopeful, positive and filled with light. Truly burning bright. No matter how dark the days might feel’

‘It is easy to get disheartened and feel we are making no difference when we are campaigning/protesting. The song made me feel that we do count, that we are keeping that flame (however fragile) alight in the world.’

‘Singing this song reminded me that we all have a role to play in the guardianship of the world we occupy and of the neighbours we share it with. That ‘enlightenment’ has the power to dispel demons however they may appear.’

‘A song of quiet strengthening: working at both an individual and, of course, a group level. Refreshingly different to the ‘usual’ community choir fare. ‘

I’ve been singing in Gitika’s choir for many years and this is one of my favourite songs. I have young onset Parkinson’s which brings many daily challenges. I find singing at choir very therapeutic and it helps me in so many ways. It’s been particularly apt for me to have sung this beautiful, uplifting song this term as I have been struggling with my Parkinson’s as it progresses. Singing with my lovely choir led by Gitika has been one of my candles, helping me to keep faith through some dark moments. Thank you Gitika!

THE AUDIO ONLY …