Back in 2004, Richard Savoie was talking to his lady love, Vonnie Mann after going to his brother's house and seeing the possibilities of independent recording. His brother Roland had just purchased a wonderful recording unit that had the potential to make some interesting recordings and seeing that potential made Richard ponder out loud to Vonnie: "You could record an album with that unit!" Vonnie said: "Well, why don't you?" With those four words, she set in motion a journey that would span 4 years of joy, discovery, disappointment and redemption. It was Richard's vision to not only use his family to record the album but to call on guest artists to sing and play on it. So he proposed the idea to Roland and his other two brothers Robert and Gilles.
Thus began the MotherFeedback project. It was conceived as a collection of diverse songs that would cover a large spectrum of tastes in popular music. Personally, the Savoie brothers had been waiting for a project that would involve all of them including their sister Charmaine.
MotherFeedback essentially became a family of musicians and writers. The core of the rhythm tracks were done by the Savoie brothers and the main writer was Richard with many collaborators. This is the saga of a unique experiment in music that is unprecedented in its individuality and scope. It's rock and roll, blues, jazz, country, psychedelia, dance and folk, track after track of different styles and listening experiences.
Without going into too much detail, the project started off on a high note and, after 4 years, nearly didn't get done at all. Delays were too frequent which led to frayed nerves and bouts of discouragement. The Savoie family also went through some hurt and grief because of the death of their father, Nazaire.
Still, the music went on, perhaps not unabated, but with a will.
Thanks must go to all the artists who participated in the project, as well as Mike Boyer of Lancaster Studios in Saint John for taking the time to master the 14 songs that will be on the CD. Another special thanks to Claude Melanson and the time he took to help us with his advice and encouragement. It's been a hell of a ride but the music speaks for itself. And there's a lot more coming from Richard, Vonnie Mann and the Savoie brothers in the future, so when we finally release our songs and if they speak to you, keep listening.
