Campobello Sky (The Cormier Sessions) CD

Campobello Sky (The Cormier Sessions)

Brian W. Flynn with J. P. Cormier

This album has been more than a half-century in the making. It began as a dream in my adolescence soon after I started singing, writing, and performing. It has become a reality many decades later. It is interesting to ponder how and when young dreams morph into items on a bucket list.

Music and I have always had a complex relationship. Music has given me a vehicle to express powerful and difficult emotions when other means failed me. It has given me a way to greet the world. I have never been lonely when music is with me.

I have given to music all that is inside me. Music has never betrayed that trust. I hope that together, music and I have brought joy, reflection, and peace to those who have listened.

For me, the tipping point in deciding to do this album was J.P. Cormier’s agreement to collaborate in its creation. He brought his multiple and extraordinary skills to every part it. I could not, and probably would not, have done this without him.

While all the songs on this album are important to me, my original compositions hold a special place in my heart and soul. They are my own creations. I told J.P. that when hearing the final version of each of my own songs, nurtured with his care and skills, I felt like I was witnessing a child of mine grow up to fulfill all potential. They are ready to go off into the world... strong, beautiful, and proud.

I hope you will share our excitement and enjoy the result of this collaboration.

Brian W. Flynn — Vocals and guitar

J. P. Cormier — vocals, guitars, dobro, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, keyboards, drums

Produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by J.P. Cormier at Ginger’s Barn, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Additional recording: AMPED Recordings, Baltimore, Maryland, Co-Engineer, Greg Parker

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Please note:

CD and books are available for purchase locally at:

Barrier Island Books & Art, Stone Harbor, NJ
The Commons, Eastport, ME
Campobello Island Gift House.

Unfortunately, CDs and books can only be shipped within the United States.

Thank you

There is no way I can meaningfully give thanks to all who made this possible. You are all the people who listened, smiled, laughed, cried, applauded, and encouraged me over so many years and in so many places. Special thanks to Donna for her many decades of appreciating and encouraging my music (including never flinching at my purchase of new instruments).

As you listen, you will understand why I am so grateful to J.P. for his immeasurable contribution. I am humbled in the presence of his enthusiasm, skills, creativity, and caring.

I am indebted to my grandsons Matthew and Evan for motivating me. Long after I am gone, I want to make sure that they can still know my voice and share a sampling of the music that has been such an important part of my life.

Playlist

Campobello Sky — Brian W. Flynn

Campobello is a small island in Canada’s Bay of Fundy. I have the privilege of living there several months of the year. Life on the island is primarily lived around family- based commercial fishing. I wrote a book about the superstitions of the fishermen and my interviews with these men resulted in this song. Enjoy a snippet of the song below, as performed by myself and J.P. Cormier. (Lyrics >>>)

Dear Sister — Louisa Brandscomb & Claire Lynch

This song is based upon actual letters to his sister sent home by a confederate soldier (Louisa’s great great uncle). It is a timeless reminder that no matter the side or the war, fear and the desire to be home walk beside those in war. It is a powerful reminder that those who are in harm’s way are also parts of families who love them and want nothing more than their safe return. (Lyrics >>>)

You Opened Up My World — Brian W. Flynn

This is likely the oddest song I have written. In the fall of 2016, I gave my log splitter the finger. More precisely, the tip of my left index finger. In return, it gave me multiple surgeries and long occupational therapy... all with the goal of being able to play guitar once again. In an article about his technique, my hand surgeon wrote that fingertips are essential to how we explore the world and gain knowledge. When I read this, it stopped me in my tracks. I have never thought much about my fingers and hands (except for preserving my guitar playing calluses). Well, I had plenty of time to think during my recovery and this song is what emerged. Special thanks to Ryan Katz, M.D. This one’s in your honor. (Lyrics >>>)

Famine Road — Brian W. Flynn

During Ireland’s Great Famine, Famine Roads were built using the forced labor of Irish peasants in exchange for food. In an especially sinister twist, these roads could lead nowhere to assure the work did not adversely impact English road builders.

In County Clare, there is one such road in The Burren. It reaches several miles through the limestone that surrounds Mullaghmore. It looks to have been built only recently, not over a century and a half ago. I walked the length of that road and, at one point, found myself overwhelmed with emotion. I wept when I realized that every stone on which I stepped had been cut and placed there by someone who was hungry. (Lyrics >>>)

When You’re 88 and It’s Christmas — Brian W. Flynn

I experienced true unconditional love from my maternal grandfather. He, and the role model he was, has been a powerful guiding force in my life. I last visited him before Christmas years ago and wrote this song soon after. Unfortunately, he died the following spring. (Lyrics >>>)

Mennonite — Sam Baker

Sam is a gifted songwriter. He has a way of capturing the odd and the ordinary like few others. He was kind enough to give his blessing to my recording of his song. (Lyrics >>>)

The Molly May — J.P. Cormier, Gervais Cormier

After I first saw J.P. perform, I was ready to give up music and sell all my guitars! His songwriting, singing, and guitar skills are that spectacular. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would end up collaborating on a project like this, let alone recording this/his song together. Few will appreciate the simultaneous intimidation, inspiration, and gratitude I felt in this collaboration. J.P., I can’t thank you enough. (Lyrics >>>)

I Won’t Be Gone Long, Kathleen — Brian W. Flynn

My paternal grandfather was a bricklayer in upstate New York. I grew up with stories of how he had to leave the family during the winter months to find work in the warmer south. My grandmother’s name was Kathleen. (Lyrics >>>)

The Can Do — Brian W. Flynn

During the Blizzard of 1978, the tanker Global Hope went off course and ran aground near Salem, Massachusetts. Before they could successfully transmit her location, the radio failed. A small pilot boat, the Can Do, set out from Gloucester to find them. The Can Do was swamped in the storm and all aboard perished. (Lyrics >>>)

Little Things — Brian W. Flynn

Ah, young love. The song has lived on much longer than the relationship it describes. A learning experience and a song people have enjoyed through the years… No regrets. (Lyrics >>>)

Farewell to Nova Scotia (duet with J.P.) — Traditional

This traditional sea song has been a favorite of mine for decades. It is fun to perform and audiences always seem to enjoy it. Not being Canadian, until recently I had no idea how important and deeply embedded this song is in the hearts of people in Nova Scotia and The Maritimes. J.P.’s grounding gave me a new respect and humility I now bring to its singing. When J.P. suggested recording the song as a duet I jumped at the chance. We attempt to honor its meaning while giving it a bit of a different presentation. (Lyrics >>>)

Go In Peace — Sam Baker and Liz Rose (Sony/ATV Tree Publishing and Ole Cake Taker Music (BMI) 3:48

As I learned long ago, often the simplest, kindest expression is the most powerful. Thank you, Sam, for giving us such a simple and powerful song. (Lyrics >>>)