Album Notes

Rebecca Parks writes songs that set scenes, tell stories, and dramatize conversations. She has the introspective vulnerability and folk-rock sensibility of Natalie Merchant, but with a theatrical touch. She mixes passion, hard-won wisdom, and a little quirky humor. Her voice is smooth and clear, yet deep and powerful. She can soar and she can belt.

Regardless of style, her lyrics are sharp, her melodies memorable. She's not afraid of controversial subjects, such as corporate greed and its effects on employees, the scandals in the Catholic Church, and the ravages of addiction. Yet she also writes about people and relationships with honesty and empathy. Rebecca takes her art seriously, but not too seriously: in one song, she teases her husband about, among other things, his socks.

Rebecca's latest CD, "Night Ship," features styles ranging from ethereal ballads to a U2-like anthem to a Steely-Dan-like blues number. Her husband, Gary Lee Parks, sings with her on many of the songs. The theme woven throughout the CD is the journeys of life: the losses, gains, transitions, decisions, and discoveries.

It was during a time of many losses, beginning with her grandfather's death and ending with a broken engagement, that Rebecca decided to return to her music after a long absence. She had been living for other people--family, friends, coworkers--when she decided to reclaim her life and her voice.