If asked, Mary Ann Blinkhorn will tell you that, “she absolutely loves writing songs and listening to other people’s original songs...and now recently, she has discovered a brand new passion -- studying, reading and writing poetry. Mary Ann says that she reads other poets on MySpace, and writes every day -- that it gives her the outlet that she needs to express herself.”
Though Mary Ann enjoys writing mostly pop songs, she has also in the past, written a few Christian/gospel tunes. A couple of years back, three of Mary Ann’s Christian/gospel songs were recorded on Soul J’s new CD entitled, I.O.U. The three songs are: I'm Sorry Jesus, Hear Him Knocking and I Forgive You. The CD is currently being sold online at CD Baby and at Soul J's gigs. To have a listen, go to http://cdbaby.com/cd/soulj1
Some of Mary Ann's goals/projects for 2010 are: Having her original play made into a radio play, recording some spoken word poetry and musical improv with an avant-garde artist whom she has known for years, writing THE INSOMNIA MONOLOGUES that she is working on now, having at least one song placed into film/television and recording a children's CD of all Mary Ann's original children's stories that have Sing-A-Long choruses. As well there will be a book component and later in 2010, Mary Ann will be searching for a suitable illustrator.
Mary Ann wishes to thank the Songwriter’s Association of Canada and its volunteers for all the support and learning opportunities that it provides to new songwriters throughout the year. Mary Ann also wishes to thank the following singers for singing her demos: Carolyn Cardona (I'll Make You Wish, I'll Hold My Own Hand) Victoria Boland (She Can't Cry) Vivian Clement (I'm Sorry Jesus) and Kevin Theriault (What Would Gandhi Say). Also thank you to Vivian Clement for playing guitar. Influences: Nick Drake, Gordon Lightfoot, Boy George, Culture Club, The Beatles, Burt Bacharach, Donovan, Michael Jackson, The Jackson Five, Elton John, Don Williams, Bob Marley, Michael Franks, Sting, The Police, William S. Burroughs, Lloyd Garber, Chet Baker, Brian Walkley, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Jimmie Rodgers, Chick Corea, Lenny Breau, Billy Taylor, Squeeze, Dave Brubeck, Bryan Adams, Kenny G, Vince Guaraldi, Lewis Vella, Bill Evans, Blue Rodeo, Tuck & Patti, Steve Earle, Paul Simon, Charles Bukowski, The Band, Eric Clapton, Murray McLauchlan, Gipsy Kings, J.J. Cale, Jesse Cook, Colleen Peterson, Al Purdy, Allen Ginsberg, Anne Sexton, Charles Bernstein, John Hiatt, Dan Hicks, Little Feat, Jonny Lang, Ernest Hemmingway, Vermeer, Picasso, Einstein, Leo Buscaglia, Charles Price, Boney James, Nils Lofgren, Joni Mitchell, Taj Mahal, Richard and Linda Thompson, Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison, Tom Waits, Bruce Cockburn, Steely Dan, Neil Young, The Eagles, Emmylou Harris, Dire Straits, Frank Sinatra, Allen Jenkins,The Allman Brothers, Barenaked Ladies, Jimmy Buffett, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Leonard Cohen, Nat King Cole, Fleetwood Mac, Jeff Healey, Maurice Solway, Colleen Peterson, Karin Plato, Michael W. Smith, Matt Redman, Pat Pattison, James Linderman, Dave Matthews Band, Feist, KT Tunstall, Andrea England, Jeff Straker, Vivian Clement, Anthony Paiano, Robbie Lawrence, Nick Hinton and more recently, John Gibbons, Arlene Bishop, Blair Packham, Rik Emmett, Steve Whelan, TJ & Murphy, Jackson Browne, Tom Petty, John Powers, Mark Atherton, Denzal Sinclaire, Sandy Denny, Scott Appel, Johan Asherton, Tim Buckley, Jeff Buckley, Elizabeth Fraser, Ron Sexsmith, Nick Cook, John Shannon, Kenny Smilovitch, Phil Hare, Davy Graham, Bert Jansch, Pentangle, John Martyn and Grateful Dead.
Other interests/hobbies include: Collecting ACEO paintings, looking for treasures in thrift shops, reading every book she has always meant to read and being an on call volunteer pianist for The Friendship Class - a special class for developmentally-challenged adults on the occasional Sunday morning
Mary Ann has an exciting online gift shop that sells black t-shirts and mugs that would be of special interest to musicians and songwriters. All designs and texts were created by Mary Ann. The shop is called, BLINKY'S. Check it out for holiday gift-giving at: www.cafepress.com/blinky88
Some recent comments from happy customers:
"Hi Mary Ann: I just want to tell you how cool this Songwriting Tips mug is! Not only does it hold more of my beloved coffee every morning...I've actually put some of your excellent tips to use and they've been very helpful. I received my mug within a short time and it was exactly as pictured and ordered! Thanks for a really neat mug. Best, Jason."
"I love the mug, Mary Ann. It's big and sturdy. The creative logo and pic makes it a unique part of my musical life. I love to use it and display it as well. I am really pleased. Thanks. Norm G - Winnipeg, Manitoba."
Other tidbits about Mary Ann are: She likes most forms of art, clutterless rooms, dark chocolate, broccoli, wild greens with vinaigrette dressing, fresh strawberries, sunflowers, playing with snapdragons, geraniums, e-bay, george's dj mixes, merlot-cabernet blends, bottled water, raspy voices, raw hearts, raw people being themselves, sushi, surfing the net, Queen's Quay, evening walks along the Danforth, polka dots, high energy people, green beans, letters from the sponsor child, fresh sheets, egyptian musk, viewing the latest fashion trends, chanel paris, earl grey tea, witty people, long earrings, new shower gel, pop and alternative music, the absurd, taking the time to understand the people she cares about, rare finds, live Indie music in small venues, 50-75% off whatever, the soulful, people who never judge or gossip, poetry, the beat writers, a warm breeze, laughter, newly uncovered nick drake songs or info, staying inside on a cold day, playing slots once in a blue moon, collectibles, vintage toys, her online t-shirt shop, marketing her music, hymns, trying new recipes, window gardens, spending time with amazing people, respecting others, working with children, roasted peanuts, making homemade soups, sailing as a passenger, the process of creating, staying up all night writing, reading, thinking or talking, angel food cake with seven-minute frosting, humour that doesn't hurt anyone, calamari, studying jazz piano, discovering new music, snapping pictures creatively, new art, new writers, solitude and time alone, quality time with friends, the avant-garde, guacamole, praising God, Jesus, emails from friends, the process of self-expression, psychology, jazz, chaos and resolution, finding new music on MySpace, memories of michael, collecting vintage marbles, California Raisins, watching the Webkinz market, old photos, humanitarian issues, good books, new designs, tiger tiger ice cream, creative self-expression, animals, honest conversations between close friends, silver jewellery, crystal, squirrels, visits from mom, striving to achieve goals with abundance, exploring freedom on a variety of levels, seeking out new interests, listening to her favourite recording artists with headphones on...
Notes:
Jan 3/09 - Mary Ann joined WINDOWS LIVE MESSENGER
Jan 11/09 - Mary Ann joined several writing/poetry groups. She also looks forward to exploring the work of the many writers/poets who have MySpace pages.
April 11, 2009 - Check out Mary Ann's blog entries for her latest poetry. Inquiries from publishers are most welcome.
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