April 10, 2006

Dear All,

It's been a while since my last letter, here's an accounting of the winter months' activities and mention of a few upcoming projects and events... in reverse.

Last week I participated in Planned Parenthood Federation of America's annual convention in Washington, DC. I performed during their Maggie Awards ceremony (named after founder Margaret Sanger) which recognizes outstanding achievement in the media, arts and entertainment industry in support of reproductive rights. Among the winners were film & documentarians, newspaper editors and journalists and TV show producers. The most startling entry to win was a documentary called, "The Last Abortion Clinic" which aired in November 2005 on PBS Frontline. It focused on the state of Mississippi and anti-choice extremism that has made abortion access nearly impossible in the state. The portions of the documentary played during the ceremony were chilling.

I've privately supported PPFA for many years but now realize that I have been part of the "silent majority" of Americans who feel that a women's right to reproductive freedom should be safeguarded and preserved. That silence has allowed the anti-choice minority of this country to systematically dismantle the protections that previous generations labored decades to build. Right now, a women's right to choose whether or when to become a mother is in the most serious danger since 1973 when the Supreme Court delivered it's famous opinion on the Roe vs. Wade case challenging the constitutionality of Texas' criminal penalty for abortion.

Having had a child of my own, I have much deeper understanding of the responsibility of motherhood. Parenting is such a serious job, never to be taken on without careful consideration. No woman should be "punished" with pregnancy to pay for the "sin" of her sexuality. The belief that every egg and every sperm of every fertile woman and man in the world should be destined to become a child is a personal conviction for some, but enforcing it as public policy is criminal lunacy. Access to family planning, birth control pills, condoms, "morning after" or emergency contraception (now available without a prescription in 43 countries) and in extreme cases, safe and legal abortion have all delivered women from a much darker time, a time that the conservative powers that be (executive, legislative and judicial) plan condemn us to once again (sooner than any of us dared to imagine possible). To learn more about the efforts of the courageous men and women fighting for your right to choose visit plannedparenthood.org

On the lighter side, but still regarding children, motherhood and family... the Dan Zanes album, "Catch That Train" will be released in mid-May. I sang with Dan along with other special guests including The Five Blind Boys of Alabama, The Kronos Quartet, The Children of Agape and Nick Cave. Find out more about this project and Dan's other work at www.festivalfive.com

I've also finished writing music to accompany the Shakespeare sonnet of my choice (the 73rd) and have submitted it to British composer Gavin Bryars. He will now write an arrangement for two voices and small ensemble based upon my melody and chord progression. The collaboration will debut next Spring in the U.K. as part of a year-long festival called The Complete Works presented by the Royal Shakespeare Co. and Opera North of Scotland. Among the other artists asked to participate are Bjork, Tom Waits and Radiohead. It should prove to be an interesting collection of music.

I've been asked by Wynton Marsalis to perform with him at The Apollo Theater on June 5th for the 5th Annual Jazz at Lincoln Center Spring Gala. Each special guest is invited to perform 2 songs with Wynton and his group, one should be a jazz standard and the other a song written by the guest that lends itself to rearrangement in the style of jazz. I'm looking forward to the gig and if you are interested in coming to the show visit Jazz At Lincoln Center

Finally, you may have noticed that we have obtained more copies of the special edition linen package "Retrospective" (the 2-CD version including acoustic versions, unreleased tracks, B-sides, benefit album contributions, soundtrack songs, collaborations with The Chieftains, Billy Bragg and R.E.M.). The shelves of our webshop are replenished but supplies won't last long (not a hard sell, just the truth). purchase from our store

Thanks for you time.

Best Wishes,

Natalie