Mimi Fariña : Solo - Philo Records 1102 - cover photo by Russ Kendall, design by Susan Marsh
The only one of her two solo recordings ever made available on CD in the US
Her voice sounds less wavering and vulnerable than it does on any early recordings, but it is just as emotive and evocative. A few of the songs on the album had been sung by Joan Baez, but Mimi’s own rendering of her own lyrics gives them a new power; after being the wife, sister, and duet-partner of many other creative titans, she had the chance to sing by herself. This creative independence could be overstated, though. Despite her lyrical brilliance, many of the songs on the album are not hers – and others are tracks she sang on Memories. But this does not really matter: by the time Solo was released, Mimi had moved beyond the world of professional jealousies and touring squabbles. The album is more a record of her career and life – with its many different, overlapping partners, styles, and lovers – than it is a cohesive creative output.
"The songs on this album reflect different periods of my life and continue a journey begun somewhere in the merry-go-round world of the Sixties. Since then, friends have come and gone and some of my new material is dedicated to them. Although I write and perform songs, I've discovered another way to use music too. I founded a non-profit organization, Bread & Roses, to bring free, live entertainment to people isolated or confined in institutions. For over a decade we have presented an average of 40 shows monthly in local convalescent homes, substance abuse centers, foundations for the develop mentally disabled and juvenile and adult psychiatric and correctional facilities. These audiences enjoy shows, from classical music to comedy acts, rock 'n roll to poetry and much more, all the performers generously donate their time and talent.
Bread & Roses is my way of interacting with people, but the intent of my soungs is to touch the poet within us. I believe life itself is created in music and songs are a real language.
To sing is to speak from the heart and to listen is to love."
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Side one
Best of Friends
I was lonely performing in snowy Boulder, Colorado, attempting a new carrer move without my singing partner, Tom Jans. On a sleepless night I sat bolt upright in bed at 3:00A.M. in the Bolderado Hotel and wrote this song that I now dedicate to Tom's memory, regretfully.
Big Party
When my big sister Joan escorted her celebrated husband David from Safford Prison, where he'd served two years as a war resister, back to San Francisco, it hit all the local papers. With much pride I'd cut out the articles and was scotch-taping them to the kitchen cupboards when this songs occurred to me. Joanie has always been a major influence in my life and this song is just one of the many things I have to thank her for having inspired.
Mary Call
...is the only song I've ever written on request. The producers of a movie called "Where The Lilies Bloom" were searching for a title song. At the screening of the movie I was so taken by a young actress who portrayed one of the lead characters that I wrote this song for her. Her natural talent was untrained but she carred the movie. I prayed that Hollywood would not interest her. They didn't use my song and I can't help but feel that that's how it was supposed to be.
Walk Me 'Round Your Garden
I used to "appear on the bill" in Minneapolis with singer/songwriter/guitarist Michael Johnson. In the freezig winter his music would melt the snow and make a funy club date bearable.
I learned this Dick Pinney song from one of Michael's albums.
If my Eyes Were Blind
After Rounder Records and I had agreed to make this album, they sent me a vast number of songs to consider. I chose this one because it speaks about emotions that are a part of me.
Side two
Old Woman
I had just returned from an East Coast tour and, in the early San Francisco morning, stepped out on my balcony where a mild fog was drifting in from the Bay. As I sleepy began to clean house, I stood gazing at the dust particles as they found their way in the mist. That's where this song began, The chorus waited two years before it finally came to me as Tassajara Hot Springs where only the sound of a rushing stream broke a week of silence.
Deep Feelings
In 1972, on the road in Toronto, I was snowd in for two days in my hotel room. It was there that I wrote this song for the VietNam veterans who were the "prey of a foul command" and who now must try to survive at home, in hospitals, in prisons and in any way possible.
How Can We Hang On To A Dream
Tim Hardin was one of those creative personalities who never ever stopped getting in his own way. He's gone now, but his songs still live. They are simple and beautifully crafted. I hope he has found some peace at last.
Disappointed Again
Sometimes a song is remembered for its rhythm and sound and not for the sentiment it expresses. Rejection is a miserable state of affairs and this song I wrote should be remembered for its melody rather than its complaint.
Quiet Joys of Brotherhood
Dick Fariña had a way of plagiarizing that was not only bold, but also endearingly forgivable. This beautiful song from Ireland is given new life through Dick's haunting poetry.
Companies
Distributed By – Rounder Records
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Rounder Records Corp.
Credits
Banjo [Tenor Banjo], Mandolin – Mick Moloney
Bass – Mark Egan
Guitar, Mandocello – John Nagy
Piano – Jeff Lass
Pipe [Irish Pipes], Bodhrán – Chris Able
Viola – Christopher Voelker
Violin – Robin Batteau
Vocals, Guitar – Mimi Fariña*
Vocals, Guitar, Banjo, Synthesizer [Dx7 Synthesizer] – Banana (5)
A1. Best Of Friends
Written-By – Mimi Fariña*
Written-By – Mimi Fariña* 2:50
A2. Big Party
Lyrics By – Mimi Fariña*
Music By – Lowell Levinger
Lyrics By – Mimi Fariña*
Music By – Lowell Levinger 2:45
B2. Deep Feelings
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