Monday, June 14, 2010

A Giveaway . . . Just Because!

Some songwriters just hit you where you live.  Mary Gauthier (pronounced go-SHAY) is one of those songwriters.  With a voice at once edgy and sweet, and lyrics that flow through your veins like a shot of whiskey, Gauthier crafts and performs songs that leave you reeling.  If you like Americana and roots music, Mary is your gal.  Think the lilting rhymes of Johhny Cash, the heart of Lucinda Williams, and a little of the darkness of Tom Waits, and you start to get a sense of her work, although she is definitely an American original.

Her newest album, The Foundling, tells the story of her search for her birthmother.  In Gauthier's own words from her website:

I was born to an unwed mother in 1962 and subsequently surrendered to St. Vincents Women and Infants Asylum on Magazine Street in New Orleans, where I spent my first year.  I was adopted shortly thereafter but left my adopted family at fifteen.  I wandered for years, looking for, but never quite finding a place that felt like home.  I searched for, found, and was denied a meeting with my birth mother when I was 45 years old.  She couldn't afford to reopen the wound she'd carried her whole life, the wound of surrendering a baby.  The Foundling is my story.  

If you would like to be entered in the giveaway for a chance to win a copy of this remarkable album, simply leave a comment on this post by Thursday, June 17 at noon EST.

The Foundling can be purchased here.

Click here to watch some of Gauthier's videos.

Mary Gauthier will be playing in Cambridge, Massachusetts, 
on Tuesday, June 15 at Club Passim!

Thanks so much for visiting!  xo Gigi

24 comments:

  1. Gigi, I can't believe I didn't know about her! She sounds RIGHT up my alley, and if she's playing at Passim I know she must be incredible. (I always ordered the butternut squash pizza...Dinner for Charlie, I think it's called). What a story, what a concept for an album, and what a generous giveaway. Sign me up!

    Thanks for the sweet comments about the wedding pics. It was a magical day on my parents' farm!

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  2. She sounds amazing - what an incredible story that I'm sure is translated into song in a beautiful way.

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  3. I first saw Mary Gauthier a couple of years ago at the Deep Roots Festival in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. She was amazing. We bought two of her CD's and play them over and over. Her past was dark and troubled and it is reflected in her music. I heard that she released another CD but haven't purchased it yet. I would love to be considered for the give away.

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  4. She sounds amazing...count me in! I would love to listen to her story via her music...Have a beautiful day, Gigi! xxoo :)

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  5. Her story brings tears to my eyes. I have not heard of her before. Thank you for the introduction, Gigi.

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  6. I would love a chance! Thanks :)

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  7. Thank you, this a sweet, kind offer. And I like that you gave us her background too.

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  8. always good to find new favourites

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  9. I always love to hear about someone who's made extraordinary art, especially musicians. Why is it, I wonder, that such great art often comes from someone who has suffered greatly?

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  10. What a heart wrenching story. I love Johnny, Lucinda and Tom so I'm sure I'll love Mary as well. I'm going to check out her videos.

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  11. this sounds so very lovely and beautifully woven.

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  12. I'm always interested in finding new music and her story sounds so interesting. Have you signed up for the giveaway on my blog?

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  13. This is so lovely of you, Gigi! And I'm among the now better informed, as I didn't know about Mary before. I enjoy reading about her and clips of her music-WOW! I will be needing to take an unexpected break for a few days, so may be slow to be around. I will post about it tomorrow. Happy Week :o) ((HUGS))

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  14. I just listened to a few of the music videos...Lovely...and they do remind me of Lucinda Williams, one of my favorite singer songwriters. Thank you for introducing me to her!

    Now I have to go find out if my daughter living in Cambridge has been to Club Passin yet...

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  15. we just have no idea what path we are meant to take in this world ...
    who we are to love ... who is to love us ...
    it hurts to hear mary's story ... a lot ...
    it is like her pain is what has brought forth her gift ...
    perhaps she was meant to be 'everyone's' daughter ...
    to be loved by so many ...

    thank you SO much for introducing me to this remarkable artist ...
    she also reminds me of john prine and fred eaglesmith ...
    soulful, storytelling musician masters ...

    such a gem! thank you ~ i would be honoured to be entered in your draw ~ you sweet, kind soul you ... xoxo

    definitely seeking out more of her recordings as well!

    mwah ~
    prairiegirl

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  16. I just happened upon your GREAT blog! what an interesting giveway. deep meaning behind the artist's lyrics I am sure- would love to enter your giveaway,thanks,
    Karen

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  17. Gigi ~

    Her story alone is inspiring, so I cannot wait to hear her music and concentrate upon her lyrics. Again, we never know the path one has taken to reach their destination...
    Bisous,
    Melissa

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  18. I'm so happy that she found music to give her peace of mind and strength. What a story! Can't wait to her her sing. I'll check out youtube.

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  19. Oh with that kind of description I am hooked already(am a fan of all the artists you mentioned) and with such a life story.

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  20. Would love the chance to read this! Thanks for the opportunity.

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  21. Oh my gosh! If I don't win it, I think I'll have to buy it. Wow! Thanks so much for introducing me.

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  22. Oooh! I've heard of her but not familiar with her music. Off to have a listen now. Thank you!

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  23. Hi Gigi

    Thank you so much for visiting my blog and for your kind comment - it means so much to me :-)

    What a lovely blog you have and what an amazing giveaway!!!!

    And yes Kim is wonderful...such an inspiration!!

    Have an amazing day.

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