The Rankin Family
Calgary, Alberta (January 2009): On February 3rd, one day before the start of their cross Canada tour, the award winning Rankin Family will release THESE ARE THE MOMENTS, their second CD since reuniting in 2007!
The 13 track CD is a brilliant collection of songs chosen to inspire and uplift - a bright light, amidst uncertain times. From the opening track to its closing moments, the listener is taken on a musical journey rich with the Rankin’s signature harmonies and steeped in lyrics and melodies that speak to the heart and soul.
Released on Longview Music/MapleMusic Recordings, THESE ARE THE MOMENTS had its beginnings in the fall of 2007. Upon the completion of the Reunion Tour, the family was encouraged to return to the studio. The overwhelming response to “Rise Again” and “Fare Thee Well Love” that greeted them in concert night after night gave rise to the musical footprint for the album. With the template set, they enlisted the help of industry veteran Frank Davies as the executive producer, and behind the console, Juno award-winning producer, Steve MacKinnon. Together they selected and recorded all the new material (four of which were written or co-written by Jimmy and Heather). Newly reworked and remixed versions of the two anchor songs were then completed with noted producer Jeff Dawson; while renowned mixer Mike Fraser (Norah Jones, AC/DC) added his magic to both of them, along with the lead single, “Breathe Dream Pray Love”.
The song is a lush, contemporary take on their trademark sound sung by Heather and was co-written by Victoria Shaw (writer of 9 1 singles); Canada’s own singer/songwriter Amy Sky and best selling, Grammy nominated pianist, Jim Brickman.
Cookie Rankin lends her powerhouse vocals to “Straight Into Love”, a cinematic, format-crossing ballad, co-written by Jimmy Rankin and Patricia Conroy. “This song tries to capture that beautiful, crazy feeling of new love – it’s about dropping everything and going for the moment”, noted Jimmy. “My Only Wish”, is a song Jimmy co-wrote with Tom Wilson (Blackie & the Rodeo Kings) and Tawgs (Josh Groban’s “You Are Loved/Don’t Give Up). “Becoming a father was one of the most incredible experiences of my life”, said Jimmy, “but it scares me to think about the kind of world my kids will inherit. “My Only Wish” is about dreams, hopes and aspirations – all the good stuff life has to offer”.
Lyrically all these songs needed to touch a chord. “When I first heard, ‘Never Alone’, said Raylene, “I was driving and had to pull my truck over to the side of the road. The words were so timely and truly captured the hope that we strive for in (these) difficult times.” “Never Alone” was also written by Victoria Shaw, along with Gary Burr (Patty Loveless, “I Try To Think About Elvis) and Sarah Buxton (Keith Urban). Each of the Rankin sisters takes a verse lead on the song, the first single released to country radio.
Raylene also takes the lead on “Hopeville” penned by brother Jimmy along with fellow Canadians Dean McTaggart (Amanda Marshall) and East Coast legend, Lennie Gallant. A beautifully crafted song, it speaks to the faith that keeps communities strong. “Hopeville”, noted Jimmy, “ could be any small town in North America, it’s a song about finding hope in an era of Main Street gone bust and a generation fleeing to find their fortunes elsewhere. Hopeville … a dream worth holding onto”.
“I Would” came very quickly to Heather. Sitting down at the piano one day, the words and music melted together and the results are a striking ballad and a tender, heartfelt delivery.
Rounding out the CD are select tracks from the Reunion disc that were in keeping with the new and original material selected, most of which were also written or co-written by Jimmy Rankin and his sisters Heather and Cookie, including two with another great East Coast writer, Gordie Sampson.
THESE ARE THE MOMENTS is a timeless body of work by Canada’s most celebrated musical family. It was also the very last vocal line recorded by the Rankin Family as they wrapped their sessions last summer.
These are the moments, indeed!
