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Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Prints in the Sand

My husband’s day job is in marketing, but his true love is music.  Andrew has earned his Associateship in Music in piano performance, and still loves to relax making music.

A few days before Christmas, he went into a recording studio to make some of his music into a CD.  Our talented friend Laura McAlpine accompanied him on vocals.  We know Laura from the time they played together in the church rock band at Islington United.  She has a glorious voice, and we have a tremendous amount of respect for her talent – and her friendship.

Together they recorded three original compositions and Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”.  I think the finished results are so amazing that I wanted to share them with you.  The most polished piece in the collection is “Prints in the Sand”, based on the well-known poem “Footprints in the Sand”.  Andrew and Laura played this many times in the past and everything just clicked in the studio.  I think this version sounds absolutely perfect!  You can listen to it here.

But the song I’m proudest of is “Bouquet”.  That’s because my 16-year-old daughter wrote the lyrics for it!  At Andrew’s request, she gave him lyrics for his birthday gift, and he composed the music to go with it. I may be slightly biased, but I think it’s sensational!  Here’s the link.

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29 comments:

  1. BelindaJanuary 4, 2011 at 8:04 AM

    What an incredibly talented family you have!!

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  2. VictoriaJJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    Those are all so pretty! If I didn't know "Bouquet" was written by Emily I thought it would have been professionally done! It is amazing.

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  3. BarbaraJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:17 AM

    I am so impressed! What marvelous talent your family has.
    Such a pleasure to listen.....

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  4. VelvaJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    Oh wow, I can see why you are so impressed, it's beautiful. Your daughter's lyrics were awesome. I know you will be listening to these 3 songs over and over, I know I would. I would be sharing this with everyone!

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  5. Valerie GamineJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    I'm constantly amazed by you and your family, Beth. What a traveling, cultured, talented group! The lyrics your daughter wrote are amazing, she's quite ahead of her time.
    As a fan of Leonard Cohen, I love what your husband and friend did with his song. I'd love to hear them do his Famous Blue Raincoat! :-)

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  6. JessJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:59 AM

    I'm speechless. What a gifted family!

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  7. Lea AnnJanuary 4, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    Wonderful. I'm always in awe of people with a blessed musical talent. You must be so proud of your husband and friend.

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  8. FaithJanuary 4, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    That is really cool Beth. You have a wonderful family. I just listened to the music and it's stnning. You guys are very talented.

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  9. BethJanuary 4, 2011 at 10:33 AM

    Thanks to everyone for your kind comments. I am very proud of their creative talent, and I'm so grateful that you've taken the time to listen. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

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  10. BethJanuary 4, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    Oh, and Valerie, I've passed your suggestion along!

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  11. SueJanuary 4, 2011 at 12:51 PM

    Talent runs in the family! Bravo!

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  12. JoanneJanuary 4, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    Beth both of these are so beautiful! I used to play the piano profusely and now I feel so inspired again!

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  13. Angela AckermanJanuary 4, 2011 at 1:59 PM

    Very nice--what a voice!

    Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse

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  14. Susanne K. FletcherJanuary 4, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    Please take a bow Pollocks I'll hold your bouquet now. Wow "talented" doesn't seem to capture the true creativity that is in your family.

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  15. AngelaJanuary 4, 2011 at 2:51 PM

    It's gorgeous! I love the lyrics. The opening is very striking with the image of the glass slipper breaking and then talking about how the shards are tearing us to shreds. And your friend has such a beautiful voice!

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  16. Lynne DaleyJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:13 PM

    Lovely lyrics and music! I know you are very proud of your talented family.

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  17. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2011 at 4:26 PM

    What a beautiful song! Amazingly talented family.

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  18. KaterinaJanuary 4, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    I think your daughter inherited your writing skills Beth. My major was in marketing too but I don't have a music talent. I admire the people who can express themselves either by music or singing.

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  19. EmmaJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    What a lovely song - beautiful lyrics Beth, you must be so proud.

    Like Katerina, I really admire people who write music or who can sing.

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  20. FOODESSAJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:15 PM

    Any dancers in that talented family too?
    Imagine how fun it would be to create your own troop! Great way for your family to start the year ;o)

    Beth, here's wishing you the very best this newest year has to offer.

    Ciao for now,
    Claudia

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  21. MimiJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    Happy New Year Beth!
    Absolutely amazing music. Your friend has such a fabulous voice. Words and music are a special gift, you have been richly blessed.
    The best to you all in 2011.
    Mimi

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  22. ReeniJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    These are beautiful! Your family is so talented - your daughter did a fantastic job on the lyrics!

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  23. ClaudiaJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    Beth - that is the prettiest, sweetest song. Kudos to all -the piano,the music, the vocals, the lyrics. Pure enchantment.

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  24. JencraftedJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    You are indeed blessed with one gifted family! This is so wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing and Happy New Year to you and yours!

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  25. KayteJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    Thank you for sharing, that was just beautiful. I put my head back, closed my eyes, and just enjoyed listening so much. Wow, thanks! Always something fun and exciting over here!

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  26. CarolJanuary 5, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    Such fantastic talent in your family! Very impressed, I enjoyed it very much!

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  27. CatherineJanuary 5, 2011 at 12:28 PM

    So impressive Beth!
    Happy, healthy, blessed new year to you and your family!
    xx~

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  28. theUngourmetJanuary 5, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    These are both fantastic! Being able to write lyrics is such a wonderful talent. Happy New Year to you and your family!

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  29. RitaJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    WOW! I am blown away;it is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your family's talent; you must be so proud.
    Rita

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