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Why Journey?
That’s what it feels like!
I had no idea I could sing until auditioning for the School Choir on a rainy lunchtime, and it wasn’t long before I was their Soloist. It wasn’t until the Sixth Form that I met two friends who were to be instrumental (if you’ll excuse the pun) in firing my interest in Folk Music. Actually if I’m honest Joan Baez really did this but only to listen to, not to try and emulate! Kas Jacobs and Jon James both attempted to teach me the Guitar. I have progressed only slightly since those halcyon days and really rely on my voice as my main instrument. However our Group “Shirim” ( Hebrew for song) began visiting local Northamptonshire Folk Clubs and so the Journey began. Two of the songs I have included in this recording hail from those days “Piccadilly”- Tir Na Nog (thanks to Jon for teaching me the accompaniment to this) and “Loving is a One-Sided Thing” John Golding (Northamptonshire singer-song writer)
As things happen, after leaving school we went our separate ways. I moved to Nottingham at 18 to start my Nurse Training, after turning down a recording opportunity, (I had after all wanted to be a Nurse from the age of seven!). I still performed as a Solo Singer until I met Chris Harris and then we formed a Duo. This was to last for many years and “The Water is Wide” and “ Lark in the Clear Air” are from that period. ( There were so many songs to chose from)
This stage of the Journey ended in 1982, when after another declined recording opportunity, I left for London to train as a Psychiatric Nurse. I was there for three and a half years and in effect my singing came to a stop, except amongst friends.
I returned to Nottingham towards the end of 1985 and almost immediately resumed where I had left off. I met Chris very soon after my return, and we married (there is a good story to this!) and had two fantastic sons, Rob and Dave, who took my mind off Folk Music for a few years, except Ralph McTells’ Animal Alphabet and Nursery Rhymes! The rest of the songs on this CD are gathered over the last ten to twelve years.
Many people have asked me over the years if I have recorded my voice, so I finally reached Journeys end, or am I just beginning a new one? See what you think!
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