Laura Branigan - Here I Am [cc] - Meadow (1972)

Опубликовано 25 февраля 2014, 18:45

Surely you've never even heard of this beautiful song, "Here I Am". The first ever recording of the future star Laura Branigan, as a vocalist member of the folk-rock band called "Meadow". Enjoy this new and great find!!.
* Visit my LB's fansite on Facebook! to discover more new stuff. facebook.com/LauraBraniganFore...

Lyrics

Where have you run to?
You can't be gone.
I just found you, yesterday.
I couldn't find the place or time to say,
"Here I am, and here I am".
I never knew a body could feel this way.
Come back and touch me, so that I can say,
all the things I couldn't say, until today.
And, now I see the poetry of wishing, hoping,
sharing and daring to care about you.
And, I care about you.
Gladness shared is double glad,
sadness shared is half as sad.
Let me share the sorrow that you feel,
wherever you are.
I couldn't find the place or time to say,
"Here I am, and here I am."
Come back and touch me, here I am.
Here I am, and here I am.

A bit of history:
As many know, Laura Branigan began her career in the 70's. She was accepted to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1970. Early 1972, Walker Daniels invited Chris Van Cleave to the AADA's studio production of "Beggar's Opera". Where she played Pirate Jenny, Laura sang "When Gold Is At Hand". Chris Van Cleave is immediately struck by her amazing voice. He and Walker invited her to hang out, and sing with them. The experience was positive and they decided to continue as a group. "We wanted a name that had the imagery of nature, innocence, a place where things grow beautiful and naturally" said Chris. So "Meadow" emerged. Laura was 20 years old, when they all started singing and writing together.

Mid 1972, just 4 months after they started singing together, they got backing to record 3 songs at the infamous National-Edison Studios, in NYC. The songs were "Cane & Able", "Something Borrowed, Something Blues" and "Here I Am". At the time, the 4th member, Steven Trees, in extreme dissatisfaction with the 3 recordings, left the group and Bob Valdez joined. The group continues writing and composing music, as they auditioned for management companies and record labels. Finally, the got a contract with Paramount Records. The band released their first album "The Friend Ship" in 1973. Laura sang lead on "When You Were Young", "Lawless Lady" and "Artist". She sang harmonies on the rest. With some drama from poor promotional handling at Paramount, the group dissolved shortly after the LP release. Chris has since stated that he remembers as a "beautiful young lady with an amazing voice".

The song, "Here I Am", was written by Walker Daniels, prior to meeting Laura. It was for a new musical he had written called, "Blueberries Are A Way Of Life". A completely separate project, than what would become the LP "The Friend Ship".

Though Laura preferred not to speak about her involvement of "Meadow", I believe that sharing it is also a way to pay tribute to her memory by delighting the ears of many fans. This beautiful song that shows the magnificent voice of a young girl who, with much enthusiasm, gave us all the power of her voice and emotion in every word of her songs. Again, I want to thank Laura, for everything you gave. Your extraordinary presence and your wonderful legacy are the best gifts you could have left us. You'll live forever!!