Mary Ann has mostly written pop songs and a few Christian/gospel tunes. She plans to shop her recent pop song SHE CAN’T CRY as soon as she goes back to Exodus Studio to re-do the chorus...all due to the wonderful critique that took place in Christopher Ward's class at the Humber Songwriting Workshop. Mary Ann has a very different chorus for SHE CAN'T CRY since taking the workshop and will post the new version as soon as it is completed. Mary Ann’s goal is to write ten new pop songs in 2008 using her newly developed writing skills from Humber, and the exciting thing about it is...Mary Ann has met other songwriters at Humber who she is going to be doing some co-writing with as well. Mary Ann thanks Christopher Ward, Blair Packham, Bill McKetrick, James Linderman, Ember Swift, Shari Ulrich, Fergus Hambleton, Terrence Gowan and Rick Emmett for teaching her so much during this workshop, Arlene Bishop for providing such a moving and inspiring interview and of course Bruce Cockburn as well who also kindly came out to be interviewed. Mary Ann has been a Bruce Cockburn fan for many years and was absolutely thrilled. As well Mary Ann must also add that the Wendell Ferguson interview and performance was awesome and Bill McKetrick did an superb job interviewing him.
Last year, three of Mary Ann’s Christian/gospel songs were recorded on Soul J’s new CD entitled, I.O.U. The three songs are: I'm Sorry Jesus, Hear Him Knocking and I Forgive You. The CD is currently being sold online at CD Baby and at Soul J's gigs. To have a listen, go to http://cdbaby.com/cd/soulj1
Other goals for 2008 are taking some singing lessons later on this year, having at least one song placed into film/television and brushing up on some modern/pop piano techniques with a good piano teacher.
Mary Ann wishes to thank the Songwriter’s Association of Canada and its volunteers for all the support and learning opportunities that it provides to new songwriters throughout the year.
Mary Ann also wishes to thank the following singers for singing her demos: Carolyn Cardona (I'll Make You Wish, I'll Hold My Own Hand) Victoria Boland (She Can't Cry) Vivian Clement (I'm Sorry Jesus) and Kevin Theriault (What Would Gandhi Say). Also thank you to Vivian Clement for playing guitar.
Influences: Nick Drake, Gordon Lightfoot, Boy George, Culture Club, The Beatles, Burt Bacharach, Donovan, Michael Jackson, The Jackson Five, Elton John, Don Williams, Bob Marley, Michael Franks, Sting, The Police, Lloyd Garber, Chet Baker, Brian Walkley (the best piano teacher she ever had but sadly he moved away after a couple of months), Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Jimmie Rodgers, Chick Corea, Lenny Breau, Billy Taylor, Dave Brubeck, Bryan Adams, Kenny G, Vince Guaraldi, Bill Evans, Blue Rodeo, Tuck & Patti, Steve Earle, Paul Simon, Eric Clapton, Murray McLauchlan, Gipsy Kings, J.J. Cale, Jesse Cook, Colleen Peterson, John Hiatt, Dan Hicks, Joni Mitchell, Taj Mahal, Richard and Linda Thompson, Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison, Tom Waits, Bruce Cockburn, Steely Dan, Neil Young, The Eagles, Emmylou Harris, Dire Straits, Frank Sinatra, The Allman Brothers, Barenaked Ladies, Jimmy Buffett, Credence Clearwater Revival, Leonard Cohen, Nat King Cole, Fleetwood Mac, Jeff Healey, Maurice Solway, Michael W. Smith, Matt Redman, Pat Pattison (a great songwriting teacher), James Linderman, Dave Matthews Band, Feist, KT Tunstall, Andrea England, Jeff Straker, Vivian Clement, Anthony Paiano, Robbie Lawrence, Nick Hinton and many others...
Other interests/hobbies include: Collecting ACEO paintings, looking for treasures in thrift shops, contributing the occasional caption online at Phil Ryder's - THE JOKE’S ON YOU, and being a volunteer pianist for The Friendship Class - a special class for developmentally-challenged adults on Sunday mornings following the first church service.
As well, Mary Ann has just opened an exciting online gift shop that sells t-shirts and mugs that would be of special interest to musicians and songwriters. All designs and texts were created by Mary Ann. The shop is called, BLINKY'S. To check it out, please go to www.cafepress.com/blinky88
Recent comments from happy customers are as follows:
"Hi Mary Ann: I just want to tell you how cool this Songwriting Tips mug is! Not only does it hold more of my beloved coffee every morning...I've actually put some of your excellent tips to use and they've been very helpful. I received my mug within a short time and it was exactly as pictured and ordered! Thanks for a really neat mug. Best, Jason."
"I love the mug, Mary Ann. It's big and sturdy. The creative logo and pic makes it a unique part of my musical life. I love to use it and display it as well. I am really pleased. Thanks. Norm G - Winnipeg, Manitoba."
Other tidbits about Mary Ann are: She likes most forms of art, clutterless rooms, dark chocolate, broccoli, wild greens with vinaigrette dressing, fresh strawberries, sunflowers, playing with snapdragons, geraniums, e-bay, george's dj mixes, merlot-cabernet blends, bottled water, raspy voices, raw hearts, raw people being themselves, sushi, surfing the net, Queen's Quay, evening walks along the Danforth, polka dots, high energy people, green beans, letters from the sponsor child, fresh sheets, egyptian musk, viewing the latest fashion trends, chanel paris, earl grey tea, witty people, long earrings, new shower gel, pop and alternative music, the absurd, taking the time to understand the people she cares about, rare finds, live Indie music in small venues, 50-75% off whatever, the soulful, people who never judge or gossip, poetry, beatnik writers, a warm breeze, laughter, newly uncovered nick drake songs or info, staying inside on a cold day, playing slots once in a blue moon, collectibles, vintage toys, her online t-shirt shop, marketing her music, hymns, window gardens, spending time with amazing people, respecting others, working with children, roasted peanuts, making homemade soups, sailing as a passenger, the process of creating, staying up all night writing, reading, thinking or talking, angel food cake with seven-minute frosting, humour that doesn't hurt anyone, calamari, studying jazz piano, discovering new music, snapping pictures creatively, new art, new writers, lots of time for solitude and time alone, quality time with friends, the avant-garde, guacamole, praising God, Jesus, emails from friends, the process of self-expression, psychology, jazz, chaos and resolution, memories of michael, old photos, humanitarian issues, good books, new designs, tiger tiger ice cream, creative self-expression, animals, the precious moments of helping wounded friends to talk, silver jewellery, crystal, squirrels, visits from mother on Sunday afternoons, striving to achieve goals with abundance, exploring freedom on a variety of levels, seeking out new interests, listening to her favourite recording artists with headphones...
Mary Ann is on Facebook for the purpose of networking and online friendship and welcomes her "MySpace Friends" to join her there. See Mary Ann's newly started FOOLING WITH PHOTOS AND THOUGHTS GALLERY, personal photos, CD collection minus rare and Indy CDs and much more. The address is: http://www.facebook.com/people/Mary_Ann_Blinkhorn/729786799 or click on the link on her Blog dated Feb 16/08.