Love After All...

On Thursday November 20th, the album 'Love After All' was officially released on most digital streaming platforms, just not Spotify (see previous blog). I am really proud of this album and all the work put into it. Ross Nykiforuk, producer and musician, the other session musicians, and Trevor Case the master engineer, worked hard to get a great sounding collection of songs.

The project took a long time to come together. Due to a few health issues and many trips to BC to help with aging parents, there were lots of stops and starts. Truthfully I wasn't even planning on doing another album, only singles. Can't Count On You was recorded back in 2023. It was meant to be released on its own but a music video project took priority so it sat for a while before being tweaked and added to the project. I realized I had more songs to share so with a bit of extra "retirement moonlighting" I was able to afford to make a full length album. Well, we got 'er done and I am so happy 'Love After All' is finally out in the world.

A little about the songs:

Can’t Count On You is a reflection on stepping away from those who consistently disappoint; who promise but don’t deliver and who take but are reluctant to give. The song offers an option of a better path. This song was feaatured as one of the top 14 new Canadian songs to hear last month by Robert Campbell on Nova Scotia's From Here And Away Podcast featuring Canadian music.

The song Snow Globe explores restlessness and the constant need for change; always wanting something “better" or shinier.  Yet, when the globe is shaken, the glitter spins and dances for a short while but soon settles, leaving the same scene.

Break Even is about people yearning to come together and letting anger go in order to find a workable peace; truly a song for today’s world. This song made its radio debut last week on the CBC Saskatchewan Weekend show with Shauna Powers.

A new home can be a source of hope and pride. Half Built House tells of a rural dwelling that has sat uncompleted for years. For the passerby, the image beckons the questions what happened and why?

Brady Coulee is in southwest Saskatchewan. It is where creative people come together on the short grass prairie to make art and honour the spirits of the land. It is believed to be a special place on earth; a place where the veil between heaven and earth is thinnest.

Nature can be so painfully beautiful that it brings one to tears. Hard to Hold (Beauty) describes these moments. The song was inspired by a calm and extremely cold morning (-38 Celsius) on the prairies. A beautiful sunrise unfolded, as the crimson light, enhanced by ice crystals in the air, scattered on the fields below.

It Ain’t Easy Loving Me is an admission that sometimes love is taken for granted and the realization that relationships need tending to if they are to live and grow.

With its synth pop sound, and half spoken, half sung delivery, My Ex is a celebration about making the right decision on a personal level.  Sometimes we need to break with the things that break us and recognize the addiction is real.

Let’s Go Outside Remix is a variation of the original song but has a more pop vibe and was used to create a music video funded by Creative Saskatchewan. This video can be found on my You Tube Channel. The song invites those weighed down by the worries and woes of life, to venture outside and be open to the healing power of nature. This is a bonus song on the physical CD but can be found on streaming platforms.

Simple Pleasures is a sweet love song celebrating the smallest things in life which can give the richest feelings. The jazzy guitar, piano and trumpet work together to give the vibe a light and airy lift.

I really hope you get a chance to listen to the music and perhaps consider adding a song or two to a playlist. And if interested, I do have physical CD's and can deliver them personally if you live in the Saskatoon area or I can mail them out. To request CD's just send a message from this blog or go to my main website.

P.S.

I will be playing at a couple of events before Christmas. On Friday, November 28th, I am joining several other musicians for a benefit concert for Saskatoon's unhoused. This is being organized by musician Stephen Maguire. No ticket required; only something warm for those less fortunate (blanket, warm clothes...)

I will also be playing a fun Christmas show at Studio XII in Saskatoon on December 14th in the afteroon. Concert posters attached below.

May your transition into winter be gentle and any Christmas preparations you have, go smoothly. I wish you a wonderful next few months filled with the love of family and friends. Remember to take time for yourself and if you feel overwhelmed, put on that parka and toque, those boots and mitts and Go Outside to feel the healing and invigorating power of nature!!

With warmest regards,

Rhonda Gallant-Morari

The skaters are back!