Day In My Shoes
Tia McGraff
© Copyright-Bandana Records
(837101336925)
Record Label: Busted Flat Records
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Tia McGraff was born Tia Lynne Hofgraff in Simcoe, Ontario, Canada. She grew up in a small town on Lake Erie called Port Dover and remembers her first trip to the "city"! She was 7 years old and her parents were taking her to see the musical Camelot in Hamilton, Ont. Although the "big city lights" were impressive, Tia's eyes and ears were opened when she heard the orchestra play the first bar of the overture. She turned to her mother and said, "I want to be on stage"! Since that life calling experience, Tia's musical career has led her on a journey that includes 3 albums, videos on CMT Canada, and radio play on Americana and Country stations in the US, Canada and the UK as well as around the world. In the last year and half, Tia toured the UK 3 times performing on BBC2 Whispering Bob, outdoor festivals and indoor concert venues. Tia's fan base has grown to include "music lovers" from all around the world and is perhaps her biggest passion. She loves meeting people and sharing the gift of music. Tia relocated to Nashville, TN to further her songwriting craft in 1999 and it was there that she met her husband and fellow songwriter/guitarist Tommy Parham. Together, they are currently touring and writing and recording her next album to be released in 2007. She has written with such other notable writers as Randy Bachman (BTO), Andrew Gold (Linda Ronstadt), Henry Priestman (The Christiens), and Rick Giles (Reba) just to mention a few. Tia loves writing and recording and looks upon each new song and album as a story waiting to be shared. But it's still the excitement of being in front of a live audience and communicating through music, that inspires her most. Tia's childhood dream of "being on stage" has definitely been realised and in the words of a good friend who once told Tia, "Every day we get to wake up and make music is a great day to be alive!" she knows it to be true.
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Outstanding Album With A Great Sense Of Connection
author: MR A COLE
Another high quality offering from this very talented Canadian songwriter. In 2005 Tia's 'Outside Of The Circle' was my album of the year and a wonderful introduction to the artist.
With this latest release she has explored new avenues and raised the bar yet further with the quality of the songs.
The music portrays a pro-life message and continues to touch your heart, none more so than in 'Hope Is Everything'.
I'm sure this will become an anthem to people enduring a life threatening illness or to family and friends in need of something to hold on to. It was inspired by a TV ad in which a lady diagnosed with cancer given 3 weeks to live through positive thinking, faith and believe was healed. The words in this song depict this and are totally inspirational ..When You're Down To Rock Bottom Lifting Your Last Prayer / Can't Find The Answer To It Anywhere/ Don't Give Up On What Tomorrow Will Bring / Keep Believing Hope Is Everything
'Second Chance' is a magnificent duet with Steve Balsamo of The Storys. Developed from a working tape when they first met in the UK they have produced a track that should be on every Radio Stations playlist! A hook that grabs you instantly and the emotion is totally believable and magical. It definitely passes the 'Old Grey Whistle Test' - bigtime!
'Devil's Gold' – One of 3 songs written with Henry Preistman of The Christians demonstrates one of Tia's rich qualities, her story telling. Conveying the story in October 1859 when the steam sailing ship The Royal Charter, bound for Liverpool, was lost off Moelfre on the island of Anglesey. The prevailing storm caused the ship to strike the rocks close to shore breaking into two sections. . Many of the passengers were men returning from the Australian goldfields and some had attempted in vainto their cost to leave the ship and swim to shore with their pockets filled with gold dust.
500 Souls Sailing Homeward, Dreaming Of Tomorrow With Riches On Their Mind And Pockets Full Of Gold / Oh The Good Life They Could Buy Some Of Them So Full Of Vanity And Pride /
'I Can't Quit' – Is a love song Tia wrote for her songwriting partner and husband Tommy Parham. Who once again has created glorious melodies throughout this project. The song compares the addiction of a junkie or drunkard with the obsession of a lover's touch. This anguish is expressed with words:
There's A Feelin' I Get When Your Next To Me / And It Runs Through My Veins 'Til It Weakens Me…I've Loved You From The Start And Like The Beating Of My Heart I Can't Quit
'Oughta Be Rock' – A favourite on Tia's live shows, the title is a Nashville saying from those who have gone through many of life's experiences both for the good and the bad and for better or worse. These feelings making their hearts grow stronger .Out of these notions has grown a truly delightful track.
Maggie's Child – Is a departure from her usual style. Its haunting opening instantly draws the listener in with its engaging Celtic feel. This is a terrific vocal performance full of emotion. With words: Outcast Boy Of Unknown Seed Ridiculed And Reviled / I've Had Rocks Thrown At Me, I'm Maggie's Child ..Sung over a penny whistle and eerie percussion arrangement this makes this another album highlight.
'I Would Have Followed' - Immediately drawn by the first few notes of this astounding arrangement followed by Tia's opening words 'I Let The Moon And The Sun Rise Around Your Every Move' , you are transformed to a special place of peace and love. Yes, love songs don't get much better than this. Break Out the Wine & Candles!
Lace up your shoes and take a walk with Tia and enjoy a day of great music - Comes Highly Recommended
Andy Cole
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