North Haven music, theatre and English teacher Courtney Naliboff, 29, has just released her first solo album via www.courtneynaliboff.com, making it available to the world at no cost.
“I want as many people to hear it as possible,” explains Naliboff of Almanac, the album inspired by her environment, particularly the island of North Haven, “People should feel free to download it, share it, burn CDs, whatever they want!”
Almanac is easily downloaded or streamed from the website and provides a lively peak into island life. The site includes vivid verses to every song, giving the listener an enjoyable escape to the coast, into one’s own memories, or both.
Almanac is comprised of original scores and lyrics written by Naliboff, and is produced and engineered by local musician Bill Trevaskis and Portland musician Andrew Frederick. The production also features the Toughcats’ Jake Greenlaw and Trevaskis as well as a pile of community members. Rockland’s Bay Chamber students Sophie Davis, Fiona Boyd, Teal Vickery, and Nora Willauer formed an ad hoc string quartet for Spring’s Diurne piece.
The compositions are poetic renditions of memories the artist has of her surroundings. Naliboff explains: “The songs in Almanac were all inspired by scenes from the island and reflect the changes that occur as the seasons pass, both to the place and the people.” Almanac includes 12 songs that highlight the ukulele, trumpet, piano, guitar bass, drums, as well as “some weird keyboards”, and even the iPad and iPhone.
The songs are delightful stories producing a range of emotions: In Winter’s Peaceable Kingdom, light, airy background instruments gently support Naliboff’s hauntingly beautiful voice. Tears easily well at warmly delivered verses like “Cup of tea and there’s nothing I’d rather do. Than sit next to you while I knit you a sweater. Things might seem bad but they’ll only get better.” Other prose evoke smiles and laughter: “Another fine evening spent out in the rain. Listening to the frogs complain.” Naliboff sings of life, pure and transparent. We all have beautiful, sad, happy, disappointing, gleeful, heart-aching, and joyous experiences. Such memories are triggered in a most pleasant way in Almanac thanks to Naliboff and the talents accompanying her.
Kate Taylor is a freelance writer living on North Haven.