The last time I wrote I was still going through my cancer treatments. This new recording is my first album since regaining my health and strength. A year ago I began research for my latest recording with a sabbatical in Ireland. While there, I did a lot of traveling, a lot of listening and a lot of talking. My recording, Anam Cara, is a result of these experiences.
Why did I choose "Anam Cara" for the title? In the Celtic tradition, there is a beautiful understanding of love and friendship. "Anam" is the word for soul and "cara" means friend. Anam cara translates to "soul friend." In the early Celtic church, a person who acted as a teacher, companion, or spiritual guide was called an anam cara. Wherever I went in Ireland, I was met with great hospitality. I saw how the Irish tried to find a connection with people they met. I believe this was a manifestation of anam cara, that helps us discover our common bonds and sense of belonging.