Ellie Dufresne - Angelbird

All of 'Angelbird's songs are originals. I composed both lyrics and music over a twelve year period. I began an intense study of acoustic guitar four years ago. On the CD, I am honoured to be accompanied in several songs by a second guitarist, Mac Meadows, excellent guitar teacher. John Pengelly, a wonderful piano teacher also compliments a number of pieces. Chris Ledrew, Doctor of Percussion, occasionally adds a rhythmical pulse and my daughter, Stephanie Dufresne, offers some lovely vocal harmony. This unique CD makes a wonderful gift to family and friends as it touches upon a little of almost everyone's life experience. I've been told that it's great listen while driving as the stories are both interesting and the music relaxing. The following is a little insight on what inspired me to write these songs. 'Andie' is a tribute to newborn babies and shares the wondrous joy of early parenthood. It was inspired by the birth of my granddaughter, Andie. 'Dance of the Waters' is a mariner's song based on the amazing story of a solo Victoria sailor, Glen Wakefield, who set out in Sept/08 to circumnavigate the globe. I happened along the breakwater the day of departure and chanced to meet his Mom. I quickly became interested by reading his interesting daily journals online and sent him an occasional email of encouragement. As the many months passed, I'd often look out to sea and wonder how I'd feel out there alone and so far from away from home. One day, while running chords on the guitar, this splish, splash rhythmn started coming together, then the lyrics slowly jumped in. It took four months but developed into a great song which many people think sounds celtic. 'Special Angel' was one of my first songs. It was my personal plea for spiritual help through a most difficult time: in losing a dear friend to Cancer, in going through a divorce and also in dealing with a complex health issue. Sometimes, I would look up to the heavens in my daily walks along the southern Atlantic shore thinking: 'Is there someone up there that can help me?' 'Fly with me' resulted from my enjoyment of watching graceful sea gulls and pelicans glide in formation over the waters and then to observing so many little sandpipers scurrying around back and forth from the sea to the sand. 'Love in my heart' celebrates hope and newness once the shroud of grief finally sheds itself after loss. The spirit suddenly feels alive again. 'Country smile' is my salute to the prairies where I once lived and to old friends who know how to welcome you home. The surrounding silence and the calm are also gifts unto themselves. 'Ton beau coeur', 'Your beautiful Heart' is my lovely French song, in which I encourage people to get out in Nature for a walk along the water when or it life presents too many challenges. To simply relax and watch the water flow can be so calming and revitalizing. It's tune is alluring and I've had people who don't understand a word of French tell me it's one of their favorites. 'Brightest Star' was written as a Mother's Days gift and well received by my Mom. I believe that all Moms deserve this song gift of love. In 'Walking the Run', I take on the voice of a Cancer Survivor. I salute them with honest lyrics in their courageous struggles for a better tomorrow. The song's upbeat hopeful rhythmn was intentional to encourage movement and empower the listener to proudly go forth in the fight for a cure. What a wonderful gift for me to have received thanks and hugs of appreciation from survivors for taking on their voice and by uplifting their spirits with this beautiful song. 'Angelbird' is my sweet signature song. An Angelbird is a special person who tries spreading a little good will around to others expecting little in return. I feel so blessed to have had Angelbirds in my life when I needed them but the world needs more. 'To the One You Adore' is a tribute to Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Park, in Victoria, BC, on the occasion of it's 150th anniversary. This ballad sings of relationships and duties of the lighthouse, it's keeper, the sailors and the captain on their way home from the sea. My 83 year old naval veteran friend, Harry told me that years ago, you used to hear 'Land Ho!' on the ship when a lighthouse was spotted and you then watched for rocks and shallow waters. When I asked him what was in his heart in coming home, he answered: ' a big squeeze and a home cooked meal.' Thus, 'To the one you adore'. 'Taking flight' is my favorite listen as it takes me to the top of Idaho Peak, north of Nelson, BC where my daughter, grandson and I hiked on my birthday a few years ago. In looking down the valley from it's summit trail, a magnificent Eagle suddenly soared through the skies before our eyes. How amazing for us to witness the size of it's wingspan and smoothness of it's glide. While writing this song, I'd often close my eyes trying to recapture the Eagle's rhythmn in flight. I was inspired to write a new heritage song for Canada hoping to renew a sense of pride and dignity in our children for our beloved country, Canada. The result is 'Canada, my Home, my Land' dedicated to my Mom, a most proud Canadian. To date, I have taught this song to more than 400 children. A choir of children sang it with me at the opening ceremonies of Fisgard Lighthouse's 150th celebration in June/10 and again on Remembrance Day, 2010, it was beautifully sung in four part harmony by the Capriccio chorale, in Victoria, BC.

1) Andie
2) Dance of the Waters
3) Special Angel
4) Love in My Heart
5) Ton Beau Coeur
6) Country Soul
7) To the One You Adore
8) Walking the Run
9) Angelbird
10) Brightest Star
11) Fly with Me
12) Taking Flight
13) Canada My Home My Land