Since starting this blog a year and a half ago, the MDB inbox has been inundated with press releases pitching story ideas from all corners of this odd little planet of ours.
The vast majority of pitches I ignore. I figure MDB readers probably aren’t that interested in the amazing tortilla, Alec Baldwin’s summer book reading suggestions, Ketel One Vodka, IHOP’s new trio of signature pancakes, pork buying basics, Connect Poker, or what’s new with Scientology (just a few of the pitches received this month so far).
But one pitch hit my inbox this month that caught my eye. Katherine Nelson’s long-awaited new album, “Born Brave,” is coming out Aug. 1. I’ve been a fan of Katherine’s since I had the opportunity to work with her on a couple of projects over the past few years. Talented actress with leading lady looks, gorgeous singing voice, yet very gracious and down-to-earth. You get the impression that there are very few doors that would be closed to her if she simply chose to knock. Yet she chooses her projects very carefully, and they are always about something that is important and good.
Not to put down an era when Lady Gaga and Madonna are going at it trying to out-crass each other, or where stars are being made with music delving into the deeper aspects of whether to be crazy and give the shirtless lawn-mowing guy a number and inviting him to call maybe (164 million YouTube views and counting), but it sure is refreshing to witness a talented artist dig deep inside to find something noble to share with and uplift us.
Katherine at work.
I’ve been listening to an advance copy of “Born Brave.” I’m not giving it back. It’s got a Nashville vibe, and I confess I’ve never been much of a country guy, but Katherine hits that groove where people on either side of the pop-rock/country aisle can come together and tap toes. Her rich, velvety voice coats track after well-produced track, each a heartfelt celebration of a different aspect of the album’s theme of women of courage. There are powerful anthems that will inspire women and girls as well as ballads that will tug at the heartstrings of even our manliest of MDB readers.
Now I know that our focus at MDB is typically on blogs by Mormon dads, I would suspect that many of our bloggers are who they are because they are blessed with an abundance of courageous women around them — their mothers, their wives, and their daughters facing the prospect of growing up in these challenging times.
Kudos to Katherine and her team for their work in bringing this project to life at such a time as this. It’s an album you’ll want to share with all the main women in your life.
It drops Aug. 1. You can listen to clips and find out more on Katherine’s website or her Facebook page.
Win a Copy
Share in the comments below a little bit about a woman in your life whose courage has inspired you. We’ll randomly pick one comment on Aug. 1, the “Born Brave” release day, and send you a copy of Katherine’s CD that you can share with her. We’ll also randomly pick one commenter on the “Born Brave” post in our facebook group. Our third winner will be randomly selected from those who belong to our facebook group.
Good luck!
My wife’s YW’s leader was diagnosed with cancer and was able to run the NY marathon while undergoing treatment. Prior to being diagnosed, she continuously made visits to developing countries with her family. She was a powerful mother.
My mother’s courage to change her life and get baptized at the age of 64 gives me the strength to live my life a little more closely to the gospel. It reminds me that no matter what life throws at me, I can make it through when I turn towards Heavenly Father.
My wife is on of the most courageous women I know. Stacie does so much for my family. Our daughter was born 4 weeks early and with a serious heart condition which required surgery and a pacemaker. She was in the hospital for over a month in the Cardiac ICU. Throughout this time my wife would spend her days there with our precious little one. She never complained about having to be there but always kept the faith. Also, she asked for may blessing for not only her, but for our sweet angel. What a joy it was to be able to bring Aleigha home! She is now almost 5 months old and the doctors are so pleased with her progress. I’m so lucky to have Stacie in my life and have such a strong and wonderful mother to my family.
Congrats to Jared. We selected a number at random and your number was selected. Please send an email to mormondaddyblogs(at)gmail(dot)com with the address of where we can send your copy of Katherine Nelson’s new CD, “Born Brave.” We hope you enjoy. Thanks to all who entered.