shinjuen

I've been a simple soul in & around music through vocals for some time, and blessed by a cozy share of beautiful experiences and people - musicians and listeners alike. Decided to pick up guitar not long ago and put out some of my own music, that I've just been hanging onto. Why now? Because there's things in this life I've finally realized - I'm not supposed to keep, even though I've tried. So, my music's intention is simple. If it touches a heart or moves a soul... may it be yours. Shine on...
Here's a track in all its naked beauty of one vocal/one guitar. 'Didn't Say' (lc2006/recorded 2008 with the nudge of a dear friend.)
(NOTE: I laugh at myself to think that years ago, I 'never' would have put up a page like this! LIFE'S TOO SHORT, let's go! Hope you find a little something for you here! Enjoy...)
One of my earliest memories as a 'babygirl' [little enough to fit in Dad's arms, old enough to like Teabury gum] is of music. I used to sing Three Dog Night's 'Joy to the World' with my older sister and brothers - in church! Hands were clappin' and feet were tappin'; after all, it was about 'Jeremiah' and bringing 'joy to the world'! Is that soo wwroong?!
Music's been such a truthful, life-companion. My listening pleasures include a mixed-bag of classical-romantic G.F.Handel ('Messiah','Water Music') to the alternative Evanescence ('Call Me When You're Sober'/The Open Door). With music in the veins of our family and learning harmonies early on from our Dad, singing became my sanctuary where I can let go and share w/other souls ~ who seek to live & give, love & heal, and have courage to listen to the heart & nurture it. Although currently exploring a solo-originals path, I've certainly been heartily moved by work with others. Most recently, I had a cherished oasis doing vocals w/Tony & 'Selfish Steam' on their 2008 release, 'Lost in Recovery'. Previously, I belonged as a piece of 'PATCHWORK' with Dale & friends for 6+yrs (lead & harmony vocals/light percussion). Addtnl exp over the yrs includes memorable performances/ recordings with other original artists, also an originals duo/band 'Panacea', and other vocal diversity in song-styles of Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Merchant, Bonnie Raitt, Don Henley, Jackson Browne, John Haitt, Indigo Girls, Big Head Todd, U2, Elvis/The King, James Brown, The Committments & more. I'm grateful and appreciative, for each of these moments - imprints on my heart.
Another part of my balance and as powerful to me is leisure photography, graphics, painting & writings and humanitarian projects like our 'KIDSreach KIDS-USA' ... which coordinated 'Letters of Love' and 'Drawings of Love' from 323 CT-kids to 323 Louisiana-kids residing in FEMA-parks during Christmas 2006. (Please don't forget them; the struggle continues for many.) I've also been humbled by participation in CT support of Eve Ensler's 'V-Day', community to global movement against violence on women & girls. Forever moved in reciting the narrative on the Bosnian war-crimes interview w/added note of our own Northeast rape-stats, both women & men (staggering). It exists - give it voice. (Great thanks to all who shared the gripping oppty & to Faith for her amazing work as Director!) I'm also in study towards work w/kids-in-crisis, child advocacy and family violence intervention.
My life is enriched by the beautiful souls I've journeyed with, all who share the music & life itself, and believe in the living-breathing creature it all is. Too flowery for ya? 'Tis a beautiful garden, which TENDS ME toward the better person I'd like to be. Welcome traveler... sense you the same?' FRIENDS are a wonderful part of that garden. So before you go, pls read 'ABOUT SOME FRIENDS' to your left. Thanks for stopping by! Life is an omnibus circle and it's good sharing space in it, with you.