Dear Friends Old and New,
Choosing songs for this CD took months of list-making, decisions, and deletions. There were so many things I wished to say and convey through my choices that there was a real danger of it becoming a collection with book to follow!
So many times I backed out of the project, even canceling the original recording dates last year. Seamus Kennedy should be nominated for sainthood for his perseverance (and endurance) in finally getting me into a studio! Seamus has expended so much of his valuable time and expertise that "Thank you" seems so inadequate. I am proud to call this multi-talented and kind man my friend.
Arriving in Virginia after a 14 hour drive from Wisconsin I was cold, tired, and incredibly nervous. From the first cup of coffee to "wrapping" the last track, Brad Hayford made the experience fun...I look forward to recording with him again at RBO studios. Thanks Brad!
Bob Spates (fiddle) and Mark Hillman (Uillean Pipes) are to be commended for their wonderful backup... considering I did not provide the score-sheets! I am honored to have had two such true professionals on my CD.
Settling on a theme or direction for Gentle Memories was incredibly hard. After 25 years of singing Irish and American Folk, Contemporary, Country, Classical and Broadway, and combining these elements into my performances, I wanted to put samples of everything on the CD! With Seamus Kennedy's patient input and advice, I finally settled on the music that meant the most to me and the concept of Gentle Memories began to take shape.
What I didn't figure on was the gut-wrenching journey I was to take, as I embraced the memories, many of which I had forgotten, of people I have loved and lost. While some may view this C.D as sad... I do not. Loss is simply the opposite of gain, and I have gained so much from the lives who have touched and shaped mine.
Somewhere along the line, my son Christopher and I decided to create an area within my web site where those who were interested might read more about the background to Gentle Memories. I have tried to write brief introductions and to provide the words for those of you who like to sing along. As I tell my audiences all the time... sing with gusto (that means with enthusiasm). It's good for the soul!
