Tags

  • Published on

    36. Brighter Days

    6:8 Grow Hope Praise & Wonder Protection & Presence Ribbon Scale: Ionian (Major) Song Form: Layer Trust
    Song Brighter Days
    Words & Music by Jennifer Cook
    Lyrics
    There's so much hope in a snowdrop,
    the promise of spring to come.
    Hold on, hold on
    through the cold,
    brighter days will come.
    Picture

    Notes: Whether or not you have snowdrops blooming right now, who doesn't recognize the promise we sometimes can sense in a bloom? The cycle of blooming, falling, disintegrating, resting, reforming, growing, blooming... this song has a beautiful criss-cross of lines, so the first line burrows into the second line, while the second line starts low and grounded, then rises hopefully above the first. The third line lets you sing out a sort of commentary and affirmation of the first two. I take time teaching the first part, especially, so you can feel really confident as the song develops...

    Songwriter Info: Jenny is a community singing leader and songwriter with a passion for using song to bring joy and build communities and friendships. She runs a-cappella harmony singing groups in Knaresborough and has two young children aged 7 and 4. She also writes beautiful, soulful and easy to teach songs often inspired by and celebrating her love of nature.

    Links: A license to teach the song along with the score and learning/ part tracks are available for £5 by sending an email to Jenny at Jenny.j.cook21@gmail.com
    You can also find more of Jenny's songs at her facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jennycookmusic/ (you don't need to belong to facebook to look & listen)
    Jenny singing Brighter Days herself in a beautiful video with Patty's art, among other lovely snowdrops:     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1HBLiURzqI

    Nuts & Bolts: 6:8, Ionian, 2 layer, one harmonized

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:02:39
    Start time of reprise: 00:14:01
    ​
    Join the A Breath of Song mailing list to receive a heads up as a new episode is released, plus a large version of the artwork, brief thoughts from my slightly peculiar brain... and occasional extras when they seem vitally important! No junk -- I will never sell your address. I read out all your names into my living room when I send new mailings... I appreciate the connection to you who are listening and singing these songs with me.

    Exchange energy with A Breath of Song with dollars at the Gratitude Jar (whoo-hoo!!!!), or by making comments, leaving reviews, suggesting songs or songwriters (including yourself) ..... your participation matters!
  • Published on

    35. Hymn To Loving with Guest Lisa Forkish

    4:4 Be Present Empower Flex Heal Journey Power & Change Protection & Presence Scale: Mixolydian Song Form: Verse And Layer Songwriter Conversation Tend
    Song Hymn to Loving
    Words & Music​ by Lisa Forkish
    Lyrics
    1. What if falling felt like flying?
    What if flying felt like freedom?
    Will I be healed? Will I be healed? Will I be healed?

    2. What if freedom felt like living?
    What if living felt like loving?
    Will I be whole? Will I be whole? Will I be whole?

    3. So in living, I am you;
    And in loving, you are me, too.
    Will we hold, and be held? Hold and be held?

    Hold and be held. Is this what freedom feels like?
    Picture
    Notes: Lisa Forkish shares her song, Hymn to Loving, and talks about song titling, songwriting away from keyboards, deconstructing binaries, singing as a pure, liberating expression of the self, learning to love and be tender with our voice... and the surprise of connections through Zoom. Now, maybe that's all immediately appealing to you, or maybe it sounds complicated and brain-challenging! Let me tell you, Lisa has a gentle, welcoming presence and wide-open curiosity and questioning that makes this conversation a pleasure to eavesdrop on -- and whether her views raise questions for you, or drop easily into your pocket, I hope you will find useful connections through Lisa's explanations and in the links to help you follow up on whatever sparks your interest. She talks a lot about what she experiences as healing in voice work... and a tiny bit about her experience with the movie, Pitch Perfect, and her role in popularizing and opening up the collegiate acapella world.

    Songwriter Info: Lisa Forkish (she/they) is a queer singer-songwriter, community-builder, artivist, song-healer, and self-described "Love Warrior," infusing all she creates with fierce authenticity and heart. For the past 20 years, Lisa has been using song as both an expressive art and a tool for building connection. For Lisa, facilitating music spaces is much more than a job; it is a sacred calling. Lisa breathes humanity into their music and teaching with infectious joy and compassion, aiming to heal the wounds of music elitism and not-enoughness through an embodied, trauma-informed and heart-centered approach. For Lisa, Love is paramount and closeness is the antidote to cisheteropatriarchy, white supremacist delusion and cultural disconnection. Lisaʻs mission is to utilize music for personal and collective healing and liberation. 

    Links:
    Lisa's website: lisaforkish.com
    Lisa's singing offerings: wesingthebody.com
    adrienne maree brown (principles of emergent strategy): https://adriennemareebrown.net/
    Holistic Resistance (Black-led movement facilitating racial justice and other work to heal oppression): https://www.holisticresistance.com/
    white supremacy culture (what exactly does that mean?): https://www.whitesupremacyculture.info/
    Rev angel Kyodo williams (radical dharma): https://angelkyodowilliams.com/
    On Being podcast (Krista Tippett interviews with various people): https://onbeing.org/
    Brene Brown (wholehearted, daring living): https://brenebrown.com/
    Rhiannon (vocal art as vehicle for change; improvisation): https://rhiannonmusic.com/

    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, Mixolydian, verse followed by layer
    ​
    Join the A Breath of Song mailing list to receive a heads up as a new episode is released, plus a large version of the artwork, brief thoughts from my slightly peculiar brain... and occasional extras when they seem vitally important! No junk -- I will never sell your address. I read out all your names into my living room when I send new mailings... I appreciate the connection to you who are listening and singing these songs with me.

    Exchange energy with A Breath of Song with dollars at the Gratitude Jar (whoo-hoo!!!!), or by making comments, leaving reviews, suggesting songs or songwriters (including yourself) ..... your participation matters!
  • Published on

    33. There Is A Love

    3:4 Calm Gratitude & Trust Heal Protection & Presence Release Ribbon Scale: Ionian (Major) Song Form: Round Trust
    Song There Is A Love
    Words by Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker
    Music by Elizabeth (Beth) Norton
    Lyrics
    There is a Love holding me; There is a Love holding all that I love;
    There is a Love holding all; I rest in this love.
    ​​
    There is a Love holding us; There is a Love holding all that we love;
    There is a Love holding all; We rest in this love.
    Picture
    Notes: What does it take to allow you to fall to rest, deeply & completely? Rest is such a necessary component of healing, and sometimes can be tricky to come by -- unless I'm the only one awake at 2 in the morning sometimes, with my head spinning fruitless circles? Feeling completely safe -- completely loved -- is one of the things that lets me rest, slows the adrenalin responses, and lets my body and mind heal. This song does that for me... whew!!! The composer, Elizabeth Norton, points out: "Please note that there is no "you" verse. This is because Rev. Dr. Parker was very clear that this is a widening circle of Love and compassion that embraces all." We are each at the center of this song.

    Songwriter Info: A life-long church musician, Elizabeth (Beth) Norton has served First Parish in Concord, Massachusetts as Director of Music Ministry since 1994, leading a dynamic adult choir and guiding a vital and varied music ministry for singers and instrumentalists of all ages and stages. She has led UU singers on concert pilgrimages to Eastern Europe, building musical bridges with Unitarian churches in Transylvania (Romania), Hungary and the Czech Republic. Beth received her bachelor’s degree with a major in music from Smith College and a master’s degree in choral conducting from Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford. As a composer, she has written several songs, chants and choral anthems that are currently available by contacting EHNComposer@gmail.com. Beth says she had the great wisdom to marry into the Norton family in 1986. Her husband, Peter, is Tom Norton’s brother. Thus, she has the great good fortune (again, her own words!) to claim Patricia Norton as her sister-in-law and friend! Beth and Peter have two adult sons, who live in southern Vermont and near Boston Massachusetts. Beth and her family share a love of music, hiking, skiing, and birding. She usually has a knitting project on hand.

    ​Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:02:52
    Start time of reprise: 00:14:45

    Links:
    The score can be accessed through the UUA "Worship Web" here: https://www.uua.org/worship/words/music/there-love
    Hear a roomful of people singing There Is A Love (and catch a glimpse of Beth!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlY7Yf-l8rU

    Nuts & Bolts: 3:4, major, round
    ​
    Join the A Breath of Song mailing list to receive a heads up as a new episode is released, plus a large version of the artwork, brief thoughts from my slightly peculiar brain... and occasional extras when they seem vitally important! No junk -- I will never sell your address. I read out all your names into my living room when I send new mailings... I appreciate the connection to you who are listening and singing these songs with me.

    Exchange energy with A Breath of Song with dollars at the Gratitude Jar (whoo-hoo!!!!), or by making comments, leaving reviews, suggesting songs or songwriters (including yourself) ..... your participation matters!
  • Published on

    29. Hope Lingers On

    4:4 Empower Grief & Fear Grow Heal Hope Power & Change Protection & Presence Ribbon Scale: Ionian (Major) Song Form: Harmonized Song Form: Unison Trust
    Song Hope Lingers On
    Words & Music​ by Lissa Schneckenburger
    Lyrics

    1. My mother, when love is gone (2x),
    in our darkest hour, hope lingers on.
    My father, when peace is gone (2x),
    in our darkest hour, hope lingers on.

    Chorus:
    I will not hate, and I will not fear;
    in our darkest hour, hope lingers here.

    2. My sister, when equality’s gone…
    My brother, with tolerance gone…
    ​
    3. My love, when honor is gone…
    My country, when justice is gone…

    Picture
    Notes: "Hope lingers on"... I love singing this to myself as a reminder that a pandemic is not the only thing lingering around. There are so many beautiful recordings of this piece online, I encourage you, like always, to use this podcast as a way to learn the song, and then if it speaks to you, follow the links and sing along with gorgeous professional recordings! Sometimes, honestly, it makes me uncomfortable to put my voice with loops out there when there are such polished renditions available (that honestly might sound better!) -- but then I remind myself that I'm not here performing for you... I'm here sharing a song that makes a difference to me when I sing it to myself -- and maybe it will do that for you, too? Planting songs for wellness...   
      Next week I'm hugely excited to share a songwriter conversation with the composer of this song, Lissa Schneckenburger. We talk about some of the differences between voice and violin as instruments, music as a way of distilling learning and helping heal from trauma, how not to lose heart as a change-maker, touring on a bicycle and more.

    Songwriter Info: Lissa Schneckenburger is a fiddle player and singer whose roots are in folk music in Maine. She lives in Brattleboro, Vermont, now, and says, “To me, music creates community. Music is what people sing along to, dance to, fall in love to… music brings people together." Giving concerts on her own or as part of the trio, Low Lily, as well as supporting other musicians with practice challenges (and jokes) through her website, Lissa consistently does her part to build community. Her solo album, Thunder In My Arms, is a tender, powerful collection of songs about attachment, parenting, and trauma. We talk about its origin and development in the next episode's conversation.

    Links:
    Lissa's website: lissafiddle.com
    Low Lily's recording of Hope Lingers On: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv9R60CSQ54
    The totebag with the chorus lyrics: https://lissafiddle.com/store/hope-lingers-on-tote-bag/
    Learn more about Thunder in My Arms :  https://lissafiddle.com/store/thunder-in-my-arms/
    Vancouver Youth Choir singing Hope Lingers On:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0bmhcvPwTI
    A combination of a college and middle school choir made one of the infamous virtual choir videos of Hope Lingers On:
       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=506zikTDSMs

    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, Ionian, 3 verses & harmonized chorus
    ​
    Join the A Breath of Song mailing list to receive a heads up as a new episode is released, plus a large version of the artwork, brief thoughts from my slightly peculiar brain... and occasional extras when they seem vitally important! No junk -- I will never sell your address. I read out all your names into my living room when I send new mailings... I appreciate the connection to you who are listening and singing these songs with me.

    Exchange energy with A Breath of Song with dollars at the Gratitude Jar (whoo-hoo!!!!), or by making comments, leaving reviews, suggesting songs or songwriters (including yourself) ..... your participation matters!
  • Published on

    24. My Song Is A Drop

    2:2 Empower Gratitude & Trust Grow Protection & Presence Scale: Dorian Song Form: Harmonized Song Form: Layer Trust
    Song My Song Is A Drop
    Words and Music ​by Heidi McCurdy
    Lyrics
    Dm deh dm dm --- du-wah,  dm deh dm dm, --- du!

    Spiralling out from the center.

    My song is a drop in an ancient spring.
    Reaching out with a resonating.
    Bubbling up from a well within.
    Turning round and back again.
    Picture
    Notes Heidi McCurdy used an ancient interval, the fifth, to create a song that invites awareness of resonation and connection across time and space. On the next episode, Heidi comes on A Breath of Song herself to share another song, and talk about her beginnings as a shy singer, experimenting in the car, what expressive arts therapy is, and how you might take a song and extend it further. I love the way this song invites me to turn inside and outside, to feel the inner resonation reaching out, for the song to be a drop and a bubble... and at the same time makes me smile with a little bit of a 50s-sounding riff!​

    Songwriter Info: Heidi McCurdy is a singer, songwriter and sound healer with a passion for teaching, sharing and creative collaboration. Having cultivated her own intimate relationship with the Muse, Heidi is a believer in the profound medicine and magic of Music – its power to heal, transform, elevate and connect us all. She draws from a diverse tapestry of soul, jazz, folk and new age influences for her unique blend of Global Soul original music. Her songs have received awards and have been featured on TV and Canadian radio, and she has performed at jazz, wine and music festivals throughout Canada and Europe as well as local venues. She is known for her warm, soulful voice, and her love of tuning into the music of the moment through improvisation. Her lyrics resonate with the beauty of dreams, a vital connection with nature, and our collective power to create positive change. Recently she has been exploring songwriting styles designed specifically for song circles, singing meditation, and encouraging vocal expression. As well as creating and performing, Heidi also leads transformational voice programs and community song circles. Guided by the Muse, she specializes in helping others to free their authentic voices and wild, creative spirits.

    Links
    Heidi's website: www.heidimccurdy.com
    Heidi on facebook: www.facebook.com/heidimccurdymusic

    Nuts & Bolts: 2:2, Minor (Dorian in the 2nd part harmony), both layer options and harmonies.
    ​
    Join the A Breath of Song mailing list to receive a heads up as a new episode is released, plus a large version of the artwork, brief thoughts from my slightly peculiar brain... and occasional extras when they seem vitally important! No junk -- I will never sell your address. I read out all your names into my living room when I send new mailings... I appreciate the connection to you who are listening and singing these songs with me.

    Exchange energy with A Breath of Song with dollars at the Gratitude Jar (whoo-hoo!!!!), or by making comments, leaving reviews, suggesting songs or songwriters (including yourself) ..... your participation matters!
  • Published on

    17. Ancient Green

    4:4 Be Present Calm Gratitude & Trust Grief & Fear Grieve Heal Protection & Presence Release Scale: Ionian (Major) Song Form: Harmonized Song Form: Layer Song Form: Round Trees Water
    Song Ancient Green
    Words & Music​ by Kathleen Hannan
    Lyrics
    1. I lay under a tall oak tree,
    Asked the Goddess to shelter me.
    She wrapped me up in ancient green,
    ancient green. 
    (twice)

    ​2. All my tears,
    all my tears.
    all my tears,
    the river’s gonna wash away.
    (twice)
    Picture
    ​Notes: Kathleen says she caught this comforting song while lying on a huge rock next to the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, crying her heart out over a relationship that was transforming.  A beautiful oak tree was growing out of the rock, and as the song was born her sorrowful feelings washed through with the sound of the river, and she was left feeling whole, and at peace with the way things were. She also shared this story with me, "One time I sang the song in a show with a group of women drummers. Their teacher, a lovely African man, also played with us in the concert and rehearsal. After I taught them in the rehearsal and we had played it for a while, the African drummer told me that the song felt like an African song to him. That was one of my happiest moments, since I have for so long felt inspired by African diaspora music. And I did not really feel like I wrote that song... it just came through as a whole as I cried by the river." 

    Songwriter info: Kathleen has been writing, collecting and sharing songs for over 50 years. Her songs were awarded a North Carolina Arts Council Songwriter Fellowship. She currently leads the Bodies, Voices & Spirit Choruses in North Carolina and Maine, and is also a Dances of Universal Peace leader. She's a student of the Heart, and she facilitates The Work of Byron Katie.

    Links:
    Kathleen's blogpost & recording of Ancient Green with guitar, bass, piano, and drum. (So much fun to sing with!) 
    ​https://www.kathleenhannan.com/song-blog/songs-for-our-journey-26
    Kathleen's online presence: www.kathleenhannan.com
    Kathleen's chorus:     https://bodiesvoicesandspirit.weebly.com/
    Kathleen's song blog, which is searchable by title, subject or excerpts from lyrics: https://www.kathleenhannan.com/song-blog

    Kathleen's most recent CD is Seen & Unseen: Songs from the Light of Midlife
    Purchase CD here: https://www.kathleenhannan.com/seen--unseen-cd1.html
    Lyrics are here: https://www.kathleenhannan.com/lyrics--credits.html
    Photos from the recording process: https://www.kathleenhannan.com/photos.html

    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, Ionian (major), round with possible harmonies, or optionally could be taught as a layer song

    ​Join the A Breath of Song mailing list to receive a heads up as a new episode is released, plus a large version of the artwork, brief thoughts from my slightly peculiar brain... and occasional extras when they seem vitally important! No junk -- I will never sell your address. I read out all your names into my living room when I send new mailings... I appreciate the connection to you who are listening and singing these songs with me.

    Exchange energy with A Breath of Song with dollars at the Gratitude Jar (whoo-hoo!!!!), or by making comments, leaving reviews, suggesting songs or songwriters (including yourself) ..... your participation matters!