a grand week

It seems that after a quieter season for my music, things suddenly poured this week. I played an evening in Clinton with my friend Marianne, where we weave some of my songs into her story of despair and hope -- ultimately a story of God's faithfulness and presence in a darker time in her life. It was the third time we've done that together and it was really well received again. It is pure joy to be on a 'team' with Marianne: to be of one heart for healing and wholeness for people, available to those who want to talk or pray. I tend to be on my own a lot when it comes to pursuing my calling, so there's something beautiful about being one of two, and with such a sincere and encouraging woman to boot. One of these days I'll have to post a picture of Marianne....

I also played at the World Day of Prayer this week, where I roped a couple of friends into singing three part harmony on an African song a cappella with my hand drum... good sports they were! I didn't get to catch what was supposed to be a fantastic concert with the lovely Emm Gryner in Bayfield on Saturday when the storm hit. Emm was generous enough to come and share her story and answer questions for the Noted! women in January, and it would have been great to hear her play live. And today I played and sang for a lovely group of older folk at the seniors dinner that happens weekly in town. My dear friend Sarah joined me to sing harmony and a solo of her own -- a great Jane Siberry piece she recorded for the Noted! project. And that was no small feat, since she ditched her truck on the way to Zurich to rehearse with me this morning (rolled it right on its side). After making sure she was okay, getting the truck towed for some small repairs and completing a police report, she had the officer drive her to the luncheon where we were singing. And then lended her beautiful voice to us all. Sarah, you're my hero for today.

It's a tough call, but I think my musical highlight of the week was recording some piano tracks with Glen at a church in Exeter that has great acoustics and a grand piano. Digital pianos and old acoustic pianos have their place, but there's something far more inviting and authentic about the sound of a grand piano that I really wanted to include for at least a few tracks on the album that Glen and I have been working away at. This kind of live recording came with a few extra challenges. In the middle of some of my best takes, the snow would slide off the roof or a transport would drive by the church, and we'd have to start again. Pretty amusing! In the end, I think we managed to get three good tracks that I can be happy with, which is what I had hoped for. I snapped a few shots of the church where we recorded, included the one above. Look closely and you can see two microphones positioned at the piano. A pretty inspiring place to play, I must say!

With the exception of the Noted! CD release concert on May 8 (tickets have just gone on sale at Ernie King Music in Goderich), I'm on the verge of a music maternity leave. As much as I love these opportunities, I'll be happy to hang my musician hat and just wear my mom hat for a while.