Hello All, I spent a few weeks this summer at White Star Sound in Louisa, Virginia, recording my next album alongside the most wonderful Colin Killalea. It was the hottest time of the year. Our dog companion Maude darted in and out of the rural landscape, hunting and gnawing on sun-baked kills. I invited several friends to join us in the studio, each one truly excellent in their craft and bringing deeply moving musicianship to the songs. Long-time collaborator Isabel Castellvi weaves through on cello, John D'earth graces us with trumpet and flugelhorn, Michelle Oliva roots down on bass clarinet, Brian Caputo supports with percussion, John Ashley Murphy harmonizes on harmonica, Curtis Fye plays upright bass and is also currently mixing the album.
I can't say enough about Colin's care, attention and modestly-manifested superpowers in the studio. I recently read a quote from Noisey magazine, calling him “a ridiculously dexterous multi-instrumentalist" and had the joy of experiencing this firsthand. Production ideas hummed or tapped out by either of us were quickly translated to piano, drums, electric bass and guitar by Colin (whose primary instrument is saxophone), all of which he contributes to various tracks on the album. Colin showed up each day to experiment and support, fluidly moving between the roles of musician, engineer, and producer. He was an ideal studio companion and I thank the roots and stars for him!
Instruments I play on the album are piano, acoustic guitar, drums/percussion, vibraphone and voice, adding in multi-tracked vocals. Tracks include songs played for years in live shows but never released on an album ("Red August", "The Power of Allowing and Receiving", "To Love You This Much"), recent commissions ("Jenny", "Lie Quiet With Me"), and an interpretation of a 70s-era Catholic hymn, amongst others.
This little notice serves to let everyone know the project's underway, that I'm thrilled about it, and that come October/November I'll be asking for financial support around its launch. The album has its title but I'm gonna save it for a minute. Hint: It references the richness of community.
If you're involved with media / press / promotion and would like to be of help in this way, now's a great time to reach out--I appreciate it!
With Heart,
Diane