“Patience is not one of my virtues,” admits Mary Murphy.
Last April, the Irish singer-songwriter’s voice disappeared just as her new CD was coming out. Under strict orders to not sing — or even talk — for six weeks, Murphy was forced to put the launch on hold.
But her voice is back and Murphy’s ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the release of Honey From Heather at the Little Red Church in Comox on March 15.
One of the songs on the CD, the Road to Lisdoonvarna, is nominated for Best World Music Song of 2013 at the Vancouver Island Music Awards. Murphy, along with guitarist Paul Keim and Will Millar (founder of the Irish Rovers), will perform the song at the VIMA awards ceremony in Victoria on March 22.
“Honey From Heather is my ninth release and my favourite for many reasons,” says Murphy. “It includes some of my best songwriting and I’m really
excited about the arrangements and instrumentation.”
Almost a year ago, Murphy literally found herself speechless.
“I was diagnosed with a hyper swollen larynx and developed severe bronchitis on top of that. One of my sisters died, too, so there was a lot of grief in my life.”
On one of Murphy’s visits to a throat specialist the doctor told her, “There’s a reason you’re all choked up. Grief goes straight to the throat.”
“Not being able to talk is such a challenge,” says Murphy, who is also an award-winning writer. “I learned a lot.
“I focused on my writing for children and, as my voice got stronger, organized a children’s literary event at the library. That helped lighten my spirit immensely.”
But Murphy’s singing again and can’t wait to perform at the Little Red Church.
“I kept hearing lovely things about the venue,” she says. “It’s a beautiful space with great acoustics and as a former church a lot of people have been in the building over the years.
:It feels like there is a lot of joy there. I couldn’t ask for a better place to launch Honey From Heather.”
The CD was recorded at Dove Creek Studios, which is owned and operated by Murphy and her partner Paul Keim.
Murphy is center stage with vocals and whistles.
Other musicians are Keim on guitar and laúd (Spanish stringed instrument), John Hyde on upright bass, Corwin Fox on banjo, Adrian Dolan on accordion, John May on percussion and drums and Christina Zaenker on cello.
“Most of the songs are in English but there are a few Irish ones just for fun,” says Murphy. “I’m so lucky to have Paul as producer and engineer.
Watching him work is like watching a gourmet cook using a variety of different ingredients to create a perfect feast.”
The Little Red Church concert — complete with most of the musicians from the CD — will include songs from Honey From Heather, some old-time favourites and, of course, Irish stories.
Tickets are available at Laughing Oyster Books, Marigold Pharmacy and Curves in Courtenay, Blue Heron Books and Red Carpet in Comox, from
Murphy’s website (www.marymurphy.ca) and at the door. Pre-purchased tickets will be entered into a draw for three prizes.
Doors open at 7 p.m. with the concert beginning at 7:30.
Tea, coffee and goodies will be served before the show and during intermission by the Comox Valley Multicultural and Immigrant Support Society.
All proceeds go to CVMISS. Donations of non-perishable food items will be donated to those in need.
For a preview of the CD and to see the musicians at work, watch a short video by Fine Tippery Productions (Trent Freeman) at www.dovecreekstudios.com.
Paula Wild is a published author and regular contributor to the Comox Valley Record’s arts and entertainment section. www.paulawild.ca.
