I went for a walk that brought me into the west coast forests. There, immersed in fresh air and sweet sounds, I found joy, healing, and connection that kindled my reverence for these ancient souls. Listen closely and the trees will speak to you. They have messages for all who listen. Join me and we will walk together through the beauty of the
I went for a walk that brought me into the west coast forests. There, immersed in fresh air and sweet sounds, I found joy, healing, and connection that kindled my reverence for these ancient souls. Listen closely and the trees will speak to you. They have messages for all who listen. Join me and we will walk together through the beauty of the forest. ‘Songs For Trees’ is my homage to these amazing spirits.
We live in a time of great peril. As I write these songs, a global pandemic refuses to diminish its grip on our world. My songwriting could not bring relief from the summer searing temperatures brought on by a heat dome that had my city and province in its grip. Hot days and sweltering nights brought death for too many vulnerable people. While recording this album, drought desiccated millions of sacred trees and exposed them to historic wildfires. Entire towns became cinder and ash. While mastering ‘Songs For Trees,’ an atmospheric river burst from the clouds and drenched our scorched earth. A month of rain poured down in 48 hours. Massive flooding brought landslides and entire cities became barren swamps. After the deluge, farmers became refugees and their animals perished by the thousands. None of us can turn away from the unrelenting catastrophes that challenge even the strongest among us. We are all interconnected, what happens to the trees happens to us. The trees know this. Examine them, spend time with them, learn from them and please help save them.
Trees are the lungs of the planet. They are the most crucial living organisms on earth, affecting our environment more than anything else. They are fundamental to the continuity of life on the planet. They are our salvation and the key to abating climate change at a pivotal time of the healing for this world. May you find solace, strength and wonder in the music. May ‘Songs For Trees’ inspire you to search out positive change. Plant trees, save the ancient ones, clean up garbage, live sustainably and go into the forest.
I dedicate ‘Songs For Trees’ to my dear, loving Mother who became ill and passed away while I wrote the lyrics and music for this album. Her spirit found me in the forest as I composed these songs. I also dedicate it to my birth Father who found me only days after I lost my Mother. My journey continues and I am forever indebted to the trees.
Special thanks to Canada Council for the Arts, First Peoples’ Cultural Council, Dr. Eldon Yellowhorn
10% of net profits from downloads and CD sales donated to TreeCanada.ca and OneTreePlanted.org
Norine Braun Vocals, Acoustic and Rhythm Guitar Adam Popowitz Bass, Lead Guitar, Hand Percussion Elliot Polsky Drums and Percussion Alice Fraser Keys (Organ, Synth, Piano) Huggybear Leonard Blues Harp, Ocarina and Penny Whistle
Produced by Adam Popowitz at Rear Window Song and Sound
Words and Music by Norine Braun Mixed and Mastered at Rear Window Song and Sound
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0:00/3:46
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02_Footsteps Going 0:180:00/0:18
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03_Red Maple 3:320:00/3:32
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04_Footsteps Coming 0:150:00/0:15
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0:00/3:55
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06_Wind in the Trees 0:230:00/0:23
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07_Aspen Groves 3:500:00/3:50
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08_Creekside 0:270:00/0:27
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09_Sex in the Forest 4:530:00/4:53
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10_Bulldozed Blues 3:570:00/3:57
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11_Rain 0:260:00/0:26
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12_Hurts 4:130:00/4:13
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13_Campfire 0:210:00/0:21
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14_The Burning 4:280:00/4:28
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15_Nightfall 0:340:00/0:34
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16_Overstory 4:280:00/4:28
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0:00/3:35
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18_Songs for Trees 4:580:00/4:58
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19_Mother Tree 5:570:00/5:57