All keyboards, synths, and vocals by Robin Frederick. Guitars: Grant Geissman, Mike Simms, Marty Rifkin, and Dan Marfisi. Rhythm tracks: Roy Campanella III, Mike Sims, and Robin Frederick. Drums on "You Are Here" Tom Walsh. Bass on "Water Falls Down," Angel, Cover Me," and "Married to the Muse": Dave Marotta.
Influences
NICK DRAKE has had a profound influence on my writing but it took a while - about 25 years - for me to appreciate what he was doing. When I first met Nick in 1967, we were both living in Aix-en-Provence in the south of France. I was already writing songs and I had a few gigs around town. Nick was playing covers of folk songs and blues, mostly the songs that are on the Family Tree album. He never played any originals for me during the time I knew him. Later I found out he was just starting to write songs at that time. One evening after he failed to show up at a cafe where I'd agreed to meet him, I went home and wrote the song "Sandy Grey." I didn't really know anything about Nick so the song is just my impression, a folk song, about someone elusive - a grey shadow slipping away like sand through ones fingers.
A few years later, when I was back in California, I found Five Leaves Left in the import bin at Tower Records and bought it. I was amazed by what Nick had done. Songs like "River Man" and "Three Hours" were simply beautiful! I didn't notice until much later just how musically sophisticated, how finely crafted, how unusual and ahead of their time his songs really were. I just enjoyed them for a long, long time. But eventually, as a songwriter, I grew curious and I started looking more closely. I saw that Nick was playing with the relationship of melody to rhythm and I began to use some of those techniques in my own songs. "Married To the Muse" and "Angel, Cover Me" are two songs I wrote that are based on the melodic style Nick developed back in 1969 when he was just 20 years old. I am only catching up with him now - a little bit.
It's been a great pleasure to be invited to contribute to the album notes for both Family Tree and the reissue of the Fruit Tree box set. I listened deeply to all of Nick's songs and tried to let him tell me what he wanted to say. I relied on the music more than the words. Words can lie but the music never does.
For more, read "Nick Drake: A Place To Be" originally published in Mojo Magazine. You'll find links to more articles and information there. - Robin Frederick 10/29/07
Sounds Like
Norah Jones, Sade, a little bit of Dusty Springfield mixed with Enya.
Music Connection Magazine ~ "Over Euro-inflected grooves and airy orchestration, songwriter and artist Robin Frederick lays a suite of brilliantly performed songs."
WATER FALLS DOWN (REMASTERED) includes all of the tracks from the original CD version plus brand new recordings of Robin's folk classic "Sandy Grey." Originally recorded by John Martyn, Robin has never commercially released this song which she wrote for Nick Drake... until now. This album includes two versions, a folk/rock mix and an acoustic guitar bonus mix. Available at CD Baby and Amazon.com.
Hailed as "a miraculous breakthrough into a feeling world" by British music critic Ian MacDonald, the songs on WATER FALLS DOWN explore love, loss, living. Robin's vocal style blends the intimacy of Norah Jones and the silkiness of Enya with the classic, laid-back phrasing of Dusty Springfield. The Electro-Acoustic backing tracks create a downtempo atmosphere shaded with Dance, Jazz/Pop, and World Beat. Robin is a master of her craft, a songwriter, poet, and storyteller with a unique and compelling vision. John Braheny, author of The Craft and Business of Songwriting, says: "I love it! Musically mystical and evocative with enough body grounding groove to balance it. Lyrically cliche-free with some profound observations." Visit the world of muses and lovers, the lost, the betrayed, the dreamers and visionaries who live and love in these songs. Let the music take you to their world, the place where water falls down.
License this music for commercial use through Pump Audio
MakeaStar.com ~ "... wonderfully moody and atmospheric."
ARTIST HISTORY: Robin has written and produced over 500 songs for television and record albums. She is the author of "Shortcuts to Hit Songwriting" available from Taxi Music Books at Amazon,com. Visit Robin's web site for songwriting articles, tips, and news.
Stephanie Bennett, Harpworld Music Co. ~ "Robin Frederick's WATER FALLS DOWN is an intoxicating work, a standout achievement in contemporary songwriting and production. The lyrics are haunting and intriguing poetry; the music is engaging with a Sting-like sophistication; Robin's voice is beautifully gentle and mysterious, a fitting counterpoint to the energy of the songs. The production values are nothing short of gorgeous. "
Big thrill seeing Joan Baez live at Sta. Monica Pier Thurs. 7-9 & immediately thought of you- wondered if you were there. Your book on song writing is an essential part of any song writer's library. She sang "Silver Dagger" & I was reminded of yours and her interpretation of "Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair." Hope all is well. Miss classes!
It's Jessica's dad here........Hope all is well with you. Not sure if I told you (think I did) but we posted another song that Jessica co-wrote with John Marc, it is called "Our World" It is only a demo as all of her music on her page. We have six days slotted for her to record with Jimmy Landry who is flying in from New York at the end of the month to re-record all of the songs.
Also Jessica is opening up for Dilana at Live at the Lounge in Hermosa Beach on July 31st, she will get a 35 minute set She has another performance at the Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood on Aug 6th....
Maybe you could let Jess know what you think about the new song.
Hi Robin...thanks so much for the Add & Friendship!! ...Really enjoyed listening to your Music....'Water Fall Down'is absolutely wonderfull!!...will keep in touch....take care.
Robin, a belated thanks so much for the add. Your friend Joe miller introduced us last year. I'm still working through your book 126 shortcuts to hit songwriting which you signed for me at last years' Taxi road rally. What a great book. I'd recommend it to any aspiring writer. It's so well laid out and makes a lot of sense. You should think about advertising it on your page.
Rock Talk Records is looking for great singers/guitar players to cover songs by the legendary Nick Drake. If you feel you can do a great unplugged tribute to this artist, contact Chas Ferry. Look at some of the people already involved with this project Rock Talk Records
It's just me Jessica, I just wanted to let you know that I have finished writing and recording a brand new song called 'In My Web' it is only a demo but Matt my manager posted it on my page. The lyrics are posted too.
P.S. I get to open up for Dilana on July 31st at 'Live at the Lounge' she was the runner up in the show called Rock Star. I am really excited and I get 30 minutes. I am now 14 too, I think I was 11 when we recorded those three songs.
Robin, Thanks for accepting my friend request. I'm reading your book right now and want you to know, I'm loving it! What a great and helpful resource. Thank you so much! Blessings on you, Rob
Hey Robin, I like your music! You always have great advice and you are always so helpful. I enjoyed your classes and I look forward checking out your book! Which song did Dan produce for you?
Hi Robin, I love these songs of yours! Thanks for the add and greetings from England. Take a look at my new video of The Writing on the Wall from my 2008 acoustic album, Beyond the Blues. Quote from the wall: ‘Never, never, never give up’ (Winston Churchill) Thanks, Steve
Hey Robin! Congratulations on the success of your book! I am putting it on my very short Christmas list right now.... Best wishes and thanks for your impact on my songwriting, Jane
Online Now!
