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    117. September Round

    4:4 Autumn Beauty Celebrate Change Cycles Earth Gather Grow Harvest Journey Peace Release Scale: Dorian Song Form: Round Summer Trees
    Song: September Round
    Music: Catherine Young
    Lyrics:

    Summer’s over; it’s September
    Leaves turn to red and gold,
    Green leaves—remember
    Gather all your colors in a fine silk thread
    Weave all your colors in your leafy bed.
    Summer’s over
    ​Summer’s over
    Picture
    Notes: Catherine Young, a poet deeply rooted in the Driftless region of Wisconsin, USA, gives us a wistful melody in the ancient Dorian mode -- a minor scale that has a beautiful, lifted sixth degree that gives it a particular flavor you'll come to know well by singing this with me. In the northern hemisphere, fall is upon us -- the equinox approaching -- and this song carries with it the beauty of this time, and the grief of letting go of summer. I teach the melody first, just letting my mouth form shapes to really get to know this beautiful tune -- you can create your own shapes, and then round it with me, or on your own -- or stay with the original melody. So many options!

    Songwriter Info: Catherine Young is a writer and performing artist whose work is infused with a keen sense of place. She is author of the ecopoetry collection Geosmin and the environmental memoir Black Diamonds. Her weekly podcast Landward:Readings of Place and Season is available online from WDRT. Rooted in farm life, Catherine lives with her family in Wisconsin's Driftless Area where she is totally in love with meandering streams. She holds concern for water and deeply believes in the use of story and art as tools for transforming the world.

    ​Sharing Info: Yes -- The song is free to share but Catherine always welcome financial and/or networking support. Please contact her to purchase sheet music.

    Links: 
    "September Round" is from the song almanac Rounding the Year which can be purchased in print or as pdf from Catherine: catherineyoungwriter@gmail.com
    You can also request to be put on her mailing list.
    For writings and recordings, visit Catherine's website: http://www.catherineyoungwriter.com/
    Podcasts: https://wdrt.org/landward/
    Instagram:     https://www.instagram.com/catherineyoungwriter 

    Live online international book launch conversation for her book Black Diamonds: a Childhood Colored by Coal.
    Thursday, September 28, 2023 6 PM Central Time (7pm eastern).
    LINK FOR EVENT:     https://www.crowdcast.io/c/black-diamonds

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:03:53
    Start time of reprise: 00:17:53
    ​​
    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, Dorian, 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!​

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    107. As A Seal Upon Thy Heart

    4:4 Belonging Earth Farewell Friendship Future Grieve Heart Holy Journey Love Safe Scale: Ionian (Major) Song Form: Layer Song Form: Round Tend
    Song: As a Seal Upon Thy Heart
    ​Music: Alison Burns
    Text: from Song of Songs (Shir Hashirim) 8:6
    שִׁיר הַשִּׁירִים
    Lyrics

    Set me as a seal upon thy heart, as a seal upon thy arm.
    ​For love is strong, as strong as death

    שִׂימֵ֨נִי כַֽחוֹתָ֜ם עַל־לִבֶּ֗ךָ כַּֽחוֹתָם֙ עַל־זְרוֹעֶ֔ךָ כִּֽי־עַזָּ֤ה כַמָּ֨וֶת֙ אַֽהֲבָ֔ה קָשָׁ֥ה כִשְׁא֖וֹל
    Picture
    Notes: Ali Burns gives us a beautiful two-part song that can also be a round... it feels like very exposed singing to me, and there's a way in which committing to what feels vulnerable in my voice, both high and low, also feels powerful and affirming. The ancient words resonate with longing for connection beyond death with those whom we love... and to me, are a reminder that can't force anyone into accepting love -- we can only offer.

    Songwriter Info: Ali has built her reputation over the past 30 years as one of the UK’s prominent workshop leaders for community choirs. Many of her songs have found their way into the repertoire and hearts of singers across the UK, and increasingly, Canada, the USA and Australia. Her work is published by Faber, Sing Up! and Oxford University Press.
    ​
    Sharing Info: You can hear and buy a copy of the song for £5 from www.aliburns.co.uk 
    Please visit her online shop for information about permissions:     https://aliburns.co.uk/shop/licensing/song-licence/

    Links: 
    Ali's Website: www.aliburns.co.uk

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:03:08
    Start time of reprise: 00:14:38
    ​
    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4 major, 2-part layer, round optional

    ​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

    98. Between Nothing and Everything

    3:4 6:8 Accept Belonging Cycles Flow Journey Love Scale: Aeolian (minor) Song Form: Round Wisdom
    Song: Between Nothing and Everything
    Music: Angela Gabriel
    Words: based on text by Nisahrgadatta Maharaj

    ​Lyrics:
    ​
    Wisdom is knowing, knowing I am nothing.
    Love is knowing I am everything, everything, everything, and be-
    tween​ the two, between the two, between the two my life moves.
    Picture
    Notes: Angela Gabriel has given us a brilliant setting based on words by Nisargadatta Maharaj, “Wisdom is knowing I am nothing, Love is knowing I am everything, and between the two my life moves.” The first line twists around on itself disappears into nothingness. The second line starts an octave away and drops into the security of "everything." Then, on a note in the middle of the two starting pitches, and in 6:8 instead of 3:4, the song begins to dance and flow, and ends on a slightly surprised major third. You don't have to know any of that for it to work its magic, though -- simply let it wind into your body as a beautiful melodic invitation to release. I'll be singing this one to myself long after this podcast is wrapped up, reminding me of both-and, flow, fluidity.

    ​Songwriter Info: Angela is a professional percussionist & pianist and community music/community singing facilitator. She lived in Santa Fe NM for the last 20 years, where she played with the opera, symphony, chamber music festival, as well as in African, Haitian, and samba gatherings, funk and ragtime bands.  She just moved to Bloomington, Indiana in the end of 2022.
    Angela's mission in life is to facilitate expressive creative, musical, and vocal experiences and to encourage folks to replace judgement with curiosity and open themselves to their unique, creative flow. Part of how Angela does this is by singing and drumming online weekly with people living with Parkinson’s and other movement disorders.

    Sharing Info: This song is free to share but Angela always welcomes financial and/or networking support if/when folks are so moved.

    Links: 
    Angela's website: www.AngelaGabriel.me
    Support Angela's work: find songs, rhythmic activities, and more at patreon.com/AngelaGabriel
    Check out Hidden Whale, Angela's old band (she's the drummer): https://youtube.com/channel/UCpxdVqwSxzEBhgUilN3qQLg
    Nisargadatta Maharaj: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nisargadatta_Maharaj

    Nuts & Bolts: ​​3:4, Aeolian with major final third, 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

    81. Light Returning

    2:2 Change Darkness Friendship Light Night Release Scale: Aeolian (minor) Song Form: Harmonized Song Form: Round Sun Trust
    Song: Light Returning
    Words & Music by Emma Mutter
    Lyrics
    A low sun burning; crimson in the cold,
    Sing for the slow year turning; time's soft unfolding.
    As cherished spirits linger near our own,
    ​Yearn for the long night's ebbing; the light returning.
    Picture
    Notes: I love the way Emma's song ushers in the darkness and turning of the seasons with a lilt that includes a trust that the light will return. There's a softness and acceptance to the song that makes it easier to be present with the turning. Emma says the song "was born on a winter walk during Covid restrictions in the UK. I was finding some comfort in the unruffled flow of the seasons - 'time's soft unfolding'. 21st December is my late father's birthday as well as winter solstice, so this song is dedicated to him - I think he would have liked the words and the structure." 

    Songwriter Info: Emma has been singing all her life and enjoys all styles of song and ensemble! When her daughter was born in 2018, she began an acapella singing group for local mums, and after joining the Singing Mamas network in 2020, was inspired to start writing her own songs, for herself, for her groups and songsharing colleagues. 

    Links: 
    Find Emma's album 'Light Returning' on Bandcamp https://emmamutter.bandcamp.com/album/light-returning
    You can also find newer songs on her Facebook page www.facebook.com/emmamuttermusic
    Contact Emma by email elrfmutter@gmail.com to buy the score (suggested contribution up to £5) and/or purchase the song on Bandcamp if you'd like to share this song as a songleader. Please contact Emma directly for recording or performing permissions.

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:00:47 
    Start time of reprise: 00:15:38 ​

    Nuts & Bolts: 2:2, Aeolian (minor), harmonized melody with option of a 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

    46. We Are the Way

    4:4 Celebrate Change Flex Grow Notice Play Power & Change Praise & Wonder Protection & Presence Release Ribbon Scale: Mixolydian Song Form: Layer Song Form: Round Trust
    Song: We Are the Way
    Words & Music​ by Christine Kick
    Lyrics
    Celebrate the difference, 
    celebrate the distance,
    celebrate the love,
    celebrate this brand new way!
    We are the way, we are the way, we are the way!

    All night and every day we bring the love,
    ​we bring the love.
    Picture
    Notes: I came across We Are the Way in 2020 when I was joyfully listening through Annie Zylstra’s online collection in Heartland Harmony – if you love songs and haven’t found her library yet, you are in for a huge treat! Annie had this song, which lifted my heart and became a touchstone song for me in very short order. She explains that Christine Kick was living in her basement during a major home renovation that was taking longer than expected, and she found herself feeling a little shamefaced when friends would ask, “How’s it going?”, as it very much WASN’T… and then she reminded herself to celebrate the difference & distance she had come. We’ve just moved out of our home for 22 years to a new community, we’re unpacking boxes, searching for things in new places, slowly starting to meet new people… I am using this reminder on the regular!

    Songwriter Info: Christine has been writing songs ever since she was a kid, growing up singing in choirs, and playing flute, guitar, piano, hand drums, etc. She wrote We Are the Way in 2016. She teaches yoga as a way to harness more energy for life by overcoming our limitations and fears - energy that can then be applied to any passion or pursuit that fills us up! Christine believes that music is medicine, especially singing since it opens the throat chakra which allows energy to flow. Her mission is to inspire others to live their best life possible and show up for their heart's true calling.... and music is part of and parcel of who she is and what she does. When we connected for permission for me to use this song, she was in Costa Rica travelling, and sharing songs. Christine enjoys leading and hosting song circles, kirtans, and music jams.

    Links: 
    Find Christine's website here: Christine Kick
    on facebook as ChristineKick
    or Instagram as @acrounicorn

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:02:32 
    Start time of reprise: 00:12:29 ​

    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, Mixolydian, round and 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

    37. Lead With Your Heart, Friends

    4:4 Be Present Empower Gratitude & Trust Heart Journey Power & Change Protection & Presence Release Ribbon Scale: Ionian (Major) Song Form: Round Trust
    Song Lead With Your Heart, Friends
    Words & Music​ by Ian Carrick
    Lyrics
    Lead with your heart, friends, the day is unfolding;
    the way is clear.
    You already know.
    Picture
    ​
    Notes: I love the bloom of trust I can feel inside myself after singing Ian Carrick's "Lead With Your Heart, Friends" for long enough to let it settle inside me. I find myself relaxing, trusting that my heart knows the way already, that the day can unfold and I can follow it without worry or fret. It's a generous gift of a song, and I'm happy to share it forward... including all my mess-ups and squidgely tuning (highly technical term right there!) I figure the point of this podcast is for YOU to do the singing and take this song away with you, make it your own, let yourself sing it when YOU need to hear its message; let the breath and the vibration take you where you want to go!

    Songwriter Info: Ian Carrick is a songleader, musician and songwriter based in his hometown of Bend, Oregon. He aspires to be a sort of modern-day bard, telling stories of the land, tending the heart of his people, singing for life with rhythmic refrains and refreshing harmonies. Ian has been honored to lead singing for students of all ages, educators, homeless shelter residents, recovering addicts, corporate groups and grief ceremonies. He is thrilled to have released his first album as a songwriter and is excited to carry the ethos of community singing into the conventional realm of performance music.

    Links: 
    https://www.iancarrick.net
    Original songs by Ian for singing together can be found both at https://soundcloud.com/iancarrick
    and https://www.openhubsinging.com/song-library
    Listen to Ian himself sing this at Lead with Your Heart
    Ian made a sing-along-able album of family-oriented music in 2023 - Check out Earthlings streaming wherever you listen!

    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, Ionian, round

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:02:38
    Start time of reprise: 00:11:30

    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!