“‘We are all living our own hero’s journey".
The concept for Rita Hosking's sixth studio album came to her while she was drawing a series of illustrations inspired by these words which she remembered from a college professor. She also gives credit to Joseph Campbell's book The Hero With A Thousand Faces and Columbus And Other Cannibals by Dr. Jack D. Forbes.
The twelve banjo-driven mountain folk songs are about the search for life's truth within. In a very real sense this is a spiritual album yet one which is not burdened by the conventions of narrow religious dogma.
In the final song (Resurrection) she sings: "I'll not be in a church, but in the cells of the leaves and maybe I'll see you there.
The tone is set by the opening song,A Better Day which is all about "finding a new dawn" in our souls and not giving in to the temptations of hatred and greed.
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Often she adopts the voice of the common man (and woman!) in relating dreams (Magic Carpet), ordeals (Black Hole) and the challenges of standing up for basic human rights (Our Land).
Since there is always room for improvement in the world these songs document a journey that has no conclusion. Nevertheless, there is reassurance from being on the right road and this fine album gives plenty of musical sustenance to the imaginary traveller.
Rita Hosking's website
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