New Release: The Foundling release date is May 18th in the US.
3 Dec
I have spent the last two years working on a project that is now in its final stages, a concept record I am calling the FOUNDLING.
For years I have wanted to write a collection of songs that tells a story, and I’ve finally done it, using Willie Nelsons the Redheaded Stranger as my compass. I’ve loved that record for 30 years, it’s a masterpiece that sings the story of a preacher who shot his cheating wife. Blue Eyes crying in the rain was the big song.
On the FOUNDLING, songs tell the story of a kid abandoned at birth who spent a year in an orphanage and was adopted, who ran way from the adopted home and ended up in show business, who searched for birth parents late in life and found one and was rejected, and who came thru the other side of all this still believing in love.
Yea, it’s my story.
I recorded the project in Toronto with Mike Timmons from the Cowboy Junkies producing, and we used primarily Canadian musicians. I love the way Mike was able to capture my story and create moods around it, a dream soundscape. He brought his sister Margo in and she sang beautiful harmonies, adding another layer of emotional punch in the right places. The musicians breathed their hearts and souls into my songs, and they brought them to life. I am pleased beyond my wildest dreams at how the record came out.
I’ll be putting on makeup (not my favorite thing to do) and taking new publicity pictures soon, giving interviews, and preparing to be on the road for a year or two. It’s hard to believe, but FOUNDLING will be my 7th record (if you count Genesis, a compilation CD).
The tour kicks off in Australia in March for a three week run, and then we will start adding tour dates all over the world shortly after that. If you’re interested in where I will be, sign up for my mailing list and we will let you know when I am going to be near your town.
I have been playing Mama here, Mama gone repeatedly for months. It’s my favorite track of the year. If I ever make a film, this would be the best score ever.
It is very difficult to surf your site with buying in mind. Also some of the pages load so slowly that some people might say screw it, and just shut it down. If you could get a mobile link? Other than that your site has emotional impact that is over the top. Especially for me as another bastard. Maybe Spock said it best. Live long and prosper.
Mary,
I recently caught your interview on Sirius satellite radio. Last year I found my birth-mother and made contact. Hearing your songs from the Foundling and the stories behind them was a moving experience. Thanks for sharing what for some is a very private and personal experience. My quest turned out much different than yours and there are still many stories and songs that have yet to come of it. As a guitarist and occasional songwriter you have inspired me to sit down and once again put pen to paper. Thanks so much.
Greg
Just heard “The Foundling”. I don’t know what to say because the word “brilliant” just doesn’t do it justice. You are the greatest songwriter of the 21st century.
I saw your show at Old Town tonight and was so moved. I essentially cried for 1.5 hours straight. Your performance was gracious, charming and the songs from The Foundling were devastatingly painful. I didn’t know of you before tonight, and came to see Mindy, but wow, you were wonderful.
What an amazing show in Cedar Rapids! Thanks for sharing your story and talent. Never have I been so moved at a concert! Your writing reminds me of Nelson Algren’s work. (best book to start with is “Neon Wilderness”, in my opinion)
It was also great to hear that you’ve been involved with prison inmates and recovery. It would be a treat if you could expand your contributions with some musical performances. If you are ever in Iowa again, I’d be glad to arrange a visit to one of the women’s prisons.
Have fun in Stockholm! Great city and delightful in June. Wish I could make the trip too. I will tell my Swedish friends to catch your show.
I saw you earlier this evening in Cedar Rapids. The whole audience was BLOWN AWAY. I am in awe of how you can give so much in your performance. Thank you so much.
What Kari said, yes! I saw you for the first time last night, too, and didn’t know what to expect. You drew me right in, though, and you’ve got a new dedicated fan. I loved the songs you did leading in, but was completely captured by you playing The Foundling start to finish. What an incredible work, so powerful. It’s obviously an extremely personal story in which you’ve invested enormous energy, thought and emotion, but it’s universal in its reach. I’m so glad I bought one from you last night and have listened it through again since. It’s fabulous.
Okay, so a small complaint: I want to buy more and ship them off to a couple of friends, but the store lonk on your site is broken. I hope you can get it up again soon.
Mary,
Awesome show last night at the Cedar in Minneapolis. You rocked that small intimate venue and at the same time had us mesmorized by your powerful “Foundling” project. Suffice it to say, your better known co-bill couldn’t keep up. It may have been my first time listening to you, but not my last. Thanks!
Kari
Dear Mary,
A few years ago,I went with a girl-friend to your concert in Tilburg(Holland). It was for fun,but when you start singing,we stopped talking. And were listing,haertle breathing.
We became big fans and bought all your music.
Last year we saw you again in Breda(Netherlands).
Now we hoped to see you at 10 april in Eindhoven(Neth).
But you didn’t come because of the later release of your new cd.
We regret it. One week later,I regret it much more.
Because my girl-friend Tineke Vinje died.
Your music was a part of the Funeral.
Thank you for coming in our life with your beautiful music.
love Stan Koek from Tilburg(Neth)
Hello Mary,
Looking forward to see you on june 4 in Ottersum Roepaen
Love your music.
Greetings Wilma Marugg
Hi Mary! just downloaded “sideshow” and as always honesty in the words, greatness in the vocals and music. Stay strong and try to get to the East of Canada soon!
Saw you tonight at the Iron Horse and I really enjoyed your show. It was my first time seeing you, but it won’t be my last. Your songs really moved me. Thank you.
Dear Mary,
In a lot of your songs, I feel you’re singing the story of my life, too. Your voice addresses my heart directly. Good luck with new album and tour.
Ray
will you have a band with you for the Iron Horse show Mary?…thanks, love ya….Dave
Greetings from Belgium, Europe.
I like your music verry much !
When do you come to Belgium for a concert ?
Please try to fit in a concert in Columbus, OH or Ann Arbor MI around the time of your songwriting workshop at Jorma’s … TIA Cliff
Hey Mary,
Paul and I flew from Brisbane down to Newcastle to see your show on the 19th of March. It was a dream come true to actually be there, to meet you, and to witness your almost unbearable loss being expressed and transformed through your songs. Poetic grace, alchemy, crucifixion and ressurrection, bravely venturing ever onwards into the terrifying uncertainty of new life and new hope. Your gift of singing and writing is helping to heal my soul. Thank you Mary…May God make his face to shine upon you. Love from Fiona
After listening to all five of your CD’s inside and out, I am anxiously awaiting your next one, The Foundling. It sounds like it just might be your most personal record yet. Please let us know on this website what would be the best way to pre-order the CD. Hope you make a point of coming back to the NY area in your own concert soon!
Hi Mary
We saw you in Bathurst this week and loved the show.
Thanks so much for including us in your tour.We haven’t
stopped thinking about you and your performance since.
You are a brilliant performer and songwriter and we loved
meeting you and chatting to you,thanks for being so down
to earth. We love the new album and think all the love
you missed out on for so long has manifested itself into
a wonderful gift that you give to us,thankyou. Come back soon.
Well I saw Mary tonite at Hepburn Springs Aust. what a show that was, got a copy of the new CD cant wait for her to come back to Oz. Cheers and thanx Mary for signing the CD
Hello I am from Sweden, and I heard about you today and looked after you at Spotify. I love your music and lyrics, I think you are one of us, kids who has growing up in fosterhome, orpens and institution. Pleas work on, and make a better life for people in your country by your music.
love from Anne, chairman of organisation of stepchildren of Sweden.
http://www.styvbarn.se
This coming from 61 year old grandfather. Can’t get enough of Mary’s music. Can’t get DRAG QUEENS off the cd player. Talked with Mary afterwards at Bellows Falls a year or so ago. Sign me up for info on FOUNDLING. It is sure to become a treasure to me.
Mossvale music festival was fantastic & heard you for the 1st time. Me & Pals blown away by your beautiful poetic music. We are all fans Now!
Speaking for myself and those around me at the Freight in Berkeley, we were very moved and felt honored to hear you tell your story with songs from The Foundling. Looking forward to the new CD – and to your return to Berkeley.
I’m thrilled to find out that you have a new release due out soon. I love your music and now own all of your CDs. You are indisputably one of the greatest songwriters ever. I look forward to THE FOUNDLING and hope to catch you live soon.
Cant wait to see you at Mossvale Park Music Festival! Have been a fan of yours for a few years now and excited to be finally seeing you live. Its the best venue with the most beautiful huge trees and a great bunch of people who put the event on. See you in a week
Kerry
Rrecently Began listening to your music and I must say I haven’t been so touched by a singer, song writer in a log time. Looking forward to the new album.
I just discovered your music today! I’ve been listening mercy now the whole day. And being also a fan of the cowboy junkies, i was thinking how great it would be for margo timmins to do a cover of mercy now. Then i stumbled on your site and reading that you’re working with Mike Timmins from the junkies. what a great pleasant coincidence. My 2 favorite musical talents working together! Can’t wait to see you on tour!
God gave you the gift to make music.
You are a bird that can sing and fly!
Great set of photos on the website Mary. I’m eager to hear the songs on The Foundling. When are you coming back to Canada?
Someone had to do it for us all, glad it was you.Coming to Australia hey, I’ll be there!
PS : Pictures on the site are very beautiful !
Bravo Mary. It is magnificent to have realized it, the way that you traversed in the true life and this project of record which matured every these long years. Your course touches me and I like much your songs. Then I await this new disc impatiently. A few of you. Do I hope you one day in tour in France and maybe in Toulouse? (I was registered on the mailing list). Thank you really. Thank you.
Pascale
Hi Mary, I’ll be 54 Friday 2/26. You’re an inspiration. I’ll spend that night at your show in Sebastopol. I hope some day I can get my song out of me, like you.
Can’t wait to hear your new album. I was a young teen when the red headed stranger came out; it was one of my first musical treasures; love the cowboy junkies, too.
I was thankful that my sister in Dallas introduced your music to me a few years ago; we brought in this last New Year listening to some of your songs, which I always find really moving and wonderful.
Thanks.
Hope to see you in the Boston area someday!
Celeste Falcone
Since hearing Mary at Common Fence last year, singing one song from this new album, I’ve been dying to see it come out. Just can’t wait, Mary. Australia, take good care of her, eh?