In college I was part of the traveling drama team and I enjoyed working behind the scenes on the musicals. While not completely foreign, this is a completely new part of the experience for me. I have to admit, it’s exhilarating! Of course I’m not the oldest person in the chorus, that definitely helps. I was afraid after suffering from years of mommy brain that yesterday was going to be a complete train wreck yesterday as we learned the dance steps. Surprise! It wasn’t. Thankfully, my church is very inclusive, so they find a place for everyone who wishes to be in the production. That being said, the dance moves are accessible, but don’t mistake that for easy. Three hours of hard work with a few short breaks and my muscles were burning before I made it to the car. They are still burning this morning, but my heart is full. Most importantly, I haven’t forgotten all the moves in my sleep.

It’s great to try something new, and I’m thankful for the support at home that allows me to try this new adventure. I can’t wait to see how my children respond when they see mommy on stage and in costume. I want them to be bold, courageous and try new things throughout their lives, so I’m leading by example.

In 2005, Brandi Carlile arrived on the scene with her self-titled album. Her sophomore album, The Story, debuted in 2007. Brandi Carlile’s newest release is titled Give Up the Ghost. I admit, I nearly passed on the opportunity to review this album. When it comes to female vocalists, I’m a bit of a snob. Sure, I’ll sing along with whatever catchy song Britney has rising up radio charts, but it’s entirely different to add a song to my iPod playlist. They hooked me with: “If you like KT Tunstall, Indigo Girls, Missy Higgins and Rachael Yamagata then you will LOVE Brandi Carlile.” Love might be a bit light for my feelings about KT’s music.

This music grabbed me from the earliest notes and captivated me with a unique and intoxicating blend of music. I appreciate great musicianship; the instrumentals on this album do not dissapoint. The album has fun, fast songs blended artistically with quiet, soul stirring ballads. Listening to the entire album feels much like taking a road trip with Carlile as she pours her heart out.  It’s as if she is your new friend disclosing intimate details of her past that have shaped who she is today. She is transparent in a way listeners will identify with, maintaining your attention as you journey through to the stories woven in the lyrics.

It’s rather difficult to pick a favorite song or two from this album, so I’ll share with you what songs I found myself humming long after the iPod stopped. Caroline is a duet with Elton John, inspired by Carlile’s neice. It has a “strummy and playful beat” and I bet it won’t be long before you start singing the chorus right along with it. Carlile says that Elton John played a key a role in her evolution as an artist: “When I was 11, I started listening to country and western music and I was totally immersed in that Grand Ole Opry culture, wherein the entertainers are usually not the ones who wrote the music. But when I discovered Elton John, I realized that performers could write and perform their own songs, and I immediately went out and got a keyboard, and started writing.” She was too starstruck to tell him that when they recorded together. “I was just overwhelmed by the years, and by the influence that somebody can have on another person’s life without even knowing it.”

In That Year Carlile remembers a friend who committed suicide while they were both teenagers. A recent dream about her friend inspired her to write the delicate and heart-wrenching track.  Personally, I feel it’s the most powerful song on this album. So moving the song stayed with me for days after a single initial hearing. The lyrics and music blend beautifully to tell a haunting story in a beautiful, retrospective way.

Some of my other favorite heart-felt songs on this album are Dying Day and I Will.

I’d be remiss if I failed to share with you that Brandi’s band and fellow co-writers are twin brothers, Phil and Tim Hanseroth. I know those of you who follow me that are fellow mothers of twins will find that an interesting little fact.

Head over to iTunes to sample Brandi’s latest album and download a copy for yourself. You won’t be disappointed, and hopefully, you’ll be surprised beyond expectation like I was.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary digital copy of this album to listen to and review courtesy Sony Music Service via One2OneNetwork.
For more information please see my Disclosure Policy.

If you want to feel like you are living in a romantic movie, stop reading this blog, click this link, and order Your Songs, Harry Connick Jr.’s latest album. Seriously, stop reading and do it now!
Okay, so maybe I’m a bit sarcastic about it, but can you blame me? This CD arrived right in the middle of a rough patch in my life.

And I’m married to the man who never wants to dance. Can you imagine?

Seriously, this is a wonderful album. Especially if, like me, you love classic ballads. This album transports you to another time and place. You can practically see the big band, hardwood floor and swirling skirts. It feels like the soundtrack to the best romantic movie ever. With songs like Frank Sinatra’s All The Way, Billy Joel’s Just The Way You Are, Elvis Presley’s I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You, and Close To You by The Carpenters, I’m not even joking.

Sure, the album found me at a strange moment, but it’s growing on me. The music is great and I was surprised to see that Harry Connick Jr. did the arranging and conducted the orchestra himself. If you aren’t in the happiest of love moments right now, it can be a bit overpowering. Trust me, once February 14th comes around, you’ll be wishing you owned this album. Maybe if I just happen to leave it playing at strategic moments, Mr. T might catch a clue and give me a spin or two around the living room. They say miracles happen every day! lol

If you are a big Harry Connick Jr. fan, he’s scheduled to appear tonight on David Letterman, tomorrow on the Today show, and next week on Rachel Ray.

Can’t wait another mili-second? Check out the making of video here.

Thanks to One2One Network for sending me a complimentary preview copy of this album.