Winnie The Pooh Soundtrack

Dear Carly...
I am a long-time fan of you and your music (as well as an erstwhile musician myself...)
I was recently treated to some "new" stuff while watching a Winnie the Pooh video with my daughter... Your "cover" of the Pooh song is so beautiful... so loving...such an understated joy that it actually moved me to tears (the good kind!)... Will you be putting out a cd of music from "Piglet's BIG Movie"? Much love, Bob Barry - Atlanta, GA

Oh yes, oh yes. Plenty of music to come. Piglet's Big movie is just terrific. I saw it whole for the first time this weekend. It will be out in April. I sing on many of the tracks and probably all the tracks on the record which will likely be released around the same time. Love Carly - 10/31/02

Mona Carly

Hi Carly...

I just reshelved my torn and tattered copy of "No Secrets" after staring at it for some time...something I admit I've done periodically since I was about six. But seriously, I am a painter and as I put the album away I couldn't help but wonder...have you ever been painted?

Thanks for the music, Brant - New York

I don't sit well. I have been painted a few times. Some times very successfully and others....
Well, it just goes to show. My friend, Alan Whiting, a brilliant painter who is located on the VIneyard, has done sketches and paintings of me. It might be something to have a go at again some day. Love, Carly 10/28/02

Christmas Memories

Happy Season Carly!

Thank you so much for putting out a Christmas CD. I can't wait! I have been an admirer of your work for 30 years and this feels like such a gift! I have pre-ordered it and since I am a Christmas music nut anyways will start playing it when it arrives.

One of my dearest memories and happiest memories of Christmas are often the simplest. One that is at the top is standing next to my father while he would sing "Silent Night". What is one of your favorite Christmas memories?

If you want to throw in another answer. What was one of your all time favorite Christmas presents? Love, Susie Stangland - Auburn, CA

Susie, you'll be glad to know "Silent Night" is on the album. Sung by me and Ben.

My favorite memories of Christmas are of my mother wrapping presents and not allowing me to come into the room while she was doing so and me hovering about outside the door trying to listen to the heft of the package she was maneuvering on the wrapping table. It was all so 'anticipatory' the excitement.

Then of course, I always hoped it would snow. Rarely did it, but when it did, there was increased merriment by leaps and bounds did it increase.

I hope you like the album. People have reassured me it's good. I haven't a clue, as I made it so fast and then was responsible for most of the jobs that I usually share with the producer (like mastering) because Don Was wasn't. He was off in the more glamourous world of the Rolling Stones. He was still great though, when he was there and I could NOT have even begun to take on the project without him.

Love, Carly 10/25/02

Vocal Challenges

Dear Carly, As a longtime fan of music, I've always been in awe of your vocal talent. There is no possible way for me to imagine what it must be like to be able to open my mouth and have something that wonderful come out.

So I wonder if it's the same for you - has there ever been a time where you were vocally "challenged" like most of us in the world? Or has your talent just always been there? Looking forward to the new Christmas album! Melody Vaughn - NYC

Yes, I am vocally challenged much of the time. Overwork, allergies, but mainly, well, mainly it's both of those things. Strangely, when I haven't been singing for a long time, I actually sing better when I start again, although I only have the stamina for about half of one song!! Love Carly 10/10/02

Favorite TV Show

Hi Carly,
The following is offered as the definitive test of the old adage that there is no such thing as a stupid question. What is your favorite television show and why (ladeedahdeedahdah)?
Dale Young - Munster, IN

There is no close second really, "The Sopranos". Not very original, but trying to be 'original' is a sign of immaturity! Love Carly - 10/6/02

Never Been Gone

Dear Carly,

For many years I have listened to and adored your music. Having grown up in Hingham, MA. and frequenting the Vineyard and particularly West Tisbury for so many years you are like a local. I was wondering what inspired you to write "Never Been Gone". All I can think of is the boat ride over to the Island and anytime being on the water at night. What a great song from a beautiful person. Sincerely
Captain John - Nanuet, New York

Oh Captain, my captain John,

Yes, of course it was that boat trip. You may recognize the chords to the song as a vaguely bastardized version of Greensleeves. Try to sing Greensleeves over it and you may do very well! May have to alter one or two notes, but that's what makes stealing so much fun! Nor do we call it stealing in this business. You can write a whole song based on chords from another song so long as the melody over which they are written has it's own integrity. You just don't want to end up with a "My Sweet Lord".

My friend, Jake Brackman, wrote the lyrics to "Never Been Gone" so I can't take credit there. In fact, not being able to take credit on the chords either, I feel as If I have no other recourse but to kill myself, or get out of the business. I think in that order, right? Love Carly 10/4/02