Michael Gaither

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Nancy Cassidy is no stranger to the “Songs and Stories” podcast. She first dropped in back in episode #125 to talk about her wonderful “Song of Joy” release, then returned in episode #164 to discuss – and play songs from – the “Memphis” and “Heart of a Song” records. This time out, we met up at her Idaho home (where we gathered with a few fellow songwriters to, well, write for a week) and took time to talk about her latest release, “River’s Rising”.

This one is a slight departure from previous CDs. Produced by southern California guitar whiz and producer Ed Tree, “River’s Rising” is a metaphorical journey through the world we now live in, with songs heavily influenced by the time Nancy spends in Idaho (facing a formidable river that did indeed literally “rise” to a too-close-to-home level in the recent past.) The album features tunes that suggest we already have enough (“One Star,” which we discussed in this interview – the CD track precedes the interview) and that we’re right where we should be, as in “You’re Perfect,” the album’s closing track that Nancy plays live in this episode.

Besides being an amazingly prolific songwriter, Nancy spends a LOT of time supporting other artists through song circles in her bay area home, hosting the occasional house concert and giving songwriters a place to work on their craft. We talked about the new songs that came into the world on this particular Idaho trip, as well as Nancy’s plans for a series of bay area release parties for the “River’s Rising” release. Locally, she’ll be at Jansen Music in Aptos CA on Monday, September 10th, accompanied by producer Ed Tree and John Roy Zat. For reservations, email Nancy at nancycassidymusic@gmail.com. You can order “River’s Rising” and find out about her other concerts at nancycassidymusic.com.