Greetings beloveds!

I’m so excited to share this album with you as my second musical offering. I love that feeling of listening and thinking ‘A year in the making, yes! We did it!’.

Title track, ‘We Begin’, was written for a ceremonial walk facilitated by Raelene Byrne, resembling the shape of the snake, representing the power of shedding the old and allowing our full potential to shine. This idea inspired the evolution of my music and the studio performances that followed… we sought to capture that brilliance and embody richness.

Left unsupervised, this album became like one of my famous birthday parties, with everyone grabbing an instrument and singing a line. Thank you so much to all the musicians and friends who contributed their musical magic and support! A huge thank you goes out to the cheerleaders and crowdfunders whose support was so instrumental in bringing this music to life! I wish you great enjoyment in the listening!

— Kate B xx

Special acknowledgement and gratitude goes…

To Andy for being so very good at what you do… I’m such a fan! You so beautifully walk the line between technical detail and sonic bliss! To Imogen & Lilybel, for welcoming me in to your home for another year of our lives! Miss you already! 

To Darren for your priceless vocal coaching, your wise words that never let me settle for mediocre and for holding up the mirror, inviting me to bring the best of what I’ve got to offer.

To Josh & Mark for your immeasurable support & friendship, your many hours of listening to the music, and to me, and for the tough love reality checks when I needed them! To Prem, Jethro & Sage for your years of unconditional support, musical friendship and love!

To my co-creators Brian & Haitch for writing with me… so great to embark on a creative project rooted deep in lifelong friendships!

To Matiu, Georgia, Elliott, Raj, Mark M, Nienke & Menaka, thank you for bringing your particular flavour of musical friendship and goodness to this project and to Gareth for bringing the string magic once again!

Buy the Album

Digital Download – Buy on BandCamp or Purchase a CD

Thanks to Maddie Howe for the beautiful artwork and Sara-Jayne Prince for amazing photography.

To the crowd funders who made this all possible, thank you SO MUCH!

Special thanks to my partner Ross, my biggest fan, who has quietly held space and offered financial support and encouragement in those moments when I needed it most.

Big thanks to Mum (Christina Eason) for throwing in the last generous contribution into the crowd fund that got me over line and for always believing in me…Thanks mum!

Production

Recording, engineering, mixing
 & production by award winning
 producer Andy Downer at A.D.STUDIO.  Arrangements by Andy and Kate. Lyrics & music by Kate Barzdo, excluding covers and traditional songs.

Additional recordings at Kate’s home studio. Extra vocals were recorded on the Yama Nui Recording Studio with Paulie B and She’ll Be Right Studios with Mark Hennessy. Mastering by award winning William Bowden @ King Willy Sound.

Writing credits to Haitch for co-writing ‘Jewel in the Lotus’, Brian Martin for co-writing ‘We Begin’, and melody contributions for ‘Aum Gaia’. Authors acknowledgement to Peter Makena on ‘Magnificence’ and Daphne Tse for extra lyrics. ‘The Parting Glass’ and ‘Fire Feather’ are both traditional with authors unknown.

There were 16 of us in this musical party all up. A huge thanks you all, for helping to shape it into the magic that is is!

Kate B — Celtic Harp, 6-String Guitar, Ukulele, Lead & Backing Vocals, Shakers and Cajon. Kate plays a Maton SRS808 guitar, Mini Maton Diesel 12 String, Kala Concert Ukulele, Denwar Celtic 27 string Therapy Harp, Koshi Chimes and Cajon.

Andy D — Drum programming, Synthesiser & Bass playing; Piano on ‘Aum Gaia’, ‘Grateful Heart’, ‘Jewel in the Lotus’, ‘The Parting Glass’ & ‘Magnificence’; Backing Vocals on ‘Grateful Heart’ & ‘Traa dy Liooar’.

Co-authors:

Haitch – Co–author, Suling & Vocals on ‘Jewel in the Lotus’, Native American Drone Flute & Didge on ‘Fire Feather’, Didge on ‘Aum Gaia’.
Brian Martin – Co-author, Piano & Vocals on ‘We Begin’, Piano & Vocals on ‘Womb to Tomb’ & Vocals on ‘Traa dy Lioor’. Melody contributions for ‘Aum Gaia’.

Guest artists:

Darren Percival – Lead vocals on ‘The Parting Glass’ plus backing vocals on ‘Grateful Heart’ & ‘Magnificence’
Matiu Te Huki – Lead vocals on ‘Fire Feather’
Menaka Thomas – Backing vocals and improv vocals on ‘Jewel in the Lotus’
Gareth Mewes – Violin on ‘Aum Gaia’, ‘Magnificence’, ‘Traa dy Lioor’ & ‘We Begin’
Jethro Williams – Bansuri Flute & Guitar on ‘Grateful Heart’
Sage Andreasen – Backing vocals on ‘Traa dy Lioor’ & ‘Womb to Tomb’ and improv & backing vocals on ‘Aum Gaia’
Imogen Wolf – Backing Vocals on ‘Grateful Heart’ & ‘Traa dy Liooar’
Georgia Shine – Cello on ‘The Parting Glass’
Nienke Berghuis – Backing vocals on ‘Aum Gaia’
Mark Moroney – Backing vocals on ‘Grateful Heart’ & ‘Magnificence’
Pandit Raj – Esraj on ‘Jewel in the Lotus’
Elliott Orr – Calabash on ‘Womb to Tomb’

Inspiration & Lyrics

Womb to Tomb

Inspired by a documentary with David Suzuki talking about how we share the same atoms of Argon in our breath that the dinosaurs breathed in. We share it with those around us…

“Your next breath will contain more than 400,000 of the argon atoms that Ghandi breathed in his long life. Argon atoms are here from the conversations at the Last Supper, from the arguments of diplomats at Yalta, and from the recitations of the classic poets; and also from the exhalations of the dinosaurs, the whales and the sabre-toothed tigers.

Air is a matrix that joins all life together, past and future as well as present. We inhale our ancestors and exhale into the lungs of our children. Furthermore, by befouling the air – and the water, and the earth – we very literally befoul ourselves.” David Suzuki

We are connected by breath. We are bound to each other and all of our actions affect others and birth our future.

Lyrics

One thing that I know for sure
We are all in this together
Like a drop in the ocean, or a strand in the web
Our lives are connected forever

From womb to tomb we are connected by breath
We are bound to each other
From womb to tomb we are connected by breath
We are wrapped up in love

One act of kindness goes far beyond
The place where it touches
Like invisible threads of community
A ripple moving outwards

What if together we were to choose,
The shape of things to come
And in all that we say and it all that we do
We remember we are one

We’d be building a bridge into our future
We’d be building a doorway to our heart

Credits

from We Begin, released May 30, 2019
Kate B – Guitar & Vocals;
Andy Downer – Bass Playing & Drum Programming;
Brian Martin – Piano & Backing Vocals;
Sage Andreasen – Backing Vocals;
Elliott Orr – Calabash.

Traa dy Liooar

Years ago I spent 6 months on the Isle of Man. In the middle of the Irish sea, between England and Ireland, it’s a true microcosm of the British Isles.

The Manx language has died off the culture a little, not like Wales or Ireland where it is still very much used. So they are undertaking the task of reviving the language.

One of the the common phrases still used by the locals is Traa dy Liooar. It means ‘time enough’. Essentially it means to chill out, take it easy, dont’ rush.

A good reminder for us all. Especially me. Enjoy with slow breaths.

Lyrics: 

There’s no present like the time
And time is all we have to give
Why the hurry? Slow it on down,
And we might find a new way to live

Traa dy Lioor, Traa dy Lioor,
There is time, there is time enough
Traa dy Lioor, Traa dy Lioor
There is time enough

Take the time to let the path unravel
Feel the earth and follow your feet
Cos we all know when we take the path less travelled
Life can be so very sweet

Like a pebble in a pond, expanding infinitely
The moments we touch shape our way
And if we could cross time to meet ourselves
What is it that we’d say?
What is it that we’d say?

Credits:
Kate B – Ukulele & Vocals;
Andy Downer – Bass Playing, Backing Vocals & Drum Programming;
Gareth Mewes – Violin;
Brian Martin, Sage Andreasen & Imogen Wolf – Backing Vocals.

Aum Gaia

Gaia is the name of the ancient Greek goddess of the Earth. In the ancient civilizations, she was revered as mother, nurturer and giver of life.

From Gaia.com: “Far beyond the mythological Gaia, the name has come to represent an all-loving, nurturing and intelligent cosmic force which oversees life on earth.

The goddess traditions have worked tirelessly to resurrect the ancient teachings of the Great Mother and ensure her presence as a force of love on the planet.

More than saving the planet or participating in Earth Day celebrations, we can treat every day like a ceremony. To be in a sincere connected relationship with Gaia, we must acknowledge her sundry gifts and be open to receive her wisdom.”

This song pays homage to her in all her elements.

Lyrics: 

Water of life , cleanse my soul
Fire burn in me, all that is old
Mother Earth hold me close, together standing strong
Air, breathe into me, as I sing my song

Aum Gaia
Aum Gaia Ma
Aum Gaia Ma

We drink of the water, one and the same
We dance together into the fire and flame
Feet on the earth and here we remain
As we breathe together, calling her name
(calling her name)

Credits
Kate B – Six String Guitar & Vocals;
Andy Downer – Piano + Bass Playing and Drum Programming;
Gareth Mewes – Violin;
Haitch – Didgeridoo;
Sage Andreasen & Nienke Berghuis – Backing Vocals.

Grateful Heart

A reflection of how the practice of gratitude can lift us out of our suffering. We start to notice what is around us that we have to be grateful for, we notice less what is causing us suffering. But we also welcome the challenges which bring growth and learning.

The sanskrit chant, lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu, translates to ‘may all the beings in all the worlds be happy and free from suffering’.

A freedom which perhaps the practice of gratitude can facilitate?

Lyrics: 

Sunrise like diamonds, across the ocean blue
What is it that this day will bring?
Morning birdsong offers up it’s symphony
Now’s my time to sing

My grateful heart
My grateful heart
My grateful heart
Remember my grateful heart

Sunset through the trees, glittering in gold
And the stars kiss the sun away
Hands joined at the heart, I remember
The beauty of today

At the dawn of the day, all our fears melt away
We welcome all, come what may
At the end of the day, we give thanks and pray
For all the blessings that have come our way

Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu

Credits
Kate B – Celtic Harp, Cajon & Vocals;
Andy Downer – Piano + Bass Playing, Backing Vocals and Drum Programming;
Jethro Williams – Bansuri Flute & Guitar;
Imogen Wolf, Darren Percival & Mark Moroney – Backing Vocals.

Jewel in the Lotus

This beautiful chant was written with my dear friend Haitch, after many years of sharing devotional chants together. A traditional mantra from many traditions, but most popular in Tibetan Buddhism.

The first word Aum/Om is a sacred syllable found in Indian religions, the ‘creation mantra’. The word Mani means “jewel” or “bead”. Padme is the “lotus flower” (the Buddhist sacred flower), and Hum represents the spirit of enlightenment.

Lyrics: 

There is a jewel, in the lotus flower
Unfolding deep, deep within my soul

To be a jewel, in the lotus flower
Unfolding is, the highest goal

Hare Om Mani Padme Hum
Hare Om Mani Padme Hum

Credits
Kate B – Celtic Harp & Vocals;
Haitch – Co-Author, Suling Flute & Vocals;
Andy Downer – Piano & Bass Playing and Drum Programming;
Menaka Thomas – Vocals;
Pandit Raj – Esraj.

Fire Feather

The origins and author of the ‘Fire Feather’ part are unknown, assumed somewhere in North America. My search has yet to uncover who wrote it, so my prayer of thanks goes out to you, whoever you are! Masculine & Feminine introducing themselves to each other and celebrating their individual beauty.

Matiu Te Huki agreed to sing on this track and what a beautiful vibe he brings! He recorded from his home in Aotearoa and I offered for him to do whatever he was inspired to the ‘space’ that was left for him. Hence the Maori chant which the translation is:

“It is with feathers that the bird flies, the spirit bird, here we give high praise to the ancestors!”

The Kuate chant is what is commonly referred to as a ‘rainbow song’, traditionally sung at gatherings around the fire all over the world. I learnt this from my cousin Ryan, when he was about 6 and I was 18. He was at the Ananda Marga School in Lismore and we used to sing it in the car on the way to school.

The chant is said to be a Lakota vision quest song but I’m not one hundred percent certain on the origins. The English lyric, ‘we are one with the infinite sun’, I have always heard with this chant, but doesn’t seem to be a direct translation. That looks  more

Lyrics: 

Fire Feather is my spirit name
I love the sun and trees
I danced upon the sacred mountain
And I witnessed all eternity

Silent Water is my spirit name
I love the moon and sea
I swam with creatures of the great ocean
They whispered joy and love to me

Ah Ah Ah Ah…

Ma te huruhuru ka rere te manu,
te manu wairua e,
nei ra te mihi maioha ki nga tipuna e,

Kuate leño leño maote
Hayano hayano hayano

We are one with the infinite sun
Forever and ever and ever
We are one with the infinite sun
Forever and ever and ever

Ah Ah Ah Ah…

Fire Feather is my spirit name is my spirit name
I love the sun and trees
I danced upon the sacred mountain
And I witnessed all eternity

Silent Water is my spirit name
I love the moon and sea
I swam with creatures of the great ocean
They whispered joy and love to me

Credits:
Kate B – 12 String Guitar, Medicine Drum & Vocals;
Andy Downer – Piano & Bass Playing & Drum Programming;
Matiu Te Huki – Vocals;
Haitch – Native American Drone Flute & Didgeridoo.

We Begin

Title track co-written with Brian Martin, ‘We Begin’ was offered for a ceremonial walk facilitated by Raelene Byrne on On 12-12-2017, resembling the shape of the snake, representing the power of shedding the old and allowing our full potential to shine.

When Raelene described the event to me I said, ‘I’ll write you a song for it’. It’s a powerful intention and so much in my life changed from that point forward! This idea inspired the evolution of my music and the studio performances that followed and we sought to capture that brilliance and embody richness.

Brian and I have been playing together for many years and this is the first song we have written together. I brought the lyrics and kept my music sketch aside, while I invited Brian to find his own melody and feel. The end result is what happened when we brought our ideas together. The song was finished in about an hour!

Lyrics:

Peeling away , the layers of the old
we are reborn anew
thoughts and reflections, moving from fear to joy F Eb
we are moving through

We are born, and born again,
We die and are reborn my friend
Shedding our skin, reveal the light within
Stepping through we begin

With death and rebirth, we create our new earth
Carrying our hopes and our dreams
From doubt and confusion, we move through the illusion
What is it that we gleam?

In this moment, we let go
In this moment, let it flow

Om naamha shivaya
Shiva om namaha

Credits
Kate B – Celtic Harp & Vocals;
Brian Martin – Co-Author, Piano & Vocals;
Andy Downer – Bass Playing & Drum Programming;
Gareth Mewes – Violin.

The Parting Glass

This is a traditional farewell song, said to precede Auld Lang Syne, with origins in Scotland in the 17th Century. The “parting glass”, or “stirrup cup”, or “coupe d’etrier” was the final hospitality offered to a departing guest. Once they had mounted, they were presented one final drink to fortify them for their travels. The custom was practised in Saxony and in several continental countries.

I learnt this song as an instrumental on the harp as a teenager and was delighted to find not only that it had lyrics but they were so profound.

It’s always a little daunting putting down a song that so many before you have recorded. It’s generally sung a little faster, but I was so inspired by the slow ballad version Vince Jones recorded a few years back and wondered how it would be with harp in that slow pace. I invited Darren Percival to sing with me and the result… well, you decide!

Lyrics: 

Of all the money, e’er I had, I spent it in good company
And of all the harm e’er I’ve done, alas was to none but me
And all I’ve done for want of wit, to memory now I can’t recall
So fill me to your parting glass
Goodnight and joy be to you all

If I had money enough to spend and leisure time to sit awhile
There is a fair maid in this town that surely has my heart beguiled
Her rosey cheeks and ruby lips, I own she has my heart enthralled
So fill me to this parting glass
Goodnight and joy be to you all

Of all the comrades e’er I had, they are sorry for my going away
And of all the sweethearts e’er I had, they wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot, that I should rise and you should not
I’ll gently rise and softly call
Goodnight and joy be to you all

Credits
Kate B – Celtic Harp & Vocals;
Andy Downer – Piano & Bass Playing & Drum Programming;
Darren Percival – Vocals;
Georgia Shine – Cello.

Magnificence

A chant by Peter Makena based on Pachabels Canon and a 15th century poem by Kabir. This song has been made popular by the beautiful rendition from Deva Premal & Miten. The bridge of this song has lyrics by the lovely Daphne Tse.

I have played this for years on the harp, so was inspired to create my own version. I play it a lot faster than this usually, but after Andy put down the beautiful piano piece ‘as an idea’ at the beginning, it was so beautiful I said, “hey, don’t touch it!”. I recorded the harp at home again, at half the speed and this version was born. Add some violin and beautiful choral vocals and we’re there.

Slow, meditative, melodic. Enjoy!

Lyrics: 

There is so much magnificence
Near the ocean
Waves are coming in

x 2-3

Hallelujah, hallelujah x 2

Love to all, joy to all,
Peace to all, om shanti

Credits:
Kate B – Celtic Harp & Vocals;
Andy Downer – Piano & Bass Playing & Drum Programming;
Gareth Mewes – Violin;
Imogen Wolf, Darren Percival & Mark Moroney – Backing Vocals.