Lili McGovern: News/Journal

Come one, come all--please visit the honey V's new website:

http://honeyvs.com

Sign up on our mailing list and receive a FREE download of the honey V's theme song, "Valentine" today!

We got a double review from Cyrus Rhodes with a few tiny differences....Check it out at: The Muse's News: Issue 13.2 (May 2010)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hz1WY9_Wig

Just uploaded the title track of the CD, "In the Garden & Dancing" written for the late Dave Carter! Hope you enjoy!

http://www.indiemusicdigest.com/The Honey V's Review.html

A excerpt from a new review of "In the Garden & Dancing"  from Muse's Muse own Cyrus Rhodes:

"...All in all the CD has its moments, showcasing a lot of passion, spirituality, carefree subject matter, & deep wisdom. The vocal abilities of Reardon & McGovern are impressive. They clearly take their fair share of vocal risks on this production indicating strong & confident vocal abilities. As singers, the two compliment each other very well. From carefree pieces like “Dancing in Circles” & “Valentine” to songs possessing rich conventional wisdom like “Candy”, “What this Town Needs” & “In the Garden Dancing”, the CD offers a lot of musical variety. The CD has a few eccentric & funny moments to it, as well, like on “Vegetarian” and “Big Ample” with lyrical content that will have you rolling on the floor. The CD ends on a solitary note with “Any Way I Do”, a passionate end statement serving up deep spiritual persona and a passionate harmonic finale...

From start to finish "In the Garden & Dancing" is an impressive CD...Vocally, Reardon & McGovern, have proven themselves on this record. I tip my hat to the honey V's for letting it all hang our & just being themselves. These gals are clearly a lot of fun to hang out with and make no bones about it, this duo possesses a musical spirit that is genuine & priceless..."   

Off-time...Rained last night after a blistering hot 74 degree-day! Hallelujah, Spring has arrived none too soon. I was really getting worrried that she had lost her way. I've been mired in home health care for my mother who just had foot surgery. The foot is supposed to be elevated above her heart which entailed finding and delivering a "lift chair" that she could get in/out of easily. It's tough getting older, the body no longer obeying your commands while your spirit is still young and vigorous. I didn't think I had it in me but it's been a couple weeks of intense personal care that's proved more tiring than I could have guessed. No complaints,  as a patient, my mother is more patient and tolerant than anyone I know and, usually, she has a bright word and quick smile for me no matter the pain she is in. But, yesterday was the first day I didn't need to help her out of bed and last night was the first night I didn't have to leave the house at 11:00pm to help her in...It was disconcerting not having to go out--and I worry, of course. I just called her and she's doing fine. I'll go over and help out with cleaning, laundry, the plants, the fish and just keeping her company during this recovery period. No music right now, except for Tom McRae in the car and my ipod--I'm loving his new album, Alphabet of Hurricaines. It's been fun following his career through his music--he continues to push the envelope yet always keeps his signature style.

Lili --

For the first time in our nation's history, Congress has passed comprehensive health care reform. America waited a hundred years and fought for decades to reach this moment. Tonight, thanks to you, we are finally here.

Consider the staggering scope of what you have just accomplished:

Because of you, every American will finally be guaranteed high quality, affordable health care coverage.

Every American will be covered under the toughest patient protections in history. Arbitrary premium hikes, insurance cancellations, and discrimination against pre-existing conditions will now be gone forever.

And we'll finally start reducing the cost of care -- creating millions of jobs, preventing families and businesses from plunging into bankruptcy, and removing over a trillion dollars of debt from the backs of our children.

But the victory that matters most tonight goes beyond the laws and far past the numbers.

It is the peace of mind enjoyed by every American, no longer one injury or illness away from catastrophe.

It is the workers and entrepreneurs who are now freed to pursue their slice of the American dream without fear of losing coverage or facing a crippling bill.

And it is the immeasurable joy of families in every part of this great nation, living happier, healthier lives together because they can finally receive the vital care they need.

This is what change looks like.

My gratitude tonight is profound. I am thankful for those in past generations whose heroic efforts brought this great goal within reach for our times. I am thankful for the members of Congress whose months of effort and brave votes made it possible to take this final step. But most of all, I am thankful for you.

This day is not the end of this journey. Much hard work remains, and we have a solemn responsibility to do it right. But we can face that work together with the confidence of those who have moved mountains.

Our journey began three years ago, driven by a shared belief that fundamental change is indeed still possible. We have worked hard together every day since to deliver on that belief.

We have shared moments of tremendous hope, and we've faced setbacks and doubt. We have all been forced to ask if our politics had simply become too polarized and too short-sighted to meet the pressing challenges of our time. This struggle became a test of whether the American people could still rally together when the cause was right -- and actually create the change we believe in.

Tonight, thanks to your mighty efforts, the answer is indisputable: Yes we can.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

We finally have a honey V's Fan Page on Facebook...uploaded pics of CD Release and a couple of Videos...

Hope you can Join in the FUN!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-honey-Vs/353831957946?ref=search&sid=1196805981.1329389751..1

 

I hope ths works! If not, head on over to MullyRadio.com and vote for the honey V's song "Valentine"....

honey_V_Interview.mp3

Wow!

Last night's CD Release Party was a TOTAL Success!  When I looked out and saw every seat filled and 2 rows standing, I was completely overwhelmed. Thanks to all our neighbors, family and friends that came out to support us. It's such a wonderful feeling to have a  room full of friendly faces to share our music with. My favorite part was getting to visit with so many of you afterwards. It means a lot to me that you came out to support us!

When we arrived at The Amadeus Project, Tofer handed me a delivery notice...it turned out to be from Peggy Monaghan and Tom Brooks--a HUGE, ENOURMOUS vase of lovely, gorgeous and fragrant flowers. It was so unexpected and so, SO beautiful; A wonderful reminder of our relationship. Thank you both so much, it made the evening a success from the very beginning!

Thanks again to Tofer Wade who was soooo accomodating in every aspect. Thank you so much, Tofer! The acoustics in the Concert Hall are amazing--everyone said that we've never sounded so good and that was due largely to the beautiful environment you've created. Thanks for letting us into your welcoming space.

The other reason we sounded great (not my words) was due to the amazing sound engineer, Greg Otterholt, of Hook and Pan Productions who handled all the sound. Thank you so much, Greg!

Everything came together beautifully, including lots of volunteer help setting up and tearing down, greeting, emceeing, and collecting monies. Thank you so much Cile Stanbrough for all your help collecting monies and patiently guarding your post to the very end! Thank You to Laura & Joel Aosved for setting up and taking care of the outstanding spread provided courtesty of the Reardon's. Thank you Ray Ellyson for taking care of the lights and moving equipment. Thanks to Lori & Jodan Mattiesen for taking pics and helping out. Thanks to Beverly Ruiz for doing anything I asked and needed, including carrying aforementioned HUGE bouquet from the Greek Restaurant 1/2 block to the venue. Thanks to all who stayed and put away chairs, picked up confetti hearts and helped pack us up, Shauna & Barry Lovell, Lisa & Ron....

Thanks to Ryan Mulligan from www.MullyRadio.com for a wonderful introduction--you set the stage for the evening with your charm and grace.

Thanks to Beth Marsau from BIMA who video'd the whole night's performances with a smile on her face.

Of course, thanks to my husband, Todd, and Vicky's husband, Matt, who were there to tie up all the loose ends.

As for the musicians, words cannot express my gratitude that you chose to spend many evenings away from your comfy homes and families to bring our dreams to life. Steven Mills, it was so great to have you for a security blanket, not only backing us up on bass, guitar and piano but steering the ship straight and true. Thank you and I'm in the process of filling up our calendars- get ready!

Chris Glennon, you are an amazing drummer. No matter what we threw at you, and it was a lot, you caught it with a grin and kept on playing. What's a band without a drummer? We couldn't have done it without you....Thanks for the beautiful rose bouquets, too!

Thanks to Cathy Sturgeon, Vicky's identical twin sister, for filling-in with gorgeous harmonies, light banter and spot-on bass playing. Also thanks for your all-around support.

Thanks to Brenda Mills and Kari Glennon for letting us borrow your hubby's for so many nights...

It was our red carpet night and it was spectacular; Worth every hour we spent slaving over music & lyrics.

 

 

 

Ducks are in a row and everything's laid out for a spectacular party tonight! Got to the gym, painted my nails and laid out my clothes....wrote some Thank You notes--Just have to give a big hug to Tofer Wade, the proprieter of The Amadeus Project; He's been a joy to work with and the Concert Hall is such a beautiful listening room to be able to celebrate our CD Release Party at! Thanks so much, Tofer! Also, a shout out to Greg Otterholt, of Hook and Pan Productions, for coming through at the bottom of the ninth to take care of the sound--one less detail (a HUGE one) that Vicky & I have to worry about. Thank you so much, Greg! He is a consumate professional and a joy to work with--hire him if you need anything, especially a velvet, gorgeous male vocalist! He's going to join us on a tune, also!

the honey V's are being featured in an online radio interview, tomorrow, Sunday, March 7 at 4:00pm on www.mullyradio.com; Vicky & I had a great time chatting with Ryan Mulligan, the host. He's great at drawing at interesting stories. He's featuring local music on his online station, FREE to upload--what a service. It's been fun getting to check out  local talent right here in sunny Bellinhgam. You can replay the show for a whole week--check it out!

Just finished another rehearsal with the guys--definitely tightening things up. The sound system crashed so we had to improvise but better tonight than Saturday...Met with Ryan Mulligan from Mully Radio to re-do our interview. He's very meticulous and friendly and wonderful to be interviewed by. I wish him all the best in his new life in Bellingham.

Enrolled in SongU and pitched a song--All Good Things. Cross you toes! In the thick of things, time's become relative; Clothes change, the flowers are blooming but I'm in some kind of tunnel, heading towards the light, grabbing at things as they pass by and hanging on for the ride. Hoping for the best and burying my fears with action and practice.

Came home to find a package waiting for me on the desk, Tom McRae's new album, The Alphabet of Hurricaines, all the way from the UK. I can't wait to plug it in the car--it's such a great feeling of anticipation, a new CD...I can't wait. I've been listening to Will H. Johnson's new CD, Highway of Souls, and really enjoying it. I miss playing with him--he has such a beautiful voice and his songs are so naturally crafted, he makes it seem easy.  There's nothing easy about songwriting and performing--it's all hard work and practice, practice, practice, but it's so worth it when it all comes together for a perfect moment.

Totally Exciting!!! We've secured The Amadeus Project's Concert Hall for our CD Release--now you can all come! We've been in rehearsals with our amazing bass player/guitarist/violinist/vocalist, Steven Mills and fantastic drummer, Chris Glennon! We're having a blast! Hope you can make it!

Preparations are under way, rehearsals taking place, invites sent out, posters being distributed, and lots of chanting to keep everything running smoothly for the upcoming CD Release Party!

I've also been doing some pro bono recording work for an up-and-coming new artist, Beverly Ruiz, who deserves to be singing in front of millions. Her voice is sweet as an angel and powerful as a rushing river. I can't offer much more than my meager skills but it's a start and she's going to a have a demo to hand out. Watch for her on YouTube, soon! You will be delighted by her lovely voice.

Our first official review for "In the Garden & Dancing" Hooray!

"Full of emotion and unique storylines, honey V’s latest release separates them from the pack. Whether it’s their comical lyrics, stripped down acoustic tracks or vocal harmonies, the duo manages to keep the listener’s attention. While music may not be their full time focus, their passion is evident throughout In the Garden & Dancing." Annie Reuter, www.reviewyou.com/

Hope to see you there!

New Song Alert! I just finished a video for my new song, Rock the Era (Brand New Day) written for the Youth Division of the SGI-USA and their "Rock the Era" movement to engage youth from all over the United States in peaceful gatherings.
I hope this song gets shared all over the world!!!! Some songs have to be coaxed from their caves, some songs wait patiently for the door to open, but the holy grail of songs are those that arise spontaneously from the universal consciousness and travel through open portals swiftly...I have not written this song but captured it with my net at the precise moment of creation--it's a gift from the universe to all mankind. ENJOY!

Vicky Reardon & Lili McGovern are proud to announce the birth of their new baby, "In the Garden & Dancing" a CD filled with passion, promise & AWESOME songs! Some are co-written, some are solo creations but all the songs have been influenced and inspired by a deep & committed relationship between two vibrant, vivacious & voluptuous goddessess (V stands for Valentine!) We want to share our music with everyone--it's a wonderful romp in the garden with our muses, Athena & Calliope and we welcome you to join us there for an afternoon tea! We'd love to have your feedback so we can include it in our press kit--from your lips to our hearts.
XOXOXOXXOXO

Just dropped off the Mixed tracks for the honey V's new album off at Bayside Recording--I can't wait for the mastering to be completed so we can send off the our new batch of songs to be duplicated. Wow, it's almost like having a baby or 12 babies, that is--it takes quite a while incubating all the ideas, birthing the songs, then letting the experts take over to make the tots presentable and ready for you to enjoy!

Posted some new & old photos that make me all happy and nostalgic like the falling leaves...I get so sentimental at this time of year--it's easy to get too caught up in the memories...I especially miss Peggy, my vocal coach & mentor. We catch up through e-mail but it's never the same as being there, is it? I'm so grateful for all the wonderful friends I've been able to meet and spend time with on my musical journey. I look forward to meeting them & you all again and again, in lifetime after lifetime...NMRK

AAAAAaaagh! I saw my fave songwriting mentor not once but two times last week! Antje Duvekot played at the Green Frog Acoustic Tavern on a Thursday night, then again at a house concert in Seattle. Both gigs were enlightening. The bar allowed me to sit down and introduce myself and ask all my burning questions. I found her to be very sweet and modest. The house concert afforded the opportunity to actually HEAR the words to the songs and she played quite of few of her slower songs there, too, which I totally appreciated AND I got a couple of great videos to study finger positions to help me continue my studies at Antje University! Check her out if she's in your area--voice like an angel and songs that pack a whallop every time!

Each day is a struggle starting with the first realization that the bed no longer holds any comfort and I must rise despite my heavy aching limbs. Splash water on my face, brush my face, rub on a mask, paint on a smile, tug on the constricting armor that will protect me during the long day.
Pad down the stairs, the dog intent on punishing me, thumping the me then the wall with his tail. Dishes litter the sink and counter, lunch to be made, breakfast to be got, chanting to get me centered and the start of a million different decisions that will irrevocably change my life in ways I can't even begin to imagine.
Each day I struggle to plunge forward despite my cowardly, lazy nature and try to do my best. I'm easily sidetracked by illusions of connections, flattery, and any sort of praise that could possibly be captured in my small net that I inevitably throw wide and a bit off course. All around me, people are catching fish--they appear just like me, same clothes, same gear, same two eyes and nose and mouth...but they get different results.
How does it happen, I ask myself a million times? I must study more. I must learn more. I must try harder. I must pay attention. It can be learned. It can be discerned. Then I am floored once again by the sheer beauty and genius in their work, their creations, their lives. Can I ever attain that height? Even if I climbed a 1000 mountains the same as Mt. Everest would I be able to stand side-by-side?
I must continue the journey. I must continue to muster my courage, my breath, continue the non-ending diatribe of hope and faith and courage that I lack. If I continue I will be able to succeed. My mantra, "Never give up."

I played at the Fairhaven Martini Bar for the first time on Monday night at the "Women's Open Mic Night" hosted by Chuck Dingee (Thanks so much, Chuck!) I was stunned by the caliber of musicians that I shared the stage with! A few that stuck out for me: Misty Flowers, Cassidy Bloom, Cherish, Cherie Donovan and, of course, the featured act, Allison Preisinger, who is home from Berklee College of Music. All the ladies that played had gorgeous voices and were in total command of their guitars. I can't wait to connect with each one of them; I'm determined to create a community of women songwriters who are passionate about songwriting and would like to get together on a regular basis. Misty Flowers kindly invited me to play a couple songs at her gig at the Three Trees Coffeehouse on Friday night (8:00pm) and I really appreciate her spontaneous & generous offer. Thanks so much, Misty! I had a great time playing at the Three Trees Coffeehouse.

Running with my thoughts is like sliding down the snow on my butt (glissading)—a bit messy, surprisingly cold and extrememly easy once you get started. Gravity takes over. But there’s also a point where you have to let go and say Okay, I’ll let go, because if you don’t, there’s tension. Tension is bad. Tension stifles. Tension creates problems.
Running, puffing down the hill, not caring about the toll it’s taking. That’s the epitome of living. Doing something regardless of the consequences, at least in my mind. I hear the tinkling of the dog collar behind me, it must be dinner time. Uncanny how the dog’s internal clock is way better than mine.
Ohhhhh, Kristen Allen-Zito, she’s amazingly free. I never even think the things she sings so easily. That’s my fatal flaw as a songwriter. I think one has to be unafraid of words to freely express experience. It’s only in the uncensored re-telling of an experience that it can gain a life of its own, connecting with an individual on an honest level. I’m shooting for the stars, here, being able to express my innermost thoughts without getting struck by lightning.
Ah, relief, KT, she’s the bomb! Production, instruments, voice, words, she’s got it all and I’m so happy she’s supported by the universe and making it BIG! That’s all a writer can ask for, right? Having your endless hours of efforts payoff....FINALLY! Oftentimes, it takes decades. I found that out from Jenny Bruce? Who’s Jenny Bruce? She’s Kris, she’s KT, she’s me...the songwriter toiling hours and hours behind-the-scenes, living life the best she can, trying to make it in this world of too much. Too much stimulation, too much availibility, too much of everything. How can one tune in and tune out to grasp reality by the horns and wrestle it to the ground?! Pinning it there for 5 endless minutes. Or 5 seconds. It’s all the same in the collective consciousness that churns the mass experience in a huge vat, weighing the pros and cons, then discarding anything confusing, inexplicable, different? Yet, it’s the same differences that attract—it just has to be the right different at the perfect time. Timing, that’s the key. And oftentimes, timing has nothing to do with intrinsic value but it 'just happens' to coincide with universal consciousness.

I recently contacted Dayna Kurtz to express my deep appreciation for her work and what it's meant to me and she wrote me back! Thanks so much, Dayna, it made my day!