A visit from Sharon Corr - Part II

So, we survived this epic and bizarre (good bizarre) week.

It started off, like I said, in Rio. We were all overwhelmed with all the goods in Livraria Travessa - talking to Sharon, playing for her... it was all beautiful and hard to believe it was really happening.

Up until São Paulo - where she had her second signing at Livraria Cultura. But before that, let me just mention how thrilled I was when I saw her tweet about my post here - it was basically... PUTAQUEPARIU (ok, that's me swearing in Portuguese, nevermind). I never in my life imagined a Corr reading one of my writings. Like I said in Max's documentary about the fans - I've never learned how to play any instrument even thou I love music more than life itself, but I always wrote - since I could hold a pen in my hands. And I feel like... that's my art. And to see one of your favorite artists, who you admired most of your life, talking about it and showing the world what you did... that's just literally breathtaking. I was shocked and overwhelmed. And as I couldn't be at the signing 'cause I was working that day, I asked Rafa to thank her in person for me. We talked about him calling me at the time just for me to listen to their conversation, and in fact he did. But what I couldn't imagine (I believe this sentence will show up a lot, 'cause there were lots and lots of things we could never imagine going on) was to listen to Sharon herself on the phone saying "hi Julia". No, that wasn't planned! She was kind enough to talk to me for a few seconds, saying that it was all really lovely and thanking me. Thanking ME? I had to thank her for everything! By the way, thanks again Max, for recording this on video - I can hear now every word she said, thank you thank you thank you. And Rafa, for letting me spend a few seconds of your own with her, even if by phone. It was definetely... just thank you.

After that, Ana called me and told me they all played two songs for her, that it was amazing. And in my mind it was a small group playing, just like Rio. For my surprise, when I saw the video, it was huge. It was so much more than what I thought, and I was so glad for all of them. When I left my work, at 10pm, I ran into my house to get my stuff and go sleep - oops, not sleep - with my friends. They were all watching the video and I simply couldn't stop crying. It was so beautiful and Sharon's reaction couldn't be more genuine and lovely to see.

(the link, couldn't post the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rivgl4VNvMM&feature=share)

I remember she left the bookstore saying we were killing her with love. But it's quite the opposite, actually - she was the one responsible for all the love we could carry for music, for Corrs, for her.

The gig. Once again, and I don't know how many times I will repeat this statement: never thought I'd watch a Corr live one day, specially in Brazil. It was gorgeous. The setlist was perfect. For me, the highlights were Full Circle, Mna na Heireann (GORGEOUS Irish flag behind the musicians!), Ears Painted On (what a surprise, I love this song), Smalltown Boy, the three covers - As Rosas Não falam (Cartola, standing ovation, a-ma-zing), Woodstock (gotta say how much I love Joni Mitchell and how much I loved this moment - specially when they add a little bit of Garota de Ipanema on the piano) and Dream a little Dream of Me (her voice, the arranje... perfect). And of course, Corrs classics, such as Radio, Dreams, Joy of Life and So Young (I still cry when I remember I heard these ones live, right in front of me).

It was beyond our best expectations. I can't put into words what I felt in both gigs. I can be pretty tough around people, but music touches my heart and soul in a way that only God can explain.

And that's exactly the point where I wanted to get.

Sharon's solo career is solid. Like a rock.
And we couldn't be more proud! We'll always be thankful for all the Corrs did to our lives. Hope one day Jim, Andrea and Caroline see our love for them also. But Sharon, if you ever read this again, thank you so very fuckin' much for being who you are, as humble and lovely as possible. You attention and care with us was unreal. We've never had moments like that in a seven-day period. It was way beyond our craziest dreams. Your new album shows exactly who you are as a solo musician and we couldn't be happier. Your stage presence is amazing and that's exactly where you should be: at the center, being a rock star.

I wanted to write more about the interview that you kindly gave us, but I'll let it be a surprise for when the documentary is done. All I have to say is: thank you for the amazing words. Nothing can explain this love-to-love relationship that you have with us, Brazilians fans. The connection through music - and I believe I can speak on behalf of all of us - is whats makes you safe and us... mesmerized.

I'm blessed to have such good friends sharing these moments with me. We could share the same feelings, the same love, the same vibe. I never had a chance to thank them enough, because I was so over the moon with the fact that I was fullfilling a dream by seeing a part of my favorite band live. Our friendship goes beyond, and that's because we understand each other through music. To see the look in their eyes during this whole week was priceless and I would do everything again just to live this moment one more time.

Rafa and Ana - you guys are something else, we could never get anything done without you two. Your love for each other brights the love you both have for music and that makes us love you even more. Ana, you deserved a flower at the end of the show yelled by your name and you know why! Since I first met you, I keep telling you that. You're special.
Dani Max - your determination is admirable. You know what you want, and you go and do it. You deserve everything that happened to you over this week and more. Can't never thank you enough for everything you've done - and will be doing by the next months, it's not over yet!
Gra, Theo, Rique, Dani, Vivs, Ivo - your joy is my joy. Your happiness is my happiness. Time flies with all of you, and I hate-love that. 'Cause I don't wanna miss any moment with you when you're around. It's always a blast and jumping and singing So Young with you all was a moment I'll never forget.
Ana and Eloisa - my beautiful sisters. Eloisa was at a Borrowed Heaven tour in 2004 (I was only 16 yrs old) and I can remember exactly how was the day - she was crying on the second row in Birmingham and I was crying here in Brazil listening by the phone (the phone, this magical thing, always helping me, lol!). And Ana - who lived in Dublin in 2009 and were able to see Sharon playing for a radio station and also met her at this occasion and her father, Gerry Corr, in a visit to Dundalk.
Karla - my first connection with Corrs online groups in 1999. I'll never forget the first moment we talked and now, 14 years later, we could see two concerts together. I love our 'childhood' and I love what we lived during these last couple of weeks.

So many stories I can't even write them straight.

Again: Sharon, Henry and Ania - thank you so very much for everything you've done since September. It's not a dream, it's insanity! lol.

Music Brokers - Fabiola, Paulo: our big THANK YOU SO MUCH! Without you guys, we could've never done anything like that.

Livraria Travessa, Livraria Cultura - letting us play for her and being so kind... it was moments we'll never forget and that's because you guys allowed us to do it. To play to our inspirational artist is beyond surreal.

No words can describe what we felt over these last couple of weeks. We can hear violin's strings, whistles, bodhrans beats... and we can feel. Like Dani said: If we could explain, we woudn't feel it. So I'll just be silent now.

Countdown for 2014 in 4, 3, 2...

a visit from Sharon Corr

First of all, let me warn you that this is a personal text.
And yes, it’ll be in English – so everyone can read.

And it’s about music. I’ve been listening to music probably since I was in my mom’s womb. My dad is a musicmaniac, my grandpa was a percussionist – so, yeah, I grew up in a house full of it every day, as loud as possible. Each and every kind – coming from MPB, pop-rock, classic rock, jazz, blues, soul, samba, bossa nova and so on.

I remember one of our first DVDs was Burt Bacharach and Friends. I was, maybe, 8 years old? Yeah, and already listening and loving Burt – kinda weird for a kid that age, right?! Consequently, Dionne Warwick, between others. I was lucky enough to have a really special aunt who gave me a ‘cavaquinho’ (typical Brazilian instrument – like a guitar, but smaller and with less strings, similar to ukelele) when I was very little. Not so lucky, because I never learned. After some time, I decided I wanted to study keyboards. And left my classes in about a month. And that’s the only real regret I have in my life.

When I was about 11, I chose what kind of music I really liked. It was 1999 and The Corrs MTV Unplugged was on the TV. Immediately I thought it was a beautiful scenario, gorgeous women and fantastic musicians. And from then on, it was my everyday soundtrack. The violin, the whistles, the percussion, piano… it was all so well put together, I couldn’t believe the beauty of it. And of course, I discovered Ireland and fell in love with the country immediately. Since then, it is my dream to meet every corner of this magic place with so many beautiful spots.

Anyway. I live in Brazil, and the Corrs never made it here. It was never a huge success, even with a fanbase, it wasn’t enough to bring the whole band to play here. I got over it and thought: ok, I’ll watch the DVD’s and that’s it.

Ok, this was only the introduction. Let’s talk about the real deal here: Sharon Helga Corr.

She was the violinist on the Corrs – the soul of the band, as I said not so long ago on her own official website. She recorded a first solo album in 2009 and we were all overwhelmed with the news. With the new social media contacts, it was pretty easy to reach her through the internet. Suddenly, she discovered Brazil and how much she – and her music – is loved here.

We have a very strong fanbase in the country – we meet twice a year to play Corrs’ and Irish traditional songs in a huge park in São Paulo – Ibirapuera. It’s always fun and energetic. For those who don’t know about Brazilians personality, we tend to be very passionate about everything. In this case, music, of course. And when she released her first solo record, we decided to make something special for her. And well, it worked! It took her four years, but she got here!

She gave us the honor to have in hands her second album before anywhere else in the world. She gave us the honor to open her tour in São Paulo – and not only this, but to record a live DVD in the city. And mostly: she gave us the absolut pleasure to meet this lovely, extremely humble and beautiful person face to face. Not to mention the incredible musician that she is.

Starting by this, we had our very first opportunity to see her playing live in a TV show. We couldn’t believe that was happening, it was beyond our most imaginative minds. We get old, pass through the teen years – but for me, when it comes to music, there’s no such thing as age limit. After watching her playing Dreams and her new song We Could be Lovers, we were able to have a quick chat with her. It was a blast. And then, the day after, we went to the 89FM radio station to watch her interview and listen a few acoustic songs. She was there, three steps away from us. Singing incredibly, I could never imagine in a million years that Sharon had that control and also emotion in her voice. I don’t know much about music technique, but what I do know is when you can match emotions with voice control, man, you got it. She was always on the side of the stage, being a rock star with her violin – but her voice, I don’t think any of us could ever imagine such thing. To me, it was perfect.

Anyway. We knew she was coming to town to the live gigs and it was a fuckin’ blast (sorry for my mouth, it can be very dirty sometimes). People from all over the country buying tickets to fly to São Paulo, tickets to the shows. Everyone is really excited and really looking forward for these two days.

Again, I lost my track here.

There was going to be a signing in a bookstore in Rio de Janeiro and some of my friends were going and I wasn’t sure. What the hell? I won’t be able to go in SP (where I live) and I have a chance to spend a beautiful day in Rio and after that talk to Sharon again. But I could never imagine what was coming next…

It was a gorgeous day, we were at the beach talking and having fun all afternoon. So, we went to the bookstore and they started the line to wait for Sharon. My friends - they all play violins, so they were carrying it for her to sign it. When someone had the idea they could play it and the store lady gave us the ok. We started some Irish tunes (recorded by Corrs and Sharon) and when she was coming… she gave us a beautiful smile and applauded.

The signing began and it was all fantastic. To be able to see the look on my friends’ faces was priceless. Most of them learned the violin because of her – so that was an unique moment for them and I’m so glad I was there to witness it. It was beautiful and genuine. I didn’t know whether I looked at Sharon or my friends. When it was my turn, I was shocked she remembered my name and so so happy about it. I asked her for an autograph for my sister’s CD and also gave her a Brazilian album that, in my opinion, is a masterpiece and everyone should listen to. By the way, everytime I hear Take a Minute I wonder if Sharon ever heard ‘bossa nova’. There are so many Brazilians touches in this song. Maybe I’ll ask someday, right?

After all the signing, the bookstore’s manager asked us to play a last song for Sharon. Are ya kidding me?! Playing for Sharon Corr? Seriously? Jaysus! I don’t know what got into us, but we did it. It was a very genuine moment and I can remember Sharon’s face to everybody. She looked right into our eyes and that’s a moment I’ll never forget. After the song finished (Erin Shore), she was sweet enough to give us a ‘group hug’ and take a picture together.

When I was ready to leave, my friend Dan started to play on the violin the intro of Haste to the Wedding and I started crying like a child. I don’t get nervous around her, I’m not a crying person in that aspect – but when it comes to music, I can’t handle it (the first time I saw her literally in my face playing the violin during "Dreams" I cried like a baby. hopefully she didn't see that! lol). I was listening to that beautiful song just after the violinist of my favorite band since I was a child called me by my name. Crying, crying, crying. And Dan pulled me and said: let’s go and give her our last hug. There was no way out and yep, she saw me crying. I don’t like to cry in these kinds of events, but it was stronger than me. She hugged me and I apologized for crying, explaining that this music was part of my childhood and I always get emotional. And that’s when she answered me: and also your adulthood, Julia!

That's when I realized it was ok to cry in front of her. Because that's what music does for me. It gives me chills, happiness, joy, love... even sadness, a good sadness. It's what makes life better, so much better. That was it for me. Amazing, speechless, I didn’t need anything else.

October 13^th, 2013. It was an honor, and we will never be thankful enough for all Sharon has done for us. Not only her, but her crew: Henry and Ania. Henry, always so nice and gracious, giving us all the support we could have. And Ania – so considerate even if by email, an ocean apart from us.  As I said, and I’ll do it again, we’ve been waiting for something like this to happen since we were children. But like THAT? We could never imagine, even in our wildest dreams.

I truly and genuine believe that the passion for music pushed us together – the fans’ and Sharon’s.

Sharon, I don’t know if you’ll ever read this, but if you do: thank you so much for keeping the music alive in you. We’ll never be able to thank you ALL enough for everything so far – and what’s yet to come!

We can see clearly in your eyes your love for what you do. And that love for music is what pushes us forward, and I believe is the same with you. I use to say that I don’t have faith in human beings, that they’re only hungry for profits and I can genuinely affirm that that’s not your case. I believe you can see our passion for music. And together with yours, that's the connection. We understand each other through music, through the passion and motivation we all have to keep going in this rough world we live in.

Another thing I always say (and I’ll never forget the moment I talked about this with Ana [Dundalk] during a Paul McCartney’s gig in a stadium) is if everyone gets together in peace like they do with music, the world would be a much better place. When we were there, I could feel heaven. Just like I do when I listen to any song.

Hopefully this is just the beginning of a lovely journey and it will continue to be, as long as we can keep our love for music alive. Which for us, personally, is very easy!

I don’t think I have any other words to say besides a huge thank you. For changing our lives through your music, for giving us the opportunity to meet amazing people, for making us believe that the impossible is only a matter of opinion.

Your love for music makes us love music even more.
And there’s no therapy or medicine better than that.

“Without music, life would be a mistake”, once Nietzche said.
And I couldn’t agree more.

 Sharon arriving at Livraria Travessa - RJ

 Video from our moment playing Erin Shore for Sharon