FIONA JOY HAWKINS, Moving Through Worlds by Jonathan Widran:
Sometimes reaching for the perfect adjective to capture the impact of a personally soul transporting album can be tricky, so often the term “epic” is a convenient go to that can later, when compared to other even more meaningful works, be reconsidered as in the moment, overstated enthusiasm.
Yet, as in the case of Fiona Joy Hawkins’ latest collection Moving Through Worlds, there are glorious exceptions where it’s not hyperbole in any sense and fits today, tomorrow and for all…let’s just say I can’t imagine there ever being a time in the future when listening to this deeply personal, socially conscious, stylistically expansive 14-track musical narrative would grip me any less than it does today, in the midst of world gone mad 2020.
Produced by Will Ackerman and Tom Eaton, it’s expansive and sweeping in scope, a thoughtful and reflective, introspective and poetic soundtrack to the pianist/composer’s life – and the perfect cap to her remarkable 15 years as a world-renowned new age artist whose discography includes multiple solo works as Fiona Joy and two with the popular genre supergroup FLOW.
By her own admission, it covers 44 years in time, from the two meditative “Aqua” interludes she improvised on the day of recording at Will Ackerman’s Imaginary Road Studios to the haunting, gently rhythmic solo piano number “For The Roses,” which she wrote at age 12 for her grandmother’s funeral.
Moving Through Worlds’ latest single and video is “Calling County Clare,” a hypnotic Celtic dance and exuberant celebration of the connection the Australian based Fiona feels for her ancestors on another continent. All sides of her family trace back to either Ireland or Scotland, so she has always felt a strong Celtic connection and occasionally included those influences in her songs.
Featuring the beautiful, spirited harmonies of Irish Whistle, accordion and guitar and inviting percussion, the track anchors the myriad emotions swirling through the multiple themes of the album that include water, fire, climate change and what she calls “vanishing souls into the wind.” The video, which features stunning natural landscapes and stylized grainy footage of Fiona having wine and dancing on the shore (complete with unique negative images), was shot and edited by The Big Movie Company, with set design by Leanne Prussing. The video beach footage is on Town Beach in Port Macquarie and the drone footage of Ireland Coastline and countryside was done was Bryan Patterson.
As a means towards coming to terms with some demons and difficult issues of the past – which she eloquently presented with rawness and intimacy on recent albums like Story of Ghosts (2018) and Darkness of Light, her 2019 duo project with violinist Rebecca Daniel – Fiona also puts fresh, revitalized creative spins on several previously recorded gems.
These include her atmospheric, lush and lyrical Antarctica homage “Desert of Crystal,” presented with a soft new choral feeling and touches of elegant violin; “Passing of Midnight,” a slowed down, moodier revisit of the lively “Song For Dunnie,” written in tribute to her friend Annette Crossley, who passed away on a full moon right at midnight; and the classically influenced, alternately wistful and whimsical title track “Moving Through Worlds,” which creates a full, violin and strings production around the core solo piano melody Fiona originally presented as “Galloping.” Though we can all relate to the sentiment, her inspiration was the music industry and how challenging it is to keep up with it and survive as a professional musician. That theme takes on a whole new level of poignancy in the age of COVID-19.
While fusing the old and new on these tracks to help her come to terms with the past and “put her ghosts to bed,” Fiona places a dreamy, easy flowing coda on this era of her life with “All I Have Left,” blending piano, violin and flugelhorn to create a final confrontation with these issues – and a sense of hope that she is on her way to healing.
Beyond this personal of healing of wounds, Fiona applies that same urgent energy to the horrific 2019-20 Australian bushfire season, which was known throughout her native country as Black Summer. By March 2020, the fires had burned an estimated 46 million acres, destroyed nearly 6,000 buildings, killed at least 34 people and one billion animals (some endangered species may have been driven to extinction).
In advance of the album, she released four lead singles to raise funds for firefighters and wildlife, knowing that they could do some good in various ways. The first two were “Tolling of the Firebell,” a soulful, increasingly rhythmic impressionistic modern piano piece about the marching and movement of time, with a narrative imbued with cello and English horn; and Chopin’s elegiac “Prelude in E Minor,” titled “Prelude to Fire” for the single release.
The other tracks, released this past spring in Support of Australian Wildlife, include the somber, spirit-swaying “Bushfire Moon,” inspired by a Koala that escaped the fires and was found on a fence next to a friend’s house. A jazz inflected tribute to the animal’s incredible survival, it allows you to feel the seduction of the haunting beauty of the red moon that could be seen amidst the devastation. No explanation is necessary to understand the seriousness and urgency of “Prayer for Rain,” a modern classical piece that draws from Debussy’s impressionism.
“The fires were so horrifying to us all that the only way I could cope and life myself out of the horror was to do something positive,” Fiona says. “You can curl up in a ball or you can do something helpful. The latter avoids falling into the depression trap. As artists we are sensitive and we take on the world around us. My survival instinct is to tackle issues head on and move through them. Sometimes I have to go into those issues in order to come out the other side, and I think that as an overall direction, this is me coming out the other side. I believe music is a gift from another world, from ancestors of the past communicating to inspire and give us hope. Now more than ever we need the connection to our past in order to find the pathway to our future.”
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Fiona Joy Hawkins
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💋💋💋
I was just looking for a song on youtube and found this version of Contemplating from ages ago..... I feel it gets a big messy in the middle, but its actually pretty good I think. Let me know what you think. Performances are never perfect but if they touch the audience its the best you can hope for. Fiona Joy Hawkins & Rebecca Daniel ... See MoreSee Less
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very nice pic my sister
Have you ever listened to my 5th album 600 Years in a Moment. I recorded it on an Australian piano (Stuart and Sons) in Australia with William Ackerman and Corin Nelsen. Yep, they travelled over to record at the Stuart and Son's piano factory in Newcastle NSW. The album explores globalisation in a musical sense and combines a hand-made contemporary piano with ancient instruments from around the world. ... See MoreSee Less
Fiona Joy Hawkins - 600 Years in a Moment
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Listen to 600 Years in a Moment by Fiona Joy Hawkins.Comment on Facebook
My respected sister, salute your ability, salute your art, salute your personality,salute your friendly humanity!A lot of respect and love my multi talented and scholar sister! keep up the amazing work!
I listen to this over and over and over. It is spectacular! 💚
Wonderful
Bushfire Moon. I’m aiming to record new videos each month and post to social media. It’s good to get back to playing and videoing regularly- it’s been a long break!! ... See MoreSee Less
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.Comment on Facebook
May God bless you my respected sister! miss u so much!
Beautiful like you! ☺️
Nice
In case you missed it.... I'm releasing an album for Study and Relaxation (meditation and sleep). This is one of the tracks. ... See MoreSee Less
Listening Now : Fiona Joy Hawkins & Riverest – Little Star – Study
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Little Star – Study is a collaborative composition by Fiona Joy Hawkins and Riverest, blending delicate neoclassical piano reminiscent of Debussy with the soulful accompaniment of electric gu…Comment on Facebook
This is beautiful my friend! <3
inspired and commendable work!
Where are you from
Nice
It’s Autumn here (Fall) and this pic was taken from my back deck. I often say I feel like we live in a tree-house and here you can see why. ... See MoreSee Less
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Fabulous 😍 natural beauty
charming scenery! good morning sister
Marvelous view! You are fortunate in many ways.
Beautiful yard! Wow!
Bonito
Wonderful ...
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May I share my artwork with you? It's little known that I'm also a painter. I haven't had much time due to my music career becoming my main priority, but I still love art and hope one day I'll have more time to get back to it.
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Fiona Joy Hawkins | Fiona Joy Hawkins - Paintings Gallery
fionajoy.com
Fiona Joy Hawkins – Paintings Gallery. Enjoy browsing my Paintings Gallery. Please contact Fiona for further information regarding paintings.Comment on Facebook
🌟 Gorgeous…an artist…formidable!
Very nice. Do you sell the originals or prints?
Oil? I like it.
This is called Once Upon Impossible, played a few weeks ago at home on my Stuart and Sons hand made Australian piano. I hope you enjoy this piano moment. ... See MoreSee Less
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Thanks Puran for this beautiful comment 🎼🙏
Gorgeous notes beautifully played on a wonderful piano 😁🎶💕
Sounds so filmic 🎥 👏 ♥
My Dearest Fiona, as I stumbled upon your post, a wave of emotion swept over me, carrying me to a place where time stood still and only the melody of your music filled the air. "Once Upon Impossible" – what a fitting title for a piece that not only defies expectations but also speaks to the depths of your soulful artistry. In the mere glimpse of those words, I found myself transported to the sanctuary of your home, where your Stuart and Sons handcrafted Australian piano stands as a testament to your unwavering dedication and unparalleled talent. Imagining you seated before it, fingers poised delicately over the keys, fills my heart with an overwhelming sense of admiration and love. With each note that emanates from your fingertips, it's as though you breathe life into the ivory and ebony, infusing them with the raw essence of your passion and creativity. Your music transcends mere sound; it becomes a symphony of emotion, a testament to the boundless depths of your soul. In the quietude of your sanctuary, you create magic – weaving intricate melodies that dance upon the air, captivating all who are fortunate enough to bear witness. It's a privilege to be invited into this sacred space, to share in the intimacy of your musical journey. But beyond the beauty of your music lies something even more profound – your unyielding determination and unwavering spirit. "Once Upon Impossible" is not just a title; it's a mantra, a testament to your resilience in the face of adversity. Through your music, you remind us all that even the most insurmountable obstacles can be overcome with faith, perseverance, and love. Your talent inspires me, Fiona, in ways I struggle to articulate. It serves as a beacon of hope, a reminder that greatness lies within each of us, waiting to be awakened by the gentle touch of passion and dedication. As you continue to share your gift with the world, know that you are cherished beyond measure. Your music is a gift to us all, a reminder of the beauty that exists in every note, every chord, every moment of silence. With all my love and admiration 😍
I am proud of my great sister
Beautiful music.
It is as if the spirit is speaking
So beautiful ❤️❤️❤️
Absolutely beautiful 😍
Wow
Details here with video 👇👇👇 👇 www.profitablegatecpm.com/xdnwrk9an?key=7a34a73e3dc807df79f5815468e99f70
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Thanks Pandora AMP for playing Little Star - Study ... See MoreSee Less
Little Star - Study
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Discover Fiona Joy Hawkins & Riverest's top songs & albums, curated artist radio stations & more. Listen to Fiona Joy Hawkins & Riverest on Pandora today!Comment on Facebook
I just claimed my artist profile there. I do not even know if there is a picture because Pandora is not available in Spain. But i will find a way to access and hopefully grow there too. Probably noone is there for me yet but I hear good things from it. Sadly not available in my country though my music is up in it.