Biography

HOPE YOU ENJOY THE ALBUM AND THANKS FOR STOPPING BY,
Vicky xoxoxo

AUGUST IN DECEMBER "is the warmest, most endearing [album] I’ve heard in a long time. Were anyone looking for a thoroughly feel-good yet thought-provoking musical experience, this is it. This collection of melody rich, softly sung, meaningful songs arrives with soft expression, stays with enduring grace and remains within your heart as Vicky’s voice ensures each one is soaked with feeling, reaching out and perfectly poised." Tom Franks, FolkWords.com

“Add my name to the list of those who think Vicky is an exceptional talent.” Pete Fornatale, WFUV, Fordham, NY. Greatly missed, R.I.P.

THE ALBUM: Vicky Harris’s brand new album AUGUST IN DECEMBER is produced by Michael Mugrage (Rory Block, Bruce Hornsby, etc) and mastered by Alan Silverman (Judy Collins, Shawn Colvin, etc., and with 50 Grammy-winning projects to his name). The album ranges from an intimate singer-songwriter feel to lively string band material, with a few surprises along the way. Tiple, anyone? Oh darn, one less surprise . . .

THE ARTIST: Vicky’s voice is “at times intimate, then soaring through rich melodies and compelling, intricate lyrics,” (Irene Jackson, The Muse’s Muse reviewer) and “touches the heart,” (Angela Page, Radio WJFF, NY, writing in Sing Out!).” It's a privilege to be invited into her world,” (Joy McKay, Rambles.net). “One of the best I've ever heard,” Derek Sivers, former president, CDBaby. [Comments on her previous album TOUCH.]

THE BAND: Vicky leads from the front with stellar vocals plus occasional guitar and piano, while top-notch backup is provided by such luminaries as Michael Mugrage (guitar, piano, baritone uke, harmonica. . .you-name-it!) and Seth Glassman (Laura Nyro, Carole King, Carly Simon, etc) on bass. They’re joined by Vicky’s husband and co-writer Paul Carne (guitar, mandolin, banjo, tenor uke) and her favorite rosin wrangler Dan Tressler, whose enchanted fiddle weaves in and out of the album like a golden thread. There are also virtuoso turns by David Kaye (dobro), Beth Styles (piano, synth) and the incomparable Jerry O’Sullivan (Eileen Ivers, Sinead O'Connor, etc) on uillean pipes.

THE SONGS: The 12 offerings embrace themes of love, variously: lost (Long Gone), found (Loved By You, This Is Love) and restless heart (Wildflower); whimsical nostalgia (Toluca Lake); an upbeat take on Time’s winged chariot (Flash Flood); and the delights of becoming a grandparent (August In December). Hold On, Marie stems from a sister’s concern for a loved one in difficulty, while Carolyn is a tribute to an extraordinary woman and inspirational friend.

The collection also includes a Celtic-flavored lament for a soldier who never returned (All Too Soon), a commentary on the times we’ve all endured these past years (Long Way Back), and a song in remembrance of the children who died in the Sandy Hook, CT tragedy in 2012 (Over The Moon). Vicky had reached for her guitar in stunned response to the breaking news, but the true horror of the event could barely be put into words. Though born of pain, anger and frustration, what came from Vicky’s heart instead was a beautifully tender lullaby. In her words, “the melody and lyrics came in one unbroken stream flowing steadily but so sadly, as if from the Angels themselves.”

The album closes out with a bonus track celebrating Vicky and Paul's beloved border terrier Bodhi, performed by Paul with Vicky and a chorus of nieces and nephews singing backup.

THE BOTTOM LINE: The album is on sale at CD Baby, alongside her previous album TOUCH, and available for download at iTunes, Amazon, etc.

CONTACT: For PDF album booklet, airplay notes, or just to shoot the musical breeze, Paul Carne (locuststmusic@gmail.com) would love to hear from you!

Locust Street Music, 22 Locust Street, Greenwich, CT 06830