This was a very personally driven album for me to record and each song meant something to me in some small way, or other.
When I first went in to the studio to record The Springbird, I took an armful of songs that I’d heard and loved over time. I was eager to work with my producer to put my own stamp on them and without changing them too much, just bring a little of my own light to them. I wasn’t too sure how it would all go at first but with each session in the studio, the fire in my belly grew and I soon found myself in, what felt like, my new home.
This was a very personally driven album for me to record and each song meant something to me in some small way, or other. I dedicated The Springbird to my children from the start as I had lost my own mother, not long before - only to find I had no recordings of her beautiful voice, which had simply been daily soul food for me, both as a music loving child and all throughout my life.
Her passing inspired me record something that I could pass on to my kids as a joyful keepsake, as music and song had played as much a nurturing part in their lives, as it had in mine. Initially, I had no intention of releasing it but as we progressed in the studio, my producer, Pat O’Donnell @ The Rolling Wheel Studios, talked me around and I have to say I am so grateful he did, as I know it’s has brought pleasure to others, which warms my heart.
There is something a little magical about taking personal pain and transmuting it into a thing of comfort and joy.
I still recall fighting tears as I recorded “Burgundy Shoes”, the original of which I chanced to hear on radio one morning. I said to Pat, “ I just have to record this for her”. It reminded me just so much of her and our many bus trips when I was little. Me thinking just how pretty she was, as children do.. and listening to her singing to herself, as she so often did.
I think the making and releasing of The Springbird album was a cathartic experience for me - and my family - at the time.
I’m glad I released it.
Music and song are gifts to be shared.
This goes to the heart of the way I was raised. It goes to the heart of why I love to sing. Music is a celebration of life. The highs, the lows and in all its richness.
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