Archives for May 2014

Award-winning singer/songwriters, friends, and fellow travelers on the path of motherhood — Edie Carey of Chicago and Sarah Sample of Salt Lake City — weave their distinctive and yet perfectly blended voices to create an intimate, harmony laden collection, ‘Til The Morning: Lullabies and Songs of Comfort.

In 2010, after releasing her third album and having her second child,Sarah Sample realized that most of her music-making at home involved singing to her children.  It felt only natural that her next record should embrace the music that was at the core of her motherhood experience.  At this time, her friend Edie Carey was in the throes of a two-year struggle with infertiity following a near-fatal experience while on tour.  Sarah soon became one of Edie’s main sources of support, and their friendship deepened.

Edie welcomed a son in 2012 (thanks to winning a $16K IVF cycle at a raffle!), and soon the two friends began hatching plans to make Sarah’s idea come true.  They wanted to not only honor the quiet moments between parent and child, but also to pay tribute to the struggles of infertility, recognizing the circuitous and painful journey many people must travel to become parents. ‘Til The Morning carries a message of love, comfort, and solace for any listener.

‘Til the Morning opens with a cover of the Dixie Chicks’ “Lullaby,” which sets lyrics of maternal love and devotion in a texture of cascading vocal and instrumental lines and features guest performer Mai Bloomfield (of Raining Jane and Jason Mraz) contributing the golden sound of her cello and ethereal harmonies.  An exquisite treatment of Wilco’s “California Stars” follows, bringing out the elegance of its mesmerizing harmonic progression.  Other highlights include the beloved perennial, “Turn Around,” the familiar hymn “Softly and Tenderly” (with lyrics modified to reference “Mama” and “children”), Townes Van Zandt’s treasured song “If I Needed You,” and “La La Lu,” the famous lullaby sung by Peggy Lee in Walt Disney’s Lady and the Tramp.

Paste Magazine wrote, “Edie Carey is gifted with one of those voices that could sound great singing anything.”  Edie Carey is known for her unmistakable soulful voice and intelligent, heart-grabbing songs, but perhaps most especially for her warm, engaging presence on — and off — stage. Edie has been performing across the US, Canada, and the UK since 1999.  Her seventh album, Bring the Sea (2010), as well as her previous two records, was funded entirely by her loyal and steadily growing legion of fans.

According to Salt Lake City Weekly, “Sarah Sample’s raw, graceful voice … enhances lyrical content that cuts to the bone.”  Three albums, an EP, and years of touring into her career, Sarah Sample proves she’s no trend-chasing flash in the pan.  Sarah has played the Rocky Mountain Folks Fest mainstage, sung on the Cayamo Cruise, won first place in the AYL Singer/Songwriter Awards, and was a finalist at Kerrville and Telluride.

We received a CD to review and I love the songs! This will be a Must-Have for New Moms and baby when it is released in June. 

‘Til The Morning will be available at www.ediecarey.com,www.sarahsample.com, amazon.com, CDBaby.com, iTunes, Bandcamp, and other related digital outlets.

Visit Edie Carey’s website at www.ediecarey.com

Visit Sarah Sample’s website at www.sarahsample.com

Self Disclosure: I received a CD for Free to facilitate this feature.

Mom’s Night Out – Hilarious and Heartwarming

Don’t take this film too seriously! I’m sure most moms will relate to this larger than life tale about Allyson and her mom friends who just want a night out on their own – a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and fun. It’s a set-up, right. We all know that there is sure to be a piper who needs to be paid in order for this group of young mothers to enjoy high heels, adult conversation and food not served in a bag. When the husbands are given the task of watching the kids for a few hours, it’s a warming that something just might go askew. Fourteen-year-old Brianna B. loved this movie and comments, “It has real life situations that I’m sure a lot of Moms can relate to. They probably relate to the pain of struggling to be the perfect parent.” Her full review is below.

Mom’s Night Out

Reviewed by Brianna Hope Beaton, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14.

Mom’s Night Out is a heartwarming and hilarious film that is great for the whole family.

Allyson (Sarah Drew) wants to have a night on the town with her friends. She wants to enjoy grown up stuff and have adult conversations. However, in order for this to happen, their husbands must watch the kids for a few hours and take care of everything at home. This should be easy enough, right?  Wrong!  All kinds of things happen which shows that a Mom’s job is extremely important. Mom’s Night Out is a little snapshot of the parenting journey.

I love this movie! It has real life situations that I’m sure a lot of Moms can relate to. They probably relate to the pain of struggling to be the perfect parent. The cast is so talented and their acting is so natural and real. The chemistry between them is great with the way they feed off of each other. They take this story and make it so believably funny and have you laughing out loud. I like the action sequences as it keeps your interest and it adds to the humor. My favorite character is the Cabbie (David Hunt) because the things he says makes no sense at all but cracked me up. Also, he is able to actually pull off an English accent although he is not from England. My favorite scene is when the ladies go to the Tattoo Parlor looking for the Baby and speak to the Desk Guy (Manwell Reyes). The ladies are hysterical and anxious but he is so cool and calm. He acts like he doesn’t have a care in the world.

Andrew and Jon Erwin (October Baby) both direct this hilarious yet gratifying film. The comedy, action sequences and the genuine portrayal of the characters make it an enjoyable film. I like it when some of the words of wisdom come from the least likely person that you would imagine and it really touches your heart.

There are many messages about a mother’s job in this film but, I like the unconditional love message. A mom’s job is very important and, although she can take the place of others, no one can ever take her place.
I recommend this film for ages 6 to 18 and all the mom’s who need a night out. This comedy is rated PG with no inappropriate language and is suitable for the whole family to see. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Give your Mom an extra treat and take her to see Mom’s Night Out. It comes out in theaters on May 9^th just in time for Mother’s Day weekend.

Credit: KIDS FIRST! Coming Attractions