Unravel

I have always written love songs. A romantic at heart with a compassionate discipline. This EP is an extended love song for couples who must hold the space for each other during the final rite of passage. I wanted to create a space for my own grief and sadness to sing out and express itself fully and to invite others to feel this beautiful ode to loving at the edge of our being. 

Any harmonic sophistication and rhythmic courage that rings through these works, is due to the influence of Roman Toi, who was my teacher and mentor from 2010-2015. 

The first song that I wrote was My Everything. A devoted couple is at the center of our song story. Her husband is holding her hand in the hospital as she takes her last few breaths. He’s telling her, she has become a part of his heart and soul. This exquisite depth to be with her fully while death looms. I’m awed by this courage and resilience. 

The rest of the work sprung from there. Ghoststar was next. Her final rite of passage represented through 3/2 polyrhythm. The resolving emotional turbulence of finally letting go. Where do we go from here? Ashes, dust, breath...... space....

Savour Every Moment served to tell the story of telling her husband she had a terminal illness and introducing us to the unfolding story. 

Turning Point and Jisei were written to speak the emotional undercurrents that words can’t convey. Turning Point, an 8/5 polyrhythmic piece, leads us into a familiar melodic soothing but there’s something uneasy in the syncopation......in their immediate future. 

Jisei really has my heart. In the Japanese Zen tradition, when samuri knew they might die in battle (or monks close to death) they would write a death poem or haiku called a jisei. Also, my Buddhist teacher Michael Stone died suddenly and tragically during this part of the writing process and I was devastated. So, naturally I chose the 5/3 polyrhythm and wrote an unconventional death poem,

 “You can’t take it all, with you, not voices that call, the shots in your head. Branches hang low, mourning dew, watering the garden beds.”

Her life now imminently finite, wanting a little more time. My teacher certainly wanted more time.

”You can’t take it all, with you, not your reactions or your excess. Breathing slow, sinews, contemplate impermanence.”

Together these songs are a ritual, honouring life lived to its fullest and the courage to savour every finite moment with tears, awe and compassion.

Bowing,

Jen