Advent--of Another Kind

Since there was probably no star shining over Chicago's Gravity Studios at 2am, we thought we'd announce it here--the baby is born! No, not that baby. And maybe it's reaching a little to compare the two. Still, we're proud to announce that the CD is finished! Doug McBride did the mastering with mixing engeneer James Auwarter and his assistant Miela giving valuable inputs. The first couple of reactions have been more than positive and although sudden peace on earth is probably not imminent, you can expect a good sound and rich stories that will hopefully make your corner of the world a tiny bit brighter. We'll keep you posted on availability, concerts and all that jazz.

On other fronts, Vienna with the Inspirational Singers was exactly that--inspirational. With good music, incredibly beautiful venues like Schonbrunn at Christmastime and the Viennese guildhall (pictured) it was a picture postcard perfect.

With that, we here at hedreich.com would like to wish you the best and brightest of holidays with hopes that the magic and miracle of a long ago birth will carry you through the season and on into a prosperous 2010. If we don't see you at the Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa, see you next year!

One Singer Under Many Groovy Hats

In addition to doing the endspurt boogie on her upcoming album, Hedreich has spent the month playing aunt, teacher, surrogate mom, godmom, drummer, nurse, as well as a host of other varied and interesting stuff. All that in a month having 3 vacation weeks! But the work is paying off. Fans will be glad to know that the sound coming out of Soundcheck studio is exceptional, a Hedreich you know but like you've heard her before. Hmmm, what does that mean? Welllll, buy the CD and find out! It's due out about the time the first snowdrops push up through last of the the mountain snow. Oh, and if you're in Basel on November 14th, stop by Tibiz. We're trying to do the gig again--this time without police intervention!

Great Glarus Gospel Extravaganza

And as the curtain fell at Leutschen, the Americans descended in Zürich for the great Glarus Gospel Extravaganza. The Inspirational Singers 10th year anniversary workshop was a complete success with a record 7 songs learned during the 8 hour workshop. Matthias Fritsche laid down the rhythm for Candace on Organ and “Unca D” on piano to perfectly accompany the more than 100 voices from the far reaches of Switzerland and Germany lifted in harmony.

The concert sound was glorious. With the powerpoint backdrop of choir days and workshops gone by and the return of Tabea Geissbühler-now Zingg also on piano, the evening’s concert was the perfect celebration of ten years of growth, togetherness and music. Afterwards, Gret Schnyder’s’s team put together THE ultimate after party where the specially created inspriti drinks and food gave the singers the chance to dance a bit or just to relax and let the day wash over them while listening to live sounds from Dominic Bertschen, Dave Bärtsch and friends.

Inspirational Singers - CD launch party

After 10 years of work and dedication, the Inspirational Singers will be kicking off this year of celebration with an official CD drop party. This is the first of a few planned events this year, including an international anniversary Gospel music workshop and concert featuring Candace West Lacy and E. Dwight Franklin on May 24th in Glarus. For registration info or to order a CD click here. If you’re interested in being a part of the 200+ voice choir, register early, spaces are limited.

Studio time with Gölä

While putting a polish and shine on the Inspirational Singers CD, Hedreich got the call that the planned January Gölä studio session would be moved up to October. So while mixing one CD Hedreich found herself simultaneously working on music for the new project due out in Spring, once again doing vocal arrangements and singing as well. Word has it that it is still Rock and Roll and it is in English.

All at once

Wasn’t there just something on here about singing on Italian beaches? And just where did the lazy days of summer go? Whitney Houston’s once popular “All At Once” describes perfectly the last 2 months. As school started with the usual pitter patter of toddler sensibilities walking in grown-up shoes (Ahhh Jr. High, ya gotta love it!), our Artist was busily working with the Inspirational Singers on their first CD, recorded live in front of a full house in late September. “It was an amazing performance, particularly considering the number of personnel changes the choir went through just before the recording!”

Ten years of inspiration

With next year being the 10th anniversary year of the Glarner inspirational Singers, the choir is busier than ever. Hedreich is working overtime as director and musical director putting the concept together. And after vocal classes and an all day workshop in addition to the regular rehearsal schedule, the singers will be ready to rock the house for the upcoming live recording session on September the 21st. The grand event takes place in historic Hänggiturm Ennenda and is open to the public.

Memory Lane

After a few choruses of “the hills are alive…” while vacationing in the Austrian mountains, Hedreich is turning her attention to arranging. The background vocals for the upcoming Gölä club tour as well as a couple of new pieces for the choir are in the works.

In commemoration of the death of Brenda Waters in March of 2005, Hedreich is arranging one of the beloved singer/songwriter’s compositions, “Absent from the Body”. When asked why she feels the need to re-arrange such a good arrangement, Hedreich replied, “Replacing my mom’s solo in that song is pretty impossible so I want to do the whole song, including verses, as a choir piece. At first I wasn’t so sure I could do the song at all without falling apart—it’s still so soon—but somehow I manage to swallow the lump in my throat and get through it. It’s such a beautiful song, it would be a shame to let it just sit on the shelf.”

Knie's Salto Natale

Whew, there’s a lot going on these days! The end of 2006 saw Hedreich wowing packed houses throughout Switzerland and celebrating Christmas in a big way under the big top in a dazzling appearance with her choir at Knie’s Salto Natale.