Song: In This House Music by: Karisha Longaker of MaMuse   Notes: Today we get “right in the river, totally listening, totally all in” with MaMuse, the duo of Sorah Nutting and Karisha Longaker, whose description of songcatching is what I just quoted. I came out of our conversation thinking about so many things -- how we see and appreciate those we love, kindness as our common wealth, danceable songs, being led by feeling and what's insanely fun, and especially house rules for how we be in the world... which comes from "In This House." I was singing harmony with them by the time we sang the song the second time, so you'll hear me making stuff up... partly because of the big, beautiful permission Karisha and Sorah give each other and us to celebrate creativity. I hope you feel that extra space and encouragement, too, after you sing with us!   Songwriter Info: MaMuse (“Ma” as in Mamma; “Muse” as in the one who inspires) was born out of a collaboration between songwriters Karisha Longaker and Sorah Nutting. 2008 was a year of great alchemy. Fires erupted in Northern California, a great wind of inspiration blew through, catalyzing a series of songs written from the soil and rivers, ash and heat of Chico where these two musicians met. In the early days these troubadours toted instruments around town by bicycle and shared their songs at farmers markets, community gatherings, small cafes and festivals. Not too long after, these two voices became iconic to the Chico community, representing idyllic values of friendship, community, love for nature and care for Self and World. The love spread, sisterhood held strong through two decades of LIFE: children, relationships arriving and dissolving, making home in many new places.  MaMuse songs such as “We Shall Be Known” and “Hallelujah” have sprouted wings and are now sung at the bed sides of birthing mothers, round campfires, at weddings and funerals... All places where people are gathered to celebrate and to mourn. These are songs born of the Folk lineage; songs for all of us.   Sharing Info: The song is free to share but Karisha and Sorah always welcome financial and/or networking support if/when folks are so moved.   Song Learning Time Stamps: Start time of teaching: 00:03:56 Start time of reprise: 01:03:15   Links: Show info, bookings and newsletter signup: www.mamuse.org  Instagram: www.instagram.com/mamusemusic  Facebook: www.facebook.com/MaMuseMusic  Patreon: www.patreon.com/mamuse Download and contribute to recorded music funds: mamuse.bandcamp.com  Song Village in Santa Cruz: https://www.songvillage.net/  Kirtan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirtan  ReMuse: https://mamuse.bandcamp.com/album/remuse  Patrick/FunkPharm who produced ReMuse: https://www.instagram.com/funkpharm/  Tidal as a subscription platform: https://tidal.com/  Community Choir Leadership Training in Canada: https://www.communitychoirleadership.com/  Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion duet competition October 2012: https://www.prairiehome.org/shows/47951.html  Arnaé Batson: https://www.eomega.org/people/arnae-batson  Scott Elliot Ferreter (guitar and bass): https://www.scottelliottferreter.com/  Trying Time album: https://open.spotify.com/album/3BSIiZwg5MdqY6OuVLRMdR  Nathan Dittle (keyboard/piano): https://www.instagram.com/redbeardthecat/  Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder: https://open.spotify.com/album/6YUCc2RiXcEKS9ibuZxjt0  Blue by Joni Mitchell: https://open.spotify.com/album/1vz94WpXDVYIEGja8cjFNa  Aimée Ringle – Human and Tender: https://aimeeringle.bandcamp.com/album/human-and-tender  A Breath of Song conversation with Aimée Ringle: https://www.abreathofsong.com/episodes--show-notes/160-o-spirit-guide-me-to-those-i-need-with-guest-aimee-ringle#/  Melanie DeMore: https://melaniedemore.com/  A Breath of Song conversation with Melanie DeMore: https://www.abreathofsong.com/episodes--show-notes/175-one-footlead-with-love-with-guest-melanie-demore#/    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, major, harm

Song: We Shall Be Known Music by: Karisha Longaker of MaMuse   Notes: I could not be more delighted than to bring you this beloved song in a real-life song-sharing situation. My Flow Singing folk were singing "We Shall Be Known" for the third week -- so we simply recorded! You'll sing with them as they review the main melody, learn the upper harmony for the first time -- and then I inserted a quick teach of the low harmony -- and then we get to sing "in the room" with the Flow Singers, who were leaning into the song in such a beautiful way. I feel so lucky with the company I get to keep... and next week, I find myself in a Zoom room with Karisha Longaker and Sorah Nutting themselves, talking about the "insanely fun, incredibly connected" first years, and what it means in practical terms to "believe in kindness as our common wealth."    Songwriter Info: MaMuse (“Ma” as in Mamma; “Muse” as in the one who inspires) was born out of a collaboration between songwriters Karisha Longaker and Sorah Nutting. 2008 was a year of great alchemy. Fires erupted in Northern California, a great wind of inspiration blew through, catalyzing a series of songs written from the soil and rivers, ash and heat of Chico where these two musicians met. In the early days these troubadours toted instruments around town by bicycle and shared their songs at farmers markets, community gatherings, small cafes and festivals. Not too long after, these two voices became iconic to the Chico community, representing idyllic values of friendship, community, love for nature and care for Self and World. The love spread, sisterhood held strong through two decades of LIFE: children, relationships arriving and dissolving, making home in many new places.  MaMuse songs such as “We Shall Be Known” and “Hallelujah” have sprouted wings and are now sung at the bed sides of birthing mothers, round campfires, at weddings and funerals... All places where people are gathered to celebrate and to mourn. These are songs born of the Folk lineage; songs for all of us.   Sharing Info: The song is free to share but Karisha and Sorah always welcome financial and/or networking support if/when folks are so moved.   Song Learning Time Stamps: Melody: 00:04:20 High harmony: 00:07:16 Low harmony: 00:11:34 Whole song: 00:15:05   Links: Show info, bookings and newsletter signup: www.mamuse.org Instagram: www.instagram.com/mamusemusic  Patreon: www.patreon.com/mamuse Download and contribute to recorded music funds: mamuse.bandcamp.com  Lisa Littlebird's page for We Shall Be Known: thebirdsings.com/we-shall-be-known/ Burlington, VT Flow Singers: ​www.juneberrymusic.com/flow-singing.html   Nuts & Bolts: 2:2, major, 3-part harmony   Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:  https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share   Help us keep going: reviews, comments, encouragement, plus contributions... we float on your support.  https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html

Song: Estrellitas Music by: Ana Lucia Divins   Notes: Singing this song of grief and the lifting of grief connected deeply with my heart this week. No matter what grief is in my heart at the moment, the wordless "O", followed by the shaping of Spanish words for sorrow, doubt, and fear as well as let go and little stars -- letting all the grief light the fire and then the sparks carry it away -- oh, it felt good to sing this. Soft and strong, velvet and spark, ache and motion. I'm grateful Ana Lucia gifted us this song to sing, and excited that once you've learned the core of the song with me, you get to sing all of it with her if you follow the Bandcamp link!    Songwriter Info: Music has been a lifelong companion for Ana Lucia Divins, who has witnessed its healing power and the strength of community connections. This journey led her to explore sound and therapeutic music studies. She is a Certified Music Practitioner by MHTP and a Holistic Voice Therapist with the British Academy of Sound Therapy. Since 2022, she has integrated healing music into her offerings, singing by patients’ bedsides and sharing therapeutic music in the community for restoration and relaxation. In 2023, she received the Arts and Science Council Creative Renewal Fellowship and in 2024, the Arts and Science Council Artist Support Grant, enabling her to delve deeper into music’s healing potential and produce new works. Ana Lucia’s exploration of her voice has taken her to national and international workshops and retreats in Greece, Spain, the UK, and Colombia.  In the summer of 2024, Ana Lucia and Carlos Crespo, an Ecuadorian guitarist, released their debut healing music album, “Emerging,” in collaboration with other talented musicians. Available on all digital platforms, "Emerging" offers a deeply relaxing and uplifting sound bath of original new-age world music. It is a sonic journey mirroring life’s ebb and flow, from dawn’s gentle awakening to night’s tranquil embrace, remembering the cycles of healing, new beginnings, and transformation.   Sharing Info: The song is free to share but Ana Lucia always welcomes financial and/or networking support if/when folks are so moved.   Song Learning Time Stamps: Start time of teaching: 00:02:39 Start time of reprise: 00:13:14   Links: Ana Lucia's website: https://www.adivins.com  Divins Music Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divinsmusic/  Azul Healing website: https://www.azulhealing.com  Azul Healing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azulhealing/  Emerging album on Bandcamp: https://divins.bandcamp.com/album/emerging    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, minor, unison   Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:  https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share   Help us keep going: reviews, comments, encouragement, plus contributions... we float on your support.  https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html

The Sunday after this episode is released, October 12th, 2025, at 4 p.m. Eastern time, there will be an online gathering of folk who use song to help navigate life -- and we'll sing through this Ribbon of Songs with live-looping! To learn more, click here, or sign up right now to join us!   Lyrics ​& Links to the original episodes for the songs in this ribbon.   28. Drifting Dark by Patricia Norton   Drifting dark, cold and spark, floating dream, holiday scene. I know this world keeps on turning, spinning songs of hearts in yearning.   Dark.  Spark.   Dream.  Scene. World.  Turning. Spinning candescent, spinning candescent, spinning hearts in yearning.   199. The Turtle Remembers by Becky Reardon   The Turtle remembers  a dream in December, alone with God. Alone with songs of the whales, returning, returning.   189. Hearth by Yuri Woodstock   Fire at the center in my heart Rise of the night spark fly away Smoke twines together in the sky Oh how the dark times light my way   Fire in my heart Praise be to the dark   Dreaming in an endless night Living in an endless dream   120. Alchemy by Te Martin   Everything is helping you grow and thrive; know what you need to know.   It is not too late, it is not too late to follow (3x) your dreams.   Dream!   62. Let Me Be The Love by Karly Loveling   Doing my best to be the Love my deepest heart is dreaming of.   With every breath I take, Let me be the Love   Letting my cup overflow   Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share   Help us keep going: reviews, comments, encouragement, plus contributions... we float on your support.https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html

Song: Breathe Easy Music by: Karly Loveling   Notes: When I heard this song of Karly's, I couldn't wait to tease apart the harmonies -- and I find I sing it to myself at odd moments -- its kind, gentle advice lets me release into my own wisdom. What's funny is I came to record it in a bit of a rush, after a rather stressful day and knowing I'd be travelling in the morning, so I really had to get it done... and the breath of song did its thing. As I taught it, my heart eased, my breath deepened, I reconnected to my own wholeness -- and by the end of the episode, I was loathe to stop! I'll be curious to know if your body responds the same way?   Songwriter Info: Karly Loveling is a seasoned songleader, songwriter, and permissionary of heartfelt expression. For over two decades, she has been guiding voices and hearts through community singing, classes, and workshops in Eugene, Oregon and beyond. Karly’s journey in Oregon began with a formative chapter at Lost Valley Educational Center, where she immersed herself in personal growth workshops and forged lasting connections. With a background in dance and a degree in the field, she co-founded Coalessence Dance, an ecstatic dance community that continues to thrive, with Becca Perry in 2006. Karly’s love for community singing deepened through her many years at Singing Alive, where she led song circles and found inspiration among fellow songleaders from the gathering’s inception through 2023. In 2013, she founded the Hummingbirds Girls Choir, whose joyful harmonies became a beloved feature at the Eugene Saturday Market, Holiday Market, and the Oregon Country Fair.In 2015, Karly launched Singing Heart, a community singing group, which inspired her to complete the Community Choir Leadership Training in British Columbia the following year. Singing Heart is proud to be part of the Ubuntu Choirs Network, affirming the principle that everyone can sing and that singing builds connection. Karly’s often playful, layered, and meaningful original songs are sung by songleaders from Appalachia to Ireland. She currently offers in-person and online classes, leads retreats, and shares her work at community singing gatherings across the country.   Sharing Info: This song is free to sing, but Karly always welcomes and appreciates financial and networking support.   Song Learning Time Stamps: Start time of teaching: 00:02:34 Start time of reprise: 00:14:16   Links: Karly's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/KarlyLoveling Karly's Bandcamp: https://karlyloveling.bandcamp.com/music Singing Heart Harmonies: https://singingheartharmonies.com/ Karly's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlyloveling   Nuts & Bolts: 3:4, melody & 2 harmonies   Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:  https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share   Help us keep going: reviews, comments, encouragement, plus contributions... we float on your support.  https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html

Song: Set It Right Again Music by: Ana Hernández   Notes: Ana Hernández has been in the music business for quite a while, finding ways to follow the sounds she loves, to express her activist wishes, to ease her anxiety, to remember wise words... and she writes powerful, moving community songs to do all these things! Her book, the Sacred Art of Chant, was a game changer for me when I discovered it in 2019 for the way it named how singing with repetition changed my body. It was a huge honor to be in conversation with her, and then play with harmonies as we sang together (no, I didn't get ALL of them "right"! 😊 But I was having a great time!!!) "Set It Right Again" is a song to take into protests, and Ana advises listening to the speeches to adjust the lyrics to fit... newsletter subscribers will see the flowers and the little black book that get described.   Songwriter Info: Ana Hernández is a composer, recording artist, retreat leader, and activist song leader creating and collecting tunes to build living and just communities through skillful action. A theomusicologist with NYS Poor People’s Campaign, Ana is also the author of The Sacred Art of Chant: Preparing to Practice (Skylight Paths/Turner Publishing).   Sharing Info: The song is free to share in public resistance actions and oral tradition groups. Please contact Ana for recording, streaming, or performing permission.    Song Learning Time Stamps: Start time of teaching: 00:03:34 and 00:06:39 Start time of reprise: 01:11:55   Links: Ana's website: https://anahernandez.org Ana's Patreon: www.patreon.com/anahernandez  Listen on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/in/artist/ana-hernandez/214582777  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0NGPpe3jeQqHFeFArIqYEH  SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/anahermusic  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-p9kisJu1ISLW7w6Wy2lVA  Poor People’s Campaign: https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/committee/new-york/  Sojourner Truth: https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/sojourner-truth  Ghandi’s mantra Om Sri Rama: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramanama  Aham Prema: you are divine love: https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/9462/aham-prema  Raimon Panikkar: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raimon_Panikkar  Malka Heifitz Tussman:  https://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/quotes/quotations/view/33350/spiritual-quotation Marcia Falk The Book of Blessings: https://www.marciafalk.com/blessings.html  Hold My Hope: https://www.musicthatmakescommunity.org/teach_me_to_be_love Open My Heart: https://www.musicthatmakescommunity.org/open_my_heart Louis Armstrong: https://www.louisarmstronghouse.org/biography/  Miles Davis: Sketches of Spain: https://www.milesdavis.com/albums/sketches-of-spain/  Cantus Firmus in Monteverdi Magnificat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RajAq0Yd-s4  St. Columba: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columba  Ranunculus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranunculus  Alice Parker: “My belief is that a page of music conveys about five percent of the information needed to perform it.” https://giamusic.com/resource/the-anatomy-of-melody-book-g6765  Augsburg Fortress Publishers: https://www.augsburgfortresspublishers.org/  Banquet of Love album: https://anahernandez.org/album/banquet-of-love/  Mame: Ethel Merman play: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mame_(musical)  Sending You Light album: https://anahernandez.org/album/sending-you-light/  Melanie DeMore: https://www.abreathofsong.com/apps/search?q=melanie+demore  Caravan of Empathy: https://ruralmigrantministry.org/save-new-yorks-rural-economy-a-journey-of-empathy-caravan/  Copland’s Appalachian Spring and Tenderland Suite: https://www.aaroncopland.com/works/appalachian-spring/ https://www.aaroncopland.com/works/the-tender-land/ Amina Alaoui from Morocco – Alcantara: https://open.spotify.com/album/1EDReLi3Q3luXIHcUgR0k7    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, blues minor, call and response   Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolu

Song: May the Way Open Before You Music by: Ana Hernández Guest singers:​ Sadie Jones, AJ Banach, Cameron Brownell, Rebecca Csuy   Notes: Recording this was a complete treat, because I had four friends in the studio with me -- Rebecca Csuy, Cameron Brownell, AJ Banach, and Sadie Jones learned the song and loved it. AJ catches me when I make a note mistake in the harmony, which is fabulous -- friends who have your back! Next week, I have the privilege of talking with Ana and learning about her extensive background and why community singing matters to her... for now, please enjoy this, which she calls "a simple blessing," and her wish for everyone in the world.   Songwriter Info: Ana Hernández is a composer, recording artist, retreat leader, and activist song leader creating and collecting tunes to build living and just communities through skillful action. A theomusicologist with NYS Poor People’s Campaign, Ana is also the author of The Sacred Art of Chant: Preparing to Practice (Skylight Paths/Turner Publishing).   Sharing Info: The song is free to share in public resistance actions and oral tradition groups. Please contact Ana for recording, streaming, or performing permission.    Song Learning Time Stamps: Start time of teaching: 00:02:29 Start time of reprise: 00:13:05   Links: Ana's website: https://anahernandez.org Ana's Patreon: www.patreon.com/anahernandez  Listen on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/in/artist/ana-hernandez/214582777  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0NGPpe3jeQqHFeFArIqYEH  SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/anahermusic  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-p9kisJu1ISLW7w6Wy2lVA  Also look for HARC (with Ruth Cunningham): https://anahernandez.org/album/inside-chants/  The Miserable Offenders: https://anahernandez.org/album/keepin-the-baby-awake-music-for-advent-and-christmas/  Eternal Spirit (w/ Sr. Helena Marie, CHS): https://anahernandez.org/album/eternal-spirit/  Banquet of Love (w/ Ike Sturm and so many friends!): https://anahernandez.org/album/banquet-of-love/    Nuts & Bolts: 6:8, major, 2-part harmony   Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:  https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share   Help us keep going: reviews, comments, encouragement, plus contributions... we float on your support.  https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html

Song: Towo Kalona Music by: Alix Thorpe   Notes: I did something a little different in the way I shared this -- I took time with the proto-Celtic, so you could be comfortable singing in a Bronze-Era language... and then there's the usual looped section, with a harmony above and below -- but then at the reprise, I sing just the melody with piano, and then just the piano so you can sing the melody yourself, and allow me to accompany you. I find this song of Alix Thorpe's beautifully addictive, and there's something about singing in a bone language that feels like healing perspective to me. After you are snagged by the melody and parts on the podcast, buy it from her on Bandcamp, where you can hear the full English lyrics!    Songwriter Info: Alix is a mother, a birth doula and a shiatsu practitioner who lives in Devon in England. She found her voice and began writing songs only a few years ago. Song for Alix is a way of prayer and an expression of soul.  She has written several songs in proto-Celtic; a kind of "spirit language" and ancestral mother tongue made of the earliest traceable fragments of the Celtic languages, dating back around 4000 years. Dreaming with proto-Celtic has been a powerful vehicle for kindling connection with her ancestral roots. Alix's songs are particularly inspired by whales, the spirit of the rose, Buddhism and honouring sacred rites of passage.   Sharing Info: The song is free to share but Alix always welcomes financial and/or networking support if/when folks are so moved.   Song Learning Time Stamps: Start time of teaching: 00:03:01 First full singing: 00:10:40 Start time of reprise: 00:20:16 Just piano: 00:21:20   Links: Alix's Bandcamp: https://alixthorpe.bandcamp.com/track/towo-kalona    Nuts & Bolts: 3:4, melody with 2 harmonies   Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:  https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share   Help us keep going: reviews, comments, encouragement, plus contributions... we float on your support.  https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html

The Sunday after this episode is released, August 31st, 2025, at 4 p.m. Eastern time, there will be an online gathering of folk who use song to help navigate life -- and we'll sing through this Ribbon of Songs with live-looping! To learn more, click here, or sign up right now to join us!   Lyrics ​& Links to the original episodes for the songs in this ribbon.     110. The Crow Calls by Maggie Wheeler   1. The crow calls, the sun falls; they know the rhythm, the rhythm of it all. (2x)   2. We are the only ones who have forgotten  how to listen, we’re the only ones who have forgotten how to listen. We are the only ones who have forgotten how to listen, the earth  is calling us to open up our ears.   3. Put your hands in the dirt, let’s heal the hurt. The earth is waiting for us to do the work, do the work! (2x)   22. When the Water Is Glass Calm by Paul Barton   1. When the water is glass calm, the stillness cradles life.   2. The sun rises slowly, pealing through the trees, bringing colour to the sky.   3. Listen, listen, to the small sounds of this new day.   194. Hildegard's Song by Barbara McAfee based on words of Hildegard of Bingen There is music in, in all things; but we can't hear it ​until we sing.   118. Listen In by Jennie PearlListen in ​Here I am this is my center What is mine, What is mine? We're learning how to reach for each other may we reach may we teach Through the blurred lines, The pain and confusion, may we reach may we teach   60. Just As You Are by Lea MorrisJust as you are, without changing a thing. Just as you are, I accept you. I see you, I hear you, I welcome you in; just as you are. Just as you are.   191. Another World Patricia Norton text from My Seditious Heart, p.204  by Arundhati Roy Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.   Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share   Help us keep going: reviews, comments, encouragement, plus contributions... we float on your support.https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html

Song: I Walk in Beauty Words by: traditional Navajo (Diné) blessing Music by: John Harrison   Notes: John Harrison turned to the teachings of the Diné people, the Navajo, to help him find the awareness of the beauty that exists in our world alongside everything else. As we live in a complex time, beset with multiple crises, wisdom teachings that have survived complex, critical times are a resource. This episode was a challenge for me, as I ended up leaving it in the range that John gave it to me -- one best suited for tenors and sopranos, and requiring a little more opening and exploration for lower voices! I share a technique that helped me find my way, but you are also welcome to just drop it down into the lower part of your voice -- find a way that feels good to sing!   Songwriter Info: John Harrison is a composer, choral director, singer, and voice teacher who has been performing professionally since he was a lad. He sings and teaches in a variety of styles that reflect his eclectic performing background in church music, rock bands, jazz combos, gospel choirs, musical comedy, and a few things that defy description. Currently he directs Rock City!, Vermont’s rock and soul chorus, in Barre VT; Reelin’ & Rockin’, a rock and roll choir for seniors in Montpelier VT; and is the emeritus director of the Montpelier Community Gospel Choir in Montpelier VT. He has taught teenagers and adults in workshops, camps and holidays through Village Harmony, Turtle Dove Harmony, Songways (UK), as well as on his own. He was a K-12 Vermont music educator for 10 years. His compositions have been performed and recorded by many community choirs in the US and the UK. John lives with his wife Scottie in Plainfield, VT.   Sharing Info: The song is free to share in oral tradition groups, but please contact John for recording and/or performing permission.   Song Learning Time Stamps: Start time of teaching: 00:02:55 Start time of reprise: 00:18:21   Links: John's website: www.johnmarkharrison.com  More about Navajo (Diné) teaching of The Beauty Way: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tZHIER3Jb4    Nuts & Bolts: 3:4, minor, round or 3-layer   Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:  https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share   Help us keep going: reviews, comments, encouragement, plus contributions... we float on your support.  https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html

Song: Don't Give Up Music by: Becky Reardon   Notes: Thinking about tough times, Becky Reardon says, "The worst thing we can do is go silent." Here's a song to help with that -- a song about both grit and kindness; how a little flex can be the strongest response. She says, “Of all times when we need to get together and sing… this is the time to keep it going.” We talk about her love of the high desert, trees, community... how church and family singing embedded love of harmonies. How Naomi Shihab Nye reminded her, "When times are hard, do something satisfying." Plus a sticky cocklebur song! It's a good conversation to help return you to yourself, your power to bring more decency and compassion into the world.   Songwriter Info: Becky Reardon's voice is familiar to the millions of people who hear her sing on the Charlie Brown/Peanuts TV specials. She is a composer whose songs and rounds are widely sung by community and university choirs, song circles, and singing classes. Sometimes jazzy and fun-loving, sometimes trance-inducing and deeply spiritual, her music always conveys her passion for the natural world and the cycles of life.    Sharing Info: The song is free to share in oral tradition groups, but please contact Becky for recording and/or performing permission.   Song Learning Time Stamps: Start time of teaching: 00:05:42 The Moon instructional song: 00:42:11 The Sticky Cocklebur: 00:43:19 Start time of reprise: 00:56:19   Links: Becky's website: www.beckyreardonmusic.com  Alone from “Someday You’ll Find Her, Charlie Brown”: https://youtu.be/5VpmohI_ZZQ?feature=shared  Farther Along from “Why, Charlie Brown, Why”: https://youtu.be/6SY1MNEXHvY?feature=shared Video of workshop improv singing: https://youtube.com/shorts/i2Z2Ltqy6dA Rhiannon: https://rhiannonmusic.com/ The Lama Foundation: https://www.lamafoundation.org/  Winter Solstice Song (Deep down in the belly of the night): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbV-DaVxzE8  Becky Graber: https://beckygraber.com/ – and her conversation episode on ABS: https://www.abreathofsong.com/episodes--show-notes/165-heaven-above-earth-below-with-guest-becky-graber#/  Sue Coffee: https://www.resonancechorus.org/artistic-director.html Elise Witt https://elisewitt.com/web/about-elise-witt/ Retreat with Elise and Becky on Ossabaw Island:: https://elisewitt.com/web/calendar/ossabaw-island-retreat-2026/ The Moon instructional song: https://beckyreardonmusic.com/product/where-is-the-moon/ The Sticky Cocklebur: https://beckyreardonmusic.com/product/the-sticky-cocklebur/ Becky’s Bandcamp page - to come! Ella Fitzgerald: https://www.ellafitzgerald.com/  René Marie: https://renemarie.com/    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, mixolydian, round   Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:  https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share   Help us keep going: reviews, comments, encouragement, plus contributions... we float on your support.  https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html

Song: The Turtle Remembers Music by: Becky Reardon   Notes: Becky Reardon's songwriting drew me toward community singing when I was still in a choral paradigm -- and this round is a stunning example of combining a haunting melody with words that help me remember the ancient self that moves within. Happily, I didn't sing it alone for this episode -- I'm joined by friends and neighbors, Karen Chickering, Molly Moerdyk, and you may recognize Rebecca Csuy from earlier episodes?! We take our time with the round, leaving space for you to sing a line alone for a bit if you'd like -- or sing with any of us! Next week, in our conversation, Becky talks to me about singing with others and the communities that's built -- and we get a little peek into cartoonist Charles Schultz's life, too -- because people are connected in all kinds of wild ways! (A wee blooper at the end -- what happens when you start a round and no one else comes in?)   Songwriter Info: Becky Reardon's voice is familiar to the millions of people who hear her sing on the Charlie Brown/Peanuts TV specials. She is a composer whose songs and rounds are widely sung by community and university choirs, song circles, and singing classes. Sometimes jazzy and fun-loving, sometimes trance-inducing and deeply spiritual, her music always conveys her passion for the natural world and the cycles of life.    Sharing Info: The song is free to share in oral tradition groups, but please contact Becky for recording and/or performing permission.   Song Learning Time Stamps: Start time of teaching: 00:03:14 Start time of reprise: 00:15:09   Links: Becky's website: www.beckyreardonmusic.com  Abbey Lincoln's song Down Here Below: https://youtu.be/S4jvYELMUZc?feature=shared    Nuts & Bolts: 3:4, harmonic minor, round   Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:  https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share   Help us keep going: reviews, comments, encouragement, plus contributions... we float on your support.  https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html

Song: Loosen Music by: Aly Halpert   Notes: Written in 2017, this song by Aly Halpert catapulted its way around songleader circles, shared friend to friend, sung in cars and buses, after dinners, on walks, between dances, around fires, beside rivers and on beaches. I learned it in 2019, and it has accompanied me since through the pandemic, an intense year of many deep losses, over to Europe twice, in groups, with single friends, and alone. Some songs are like sunscreen in summer, a warm coat for winter. You may already know this one; please enjoy singing it with me. It may be new to you -- may it spread wider, carrying its healing, kind reminder to loosen.   Songwriter Info: Aly Halpert (she/her) is a queer Jewish musician, educator, and activist living on Lenni Lenape land in Philadelphia, PA, USA. A singer, pianist, drummer, and guitar player, Aly writes songs for building community and visioning different worlds. Aly leads music and prayer for Jewish community, including Let My People Sing, Kol Tzedek Synagogue, Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action, and Hadar's Rising Song Institute. Her songs have been sung in national gatherings, song circles, and quiet moments of personal prayer, and have moved people all over the world. Her first full-band album Loosen was released in April 2022 with Rising Song Records. Aly believes deeply in the power of music to awaken us to the loss and hope we carry, expand our sense of possibility, and connect us to each other and our collective strength.   Sharing Info: The song is free to share in oral tradition groups. Aly welcomes financial and/or networking support, she would like to be contacted re: recording/performing permissions, and she appreciates donations when used by organizations with means.   Song Learning Time Stamps: Start time of teaching: 00:03:12 Start time of reprise: 00:16:10   Links: Aly's website: https://www.alyhalpert.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/alyhalpertmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alhalpal  Loosen with Aly on Bandcamp (great opportunity to support her directly!): https://alyhalpert.bandcamp.com/album/loosen   Nuts & Bolts: 6:8, minor, 2 layers, optional harmony, optional round   Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:  https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share   Help us keep going: reviews, comments, encouragement, plus contributions... we float on your support.  https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html

The Sunday after this episode is released, July 20th, 2025, at 4 p.m. Eastern time, there will be an online gathering of folk who use song to help navigate life -- and we'll sing through this Ribbon of Songs with live-looping! To learn more, click here, or sign up right now to join us!   Lyrics ​& Links to the original episodes for the songs in this ribbon.   140. The Feast By Heidi Wilson (sung by Heidi Wilson)   Holy Fire in the sun Water in the river, and Wind within my lungs Oh holy Earth beneath my feet All of us are offerings and also at the feast   67. Gandalf's Blessing Words: J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings) Music​: Joshua Blaine   ​May the wind, may the wind, may the wind under your wings Bear you where, bear you where the sun sails and the moon walks.Not all who wander are lost.   122. September Moon By Chandler Yorkhall (sung by Patricia & Rebecca Csuy)   Full Moon outside my window this warm September night Pulls me into wakefulness far too early. I’d rather be sleeping the day is already too long for me I’ll just wait for dawn.   53. Wish For We By Judi Vinar   Every little wish that I wish for me, is a wish for we.   Sunshine, then some rain. Sunshine, and then some rain.   Moonlight and starlight (3x)   112. Let Me Sing By Jane Lewis   Let me sing as the sun rises Let me sing as the day falls Let me offer this prayer to the moonlight Let me stand in the beauty of it all   (Let me sing to the beauty)   57. Farewell By Patricia Norton   May you know the love that surrounds you is as warm as summer sun on sand; and until the time that we meet again, ​may love hold you in the palm of her hand.   Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share   Help us keep going: reviews, comments, encouragement, plus contributions... we float on your support.https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html

Song: I Am Blessed Music by: Desirée Dawson   Notes: Ok, so there's a bit of mess in this episode -- the reprise happens twice, because I couldn't get my Loopy app to turn off when I wanted it to -- but we just get to sing it again, so it turns into a good thing! Desirée's song really helps me remember how blessed I am, with my mess, my stress -- the way it all opens my heart, like a treasure chest. Great body percussion part for all you rhythm-hungry folk, plus oohs for the Supremes fans. I take some time picking it apart so you can find some of the intricacies...   Songwriter Info: As a recording artist, songwriter, producer, facilitator, and yoga teacher, Desirée is driven by a passion for collective liberation. She is a two time SXSW music video winner and was nominated for a Juno Award for best adult contemporary album of the year in 2022. She has had multiple viral moments on TikTok and Instagram with her most popular video being for her song I Am Blessed. With her powerful voice as her main instrument, Desirée often accompanies it with her baritone ukulele, body percussion and other musicians. She has a passion for harmonizing and singing with others. She blends folk, soul, pop, Americana, and old-time country influences into her creations, though she often labels her music as 'singer-songwriter' for simplicity.   Sharing Info: The song is free to share in oral tradition groups, but please contact Desirée for recording and/or performing permission. Desirée says, "Donations are encouraged and welcome but I do not want money to be a barrier for people to share and learn the song."   Song Learning Time Stamps: Start time of teaching: 00:03:31 Start time of reprise: 00:21:53   Links: Desirée's website: www.desireedawsonmusic.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/desireedawsonmusic  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desireedawsonofficial  Desirée singing I Am Blessed on Bandcamp: https://desiree-dawson.bandcamp.com/track/i-am-blessed-loop    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, major, melody, harmony, body percussion   Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:  https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share   Help us keep going: reviews, comments, encouragement, plus contributions... we float on your support.  https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html

Song: Get Up Music by: Barbara McAfee Additional vocals by: Lia Falls   Notes: Barbara McAfee describes herself as "A nice Minnesota girl -- I like things that work!" -- and in her framework of the Full Voice, she has shaped the teachings of skilled choir leaders and the Roy Hart vocal work, as well as her own discovery of her voice into just that -- a framework that works! She says, “I’ve never believed more in the need for people to find their own voice…” and observes the deep courage of people coming to community sings for the first time after vocal wounding. The work of Angeles Arrien inspired Barbara in her own journey, and this song pulls in the grittiness and determination needed to keep waking up. Barbara adds a surprise bonus song in the middle of the episode -- "May It Go Easy As You Go" -- as we talk about singing as a way of saying what's hard to say. So much more in this conversation -- "twisting on a meathook", scheduling "workity-work" things, doing laundry before listening to the muse -- enjoy Barbara's Full Voice, and let it help you find yours!   Songwriter Info: Barbara lives on the wild and scenic St Croix River about an hour from Minneapolis/St Paul. She is a master voice coach, songwriter, song leader, hospice choir director, long distance swimmer, poet, and author of Full Voice. She feels so lucky to be alive on planet Earth.   Sharing Info: The song is free to share in oral tradition groups, but please contact Barbara for recording and/or performing permission.   Song Learning Time Stamps: Start time of teaching: 00:05:43 Start time of bonus song: 00:47:50 Start time of reprise: 01:03:55   Links: Barbara's website: www.barbaramcafee.com  Barbara's community singing page: https://www.barbaramcafee.com/community-singing.html  Barbara's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/barbaramcafee Barbara's first TEDx talk about Full Voice: https://youtu.be/Ze763kgrWGg?si=hueWlQGYCqtDrarr Lia Falls: https://soundcloud.com/user-860092984  Diana Ross: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diana_Ross  Full Voice: https://books.google.com/books?id=pETKks1jdKUC  Saule Ryan/Roy Hart Centre: https://roy-hart-theatre.com/teachers/saule-ryan/  Rhiannon: https://rhiannonmusic.com/  Daniel Nelson: https://www.facebook.com/singingfortheearth/  Jenna Lindbo: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jenna-lindbo/395790602  The story of Inanna: https://tamedwild.com/a/blog/storytime-inanna-descent-into-the-underworld  Te Martin: https://soundcloud.com/temartinmusic  Lyndsey Scott: https://www.lyndseyscott.earth/  Sarina Partridge: https://sarinapartridge.com/  Heidi Wilson: https://heidiannwilson.com/  Laurence Cole: https://www.laurencecole.com/  Melanie DeMore: https://melaniedemore.com/  Joni Mitchell’s Blue album: https://open.spotify.com/album/1vz94WpXDVYIEGja8cjFNa  Jon Batiste: https://www.jonbatiste.com/  Jacob Collier: https://www.jacobcollier.com/    Nuts & Bolts: 2:2, minor, 4.5 layers   Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:  https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share   Help us keep going: reviews, comments, encouragement, plus contributions... we float on your support.  https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html

Song: Hildegard's Song Music by: Barbara McAfee   Notes: Sometimes a great groove and simple harmonies is exactly what you need to explore over -- and this song is a beautiful way to listen to your own singing voice playing. Barbara McAfee joins us next week to talk about her journey toward becoming a voice mentor to many folk, developing the Full Voice program, and what that means to her. We were both reeling a bit in the wake of the apparently politically motivated shootings in Minnesota, close to Barbara, shortly before we recorded. Reflecting on the effect of listening to our own voices helped us both stabilize and ground.    Songwriter Info: Barbara lives on the wild and scenic St Croix River about an hour from Minneapolis/St Paul. She is a master voice coach, songwriter, song leader, hospice choir director, long distance swimmer, poet, and author of Full Voice. She feels so lucky to be alive on planet Earth.   Sharing Info: The song is free to share in oral tradition groups, but please contact Barbara for recording and/or performing permission.   Song Learning Time Stamps: Start time of teaching: 00:02:58 Start time of reprise: 00:10:14   Links: Barbara's website: www.barbaramcafee.com    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, mixolydian, 3-layer   Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:  https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share   Help us keep going: reviews, comments, encouragement, plus contributions... we float on your support.  https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html

The Sunday after this episode is released, June 15th, 2025, at 4 p.m. Eastern time, there will be an online gathering of folk who use song to help navigate life -- and we'll sing through this Ribbon of Songs with live-looping! To learn more, click here, or sign up right now to join us!   Lyrics ​& Links to the original episodes for the songs in this ribbon.   190. In the Spring By Yuri Woodstock   In the spring, among the flowers Bird song rings in the morning hours Sun is up and the day is bright What a time to unleash your light!     153. Blessings Whenever You Breathe By Melanie DeMore   ​Blessings whenever you breathe ​Blessings whenever you breathe ​Blessings whenever you breathe Blessings all around   Bless your heart Your tender, tender heart Bless your heart ​Blessings whenever you breathe   138. My Thoughts Make A Difference By Chandler Yorkhall   My thoughts make a difference My feelings make a difference My words make a difference My healing makes a difference   I will not shy away from the struggle in my soul I will waste no time, for this day is growing old   What can I do for this broken world?     20. Great-Full By Ishka Shir   I am here on this planet, living my life, doing what I do, feeling grateful.   I am here, this is life, I'm grateful. ​(2x)     119. I Let Go By Te Martin   I let go I lay down I release Return again     71. Lullaby My Sweetness By Patricia Norton   Lullaby my sweetness, rock me forever; cradle me deep in an ocean of blue. Lullaby my sweetness, hold me so gentle; this is the song that I sing for you.   White birds winging above me, calling wild and calling free. White thoughts, wheeling away now; loose and alight and afloat on the sea.   Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share   Help us keep going: reviews, comments, encouragement, plus contributions... we float on your support.https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html

Song: Freedom Over Fear Music by: Tembre de Carteret   Notes: Which freedoms do we get to choose? What are the places or times in your life when certain freedoms were not available? Have you ever lost freedoms because of violence or threat? Sometimes it's hard to release fears that may have helped protect us in the past -- and sometimes the feeling of letting go of fear is like standing on an ocean cliff, proclaiming again and again, "I choose freedom over fear!"   Songwriter Info: Tembre de Carteret lives in County Clare, Ireland, and has led a beautiful online singing circle called "We May Sing" since 2020. You can learn more about her and the way in which she facilitates, mentors, and builds song communities at her website, www.tembresong.com   Sharing Info: Tembre says: "This song is free to share with your circle of loved ones and singing group. I just ask you credit me and I whole heartedly welcome any recording/video you do of the song with your group, please send to me."   Song Learning Time Stamps: Start time of teaching: 00:03:45 Start time of reprise: 00:16:35   Links: Tembre's website: http://www.tembresong.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tembre.decarteret  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tembredecarteret/  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5NOOeWM2w3Og68acT2zPei  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhgwiqOGcvICIjSsJq6iJg    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, major, 3-layer   Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:  https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share   Help us keep going: reviews, comments, encouragement, plus contributions... we float on your support.  https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html

Song: Another World Music by: Patricia Norton Lyrics by: Arundhati Roy   Notes: Hearing these words in 2020 for the first time felt like a gift of possibility. I love the deeper listening they invite. It took five years before they found a melody in my head -- and the reminder of the quote in its entirety, which is, "Another world is not only possible, she's on her way. Maybe many of us won't be here to greet her, but on a quiet day, if I listen very carefully, I can hear her breathing." Listening. That's the invitation of this melody, which stacks up into an complicated chord when sung as a round.   Songwriter Info: You can find out more about me in general here: https://www.juneberrymusic.com/about-patricia.html Or the whole team that puts this podcast out here: https://www.abreathofsong.com/about.html    Sharing Info: Please share freely, and consider contributing to the A Breath of Song gratitude jar in reciprocity -- or write a review, leave a comment!   Song Learning Time Stamps: Start time of teaching: 00:04:25 Start time of reprise: 00:14:00   Links: Flow Singing: https://www.juneberrymusic.com/flow-singing.html All of what I'm up to: https://www.juneberrymusic.com Kindred Voices Retreat: https://kindredvoicesretreat.com    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, major, round   Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:  https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share   Help us keep going: reviews, comments, encouragement, plus contributions... we float on your support.  https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html