Ishdafish - Ish

Hello Everyone,

This is my Tribute in Loving Remembrance of Charlotte Gowitt.

Charlotte meant a lot to those that cared about her; I hope these two tunes presented together offer the listener some comfort and joy.

The information below will tell you about Charlotte and also, how and why the CD / EP, Pretty Little Bird along with Charlotte’s Song was created. 

We also decided to contribute to the MS Society in Memory of Charlotte. We have released the recording digitally on our Bandcamp site and you can also find it on my website, www.ishdafish.ca. 

We have a limited quantity of physical copies available upon request.

All proceeds from the digital sales will be donated to MS Society in Perpetuity.

To do so, we required a letter of Confirmation of Acceptance from the MS Society which is posted below. It is important to Ish that MS Society and everyone that MS has approved of our objective. See the letter of Acceptance from MS at the bottom of the page.

Here is a link to the MS Society's Fundraising Page that you are welcome to share with friends and family if they want to donate directly to MS Canada: Pretty Little Bird and Charlottes Song - Fundraising For Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

Please share with your Friends and Family.

Please go to our Recordings Page and take a listen. 

Have a nice day.  

Ish 

Charlotte was the best present I ever received for my Birthday, even though she was 2 days late. Always in my heart and just a whisper away, I will miss her every day.     Shannon Page                                                                            

Whether Charlotte sailed on calm seas, under sunny skies or through difficult passages, she was bold, brave, funny and caring to those people lucky enough to come aboard the intrepid schooner, “Charlotte”. 

With her roundish face, lively eyes, and relentless smile, Charlotte ignited laughter and admiration for all people she touched.  In her rough and tumble way, Charlotte lived her life with courage and grace.     Daniel Hanna

HOW THIS RECORDING CAME TO BE

I hope that these two tunes presented together offer to those listening some comfort in their time of need. 

With that in mind, I had a dream one night and woke up thinking about the struggles and hardships that Charlotte and others I care about and the world at large have, had to deal with terminal illness. It’s mind boggling how they and those that care about them navigate their ever-changing roller coaster emotions.

It was then I had an idea, and composed Pretty Little Bird on my three-string cigar box guitar. Yes, it is aggressive in nature for I imagined a pretty little bird being relentlessly chased by a swarm of predator birds, and as the battle continued the pretty little bird and its companion finally eluded them, rose above and flew away. 

I then contacted my musical friend Oldrich (OZ) Zitek, a very talented woodwindist and seasoned musician best known for his work with the well-known band, Brickhouse. 

As I explained, I imagined that the swarm of birds consisted of a variety of saxophones, bass clarinets and a flute. It was a true task at hand. Yet I knew OZ understood and could compose, arrange and then play and record with me. Together we could create a tune we would both be proud of. I must say he has exceeded my expectations. 

While we were recording Pretty Little Bird we recorded the instrumental Charlotte’s Song as well. It was an organic process with Ish (me) on the Dulcimer, Marion Lightly on Accordion, Doug Perry on Bass, Oldrich Zitek on Flute and Nicole Clay with her Angelic Vocals. 

In my mind’s eye, I imagine Charlotte making her way to heaven in the arms of an Angel.    

Charlotte’s Song was inspired by her loving, kind and considerate way she lived her life, her graceful acceptance, and how she rose above her struggles throughout her life and was always there for me if I needed some sisterly advice. 

I loved and admired Charlotte more than words can explain and after composing this lovely tune Marion and I decided we would perform it at Charlotte’s Celebration of Life. It was our way of saying goodbye. 

WHILE AT CHARLOTTE'S CELEBRATION OF LIFE

We met so many nice people that were her family and friends. We saw so many pictures and heard so many heartfelt stories I was overwhelmed with gratitude that Charlotte and her family took me in and made me a member of their family years ago. An aspect of my life I will forever appreciate. 

After her son Shawn remarked if you ever record this, I’d love to have a copy to remember my mom. It was then I thought, how wonderful it would be if I released both tunes together and shared them with Shannon, Dan, Kevin, Cliff, Russell, Kelly and Shawn and their family and friends. 

As a gift and loving memento of a life well lived and remembered for the wonderful person Charlotte was and hopefully my music will be something everyone can relate too and possibly offer some comfort in their time of need.   

With that in mind, we printed a number of physical CD/EPs to be shared with Charlotte’s children, Russell, Shawn, Kelly and my sister Shannon and brothers Daniel, Kevin and Cliff and we will distribute the rest to family and friends. 

I would like to thank Doug Perry, Perry's Recording Studio for he recorded both tunes live in my home and then mixed and mastered both tunes in his recording studio.  As well as Gary Dunham, Mercury Graphics for creating the cover and label and my musical friends, for we have created a meaningful recording others will hopefully cherish and enjoy.

And to Marion and Shannon, for believing in me and encouraging me to follow my heart.

Let Kindness be our Guiding Light. 

Ish