Larry Pegg's debut album
TORONTO, May 6, 2013 /CNW/ - In support of Canadian Mental Health Week (May 6-12, 2013), Canada's Larry Pegg is pre-releasing five emotionally charged songs as part of his album "Before and Afterlife: The Theory of Positivity", an album that is raising funds and awareness for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.
"Following the death of my beautiful and vibrant daughter who died by suicide in December 2007, music has become much bigger part of my life than I ever expected. It is the glue that holds me together, a big part of my ongoing therapy, in this aftermath of grief and depression."
The soon-to-be released album Before and Afterlife: The Theory of Positivity is a collection of music representing work that goes back to 1997, before Pegg's loss, and after. The songs cover a range of emotions, from love to loss, from joy to hope, from landscapes in our minds to the deepest oceans in our hearts.
"I always try and bring a positive groove to my work, as do the wonderful players who have helped me create this album. They are all amazing artists (from Canada and the USA). They all bring the groove," says Pegg.
The full album features twelve songs and is scheduled for release on World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept. 10th, 2013). Five (5) Singles, including "The One You Love", "Weight", "Lookin' for the One", "Afterlife" and "Ogdensburg" are being released for Canadian Mental Health Week. All the proceeds from Radio Play and Downloads (Tracked Globally and regionally) for this full week are going to support the cause.
THE CAUSE: Larry Pegg has devoted this soon-to-be released album to raising awareness and funds for the cause of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. He is donating 100 percent of all proceeds from downloads of the song Weight and 50 percent of any full album download proceeds to support the cause. 100 percent of proceeds are being donated during specific events such as Canadian Mental Health Week and World Suicide Prevention Day.
Entering Canada's Mental Health Week (May 6-12), Pegg hopes to engage Canadians in support of his music and to learn more about the issue and the cause. With a pre-release of selected songs, he's approaching radio stations across Canada to air the music and for supporters to download it during Canada's Mental Health Week. He will donate all of the radio royalties and download revenues for all of the music during this week of building awareness. Pegg is asking that we all try our best to spread the message of patience and strength, not only to those that are in crisis, but also to ourselves.
"We can all learn more about how to recognize the signs of emotional crisis and to help those that are suffering to step out from the darkness. If you're feeling the weight of suffering, my message is "Please wait!" Consider the crushing burden that your survivors will carry forever if you don't. You are needed. You are loved. Please Wait. Reach Out!" says Pegg.
About The Album
The "search for hope" and "rising from the ashes" are poignant themes in our human struggle and they are often reflected in the art that connects us. Larry Pegg's musical offering is a symbol of this pursuit, literally crossing over into the largely uncharted domain of a suicide survivor. He takes listeners into unimaginable and foreign territory — a journey of trying to live life after losing a child to suicide.
This album may be the first to connect us to the devastating anguish of loss and the reality of living as a suicide survivor. Pegg's stories are sculpted in songs that emerge from the darkness in music that brings us closer together. Collectively they carry and send an uplifting message, one of determination, and to keep constant vigil in the struggle to make peace, and to find hope and meaning.
Pegg's material draws on a repertoire created over the last two decades — work that includes the happier times before, and the darker ones that came after losing his cherished daughter in December 2007. His songs are infused with driving rhythms, hooks and melodies that ring out from his acoustic guitar, conveying moving and powerful emotions. His supporting artists bring it all together, skillfully matching the energy and intent.
His song Weight — written while attending the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention's National Conference in October, 2012 — became the catalyst for moving forward with the album. On the same day it was written, Weight was entered into the CBC's Lynn Miles Song Writing Competition where it was judged in the top five. Weight is now completed and features a guest appearance by Lynn Miles, providing her vocal touch in a gracious gesture of support for the project. As an ongoing commitment, Pegg is donating 100% of the all proceeds for Weight to this cause.
The Musicians
The amazing artists on Pegg's album are Ross Murray (drums), Stuart Watkins and Patrick Giunta (bass), Fred Guignon (guitars), Jeff Rogers (keyboards and background vocals), and include guest appearances by the amazing Lynn Miles (background vocals) and the very smooth saxophone of New Orleans-based Aaron Fletcher. Fletcher has played with Stevie Wonder. Watkins with David Foster.
Additional performances and support and encouragement came from my very special musical friends: James Clugston (drums and background vocals), Lynda Collins and Marion Xhignesse (background vocals), and Edmund Eagan (continuum operator).
"In making this album, I'm so humbled by these outstanding Canadian musicians, in particular my very close friends James Clugston and Marion Xhignesse, both of whom knew my daughter and saw her light. Together we've created something that is very rare, an epic soundscape that pays tribute to the very serious subject matter, to Canada and to people that are suffering loss. This feeds back to the artists themselves. We shared moments of hard work and collaboration, of joy, compassion, tears and pain. I am indebted to each of them, amazing friends and artists for helping me create this tribute to those that suffer and to those we've lost."
Image with caption: "In support of Canadian Mental Health Week (May 6-12, 2013), Canada's Larry Pegg is pre-releasing five emotionally charged songs as part of his album "Before and Afterlife: The Theory of Positivity". (CNW Group/Larry Pegg)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130506_C3708_PHOTO_EN_26353.jpg
SOURCE: Larry Pegg
Contact Info:
Larry Pegg Tel: 613-769-8869
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @LPGrooves
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