Me & Melville by JoAnne Spies

'Me & Melville' was created for Celebrate Berkshire Women Artists. I lived not far from Arrowhead in Pittsfield, MA where Melville wrote Moby Dick, and I learned about all the women in his household who supported him in the writing of this masterpiece.

I had the good fortune to perform the piece for Melville's great-grandson, Paul Metcalf and his wife Nancy. I had called him to see if he would hear the piece and correct anything that didn't ring true. He liked my performance, but suggested that I not make Melville too cosmic a character.
I was also on a listserve with many Melville scholars who at the time were debating whether Herman threw his wife down the stairs. This explains my opening poem where I question the veracity of history --- how do we know what's true?

The song 'Snow in Paradise' ( Track 12 ) was written after reading Howard Zinn's 'People's History of the United States' and his account of the working conditions for young girls in the Lowell mills.
It was an honor to hear back from him after I sent him the CD.

"Thank you so much for sending what is a wonderful gift: your CD. My wife and I listened to it just now, both of us agreeing how lovely is your voice, and marveled also at the instrumentals. I'm proud that my book played some small part in stimulating you. But your creativity is extraordinary, from the painting on the cover of the CD to the words and music of the songs. I wish you the best of luck in all you do.
I will keep your song in mind if the TV version of my book is ever made."
- Howard Zinn

JoAnne Spies is a singer songwriter who collaborates with her audience in rhythm and sound explorations. An innovative performer, she invites the audience to literally walk with her, leading groups on musical experiences down Main Street to Stockbridge-Munsee tribe burial grounds and through museums. Her song "Survival Tree" honored Jane Goodall and the tree at Ground Zero for Intl. Day of Peace.

movingsound.org