Coming out as a sacred balladeer
Yes, it is happening now. On the 15th of September, I begin my solo journey as a sacred balladeer, a genre invented by a dear friend for me. If the skin fits–wear it! My concert for the women at PWCA camp this summer was my way of ceremonially stepping-into the role, owning and claiming the name for myself.
(Standing in front of the room. Clearing throat. Ahem. Ahum.) “Hi, everybody. My name is Phoenix and I am a sacred balladeer, a chronicler of crazy truth and a life dancer. I am fifty. I’m old enough now.”
Singing/songwriting is foremost among my passions! For many years now I’ve been the receiver of a large repertoire of magical songs that fly into my head and make me remember them. I am choosing to emerge from my chrysalis to share them with people. Hallelujah!
The songs below are mostly on the general theme of women and my relationship with the feminine principle. I have many other songs in a wide range of themes. To hear more music and see some of the lyrics, go to the band website. There is a CD available with 12 songs on it, 7 of them mine. The CD has versions of “(She Lives) In the Dark of the Moon” and “Cup of Clay”, both of which can be heard below. The following are a selection of songs recorded live at a concert at PWCA Women’s Camp on Lake Cowichan in August of 2007; click on the links to listen.
Obvious
Death to Sacred Cows
Fat Naked Woman
Drown
Cup of Clay
Women Like Me
(She Lives) In the Dark of the Moon
Midnight Flea Circus
Power Song
some of the feedback so far:
“I enjoyed and was impressed with the complexity of your poetry and music, and the challenging subject matter which you address in them.”
“Not only were your songs beautiful and the quality of your voice both tender and strong, but I think your songs are healing songs.”
“Your concert night was really enjoyable, professional and very entertaining. Your stories before all the songs made them special and personal.”
“I loved your concert. I was thrilled and impressed by your courage, your heart-revealing lyrics, your stage presence, the way your voice is opening more and more.”
