I’ve started working on a new record!

The songs are in various stages of undress, being written, re-written, or mocked up in my home studio. I’m in love with all of them, and can’t wait for you to have a listen.

I’m thrilled that I’ll once again be working with David Kean at Audities in Calgary. The insane collection of instruments at the Foundation gave us spontaneous, unexpected colours for the tunes on Somewhere Along the Wire. I can’t wait to see what happens this time around!

The release date is set for March 20th, the first day of spring 2010. I’ll be suspending “Cover of the Month” for a while, but wait… don’t leave just yet! I’ll still be posting to announce live shows, and giving updates on the recording project as it progresses.

In the meantime, check out this video of my sister’s crazy marching band. I’m not a fan of marching bands in general - in fact I was kicked out of my high school music program for refusing to participate in one - but these guys are a little different.

Anybody who arranges the music of Bjork, Mingus, and Zappa, then parades it all over New York is a-ok in my books. They get extra points, too, for this rendition of “Hyperballad” - one of my all-time faves.

Finally, finally, it’s really summer!

Every season pairs differently with music, like wine with food. I wrote last year about autumn’s nostalgia, which I think goes best with introspective songs on headphones. Winter calls me to something textured and energetic to keep everybody warm. (Jazz works well for this.)

Ah, but summer…

What I like best in summer is playing guitars late into the night with The Casual Observer, plunking out “Meet Me In The Morning”. What I like best is drifting in a raft flotilla past the martian landscape of the Red Deer River, with Pink Floyd coming through the tiny portable speakers. But what I like very best is laughing with my closest friends, on the top deck of a house boat on Shuswap lake, with Van Morrison playing under the shining sun.

Now that I’m in Vancouver, I don’t see much of my old summertime crew. But music transcends distance and time, and the first notes of those songs take me there instantly. I’ve covered Van’s Astral Weeks this month, in honour of all those great times.

This one goes out to Robin and Chris, Bob and Lindsey, and Dale and Shaine. I’m making new memories in Vancouver this summer, but you’re never far from my thoughts.

It’s also for my Mom, who’s having her birthday today way over in Libya. Happy birthday Mom!

Sarah St. Catherine - Astral Weeks