Improvising in Canary Wharf with Tom
Improvisations, recordings, films and videos featuring Deborah’s singing
My Improvised Song Collaboration with jazz pianist Tom Donald culminated in a recording session at Derek Nash’s and a selection is available on Spotify.
French artist Theo Bouvier was commissioned to make some visuals inspired by the collaboration.
Find these here:
“Cold Mountain 26” Words by Han Shan
“Spring Night” Words by Su Tung-p’o (Su Shih)
“Lost” Words by Deborah Hudson
Improvised Song Collaboration
Tom and I began our collaboration several years ago. Having worked on simultaneous improvs with guitar and drums for meditation workshops I wanted to try them with piano. Tom is a fantastic improv partner. His insights, musicality and ability to evoke the visual is second to none. Tom’s solo albums are also available on Spotify.
The individual poems were chosen at random just before we started to record.
We took it in turns to start and neither of us knew what each of us had in mind. By simply listening and following whatever path seemed to open up we created a little musical journey. I really hope you enjoy listening to them and feel inspired to give it a go yourself.
Tom and I also performed Improvised Songs live, asking the audience to bring their own poems or poetry they have loved and we created songs for them then and there.
Informal Live Recordings from Peace of Mind Events at Charterhouse
The Peace of Mind events were half hour retreats of music and song to share with those who just wanted to take some time out during the day.
The concerts were held at the Charterhouse Chapel and themed by organist Robin Isherwood. Guest violinist Mary Young joined us after the first season, playing so beautifully.
A film “For the Brothers” by young cineaste Charlie Scrimgeour, was made about the Charterhouse community and I was delighted to find that my singing was used as part of the sound track. The Community is made up of elderly mostly male “brothers”, residents who come to Charterhouse to spend the rest of their days together. They live in the most beautiful surroundings, right in the heart of London. The film is a little sad but I post here the clip where my Spanish Civil War song was used.
Recordings of Classical Concerts
Alongside improvisations and performing for Peace of Mind I have been involved in many Classical music performances. Here are some informal recordings made from some past concerts:
