"This year alone, an estimated 182,800 women in the U.S. will
be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and approximately 40,800
women will die from breast cancer."
----The Libby Ross Foundation
On June 13, 2002 ForeReel Records will release It's
About Eve, a charity album to promote breast cancer awareness
and independent women's music.
After the tragic loss of a young family member to breast cancer,
Hernando Courtright, founder of ForeReel Records, came up
with the concept for It's About Eve, a charity compilation
CD featuring independent female artists. "The genesis was the passing
of my cousin to breast cancer. I felt the need to do something in
her honor. While running in a marathon or giving money to a charity
seemed OK, I thought [a CD] would have more of an impact and help
bring awareness to this problem," says Hernando. "From a charity
point of view, I would like to raise as much [money] as possible
to promote breast cancer awareness and bring a better understanding
of the pervasiveness of the disease to young women. As for the artists,
they are all so talented and enthusiastic about their music. My
hope is that they will be discovered by a larger audience."
Hernando started this project over a year ago, in early 2001, by
putting together a list of artists and deciding on a theme. When
asked how he navigated through such an enormous pool of talent Hernando
says "Some came to me through submissions to my management company
and label. The balance came from my network of contacts. They were
chosen for their talent and the enthusiasm expressed in their music."
In the end, he chose 13 extraordinary artists representing some
of the best talent in independent music. They range from rock bands
to folk artists and some amazing singer-songwriters: Andrea Maybaum,
Debra Davis, Deena Miller, Edie Carey, Elisa Peimer, Emily Curtis,
Lava Baby, Julia Greenburg, Ina May Wool, Heidi Petrikat, Nancy
Magarill, Sister Someone and Wellville. Each one donated
a track to It's About Eve.
The number of women who are affected by Breast Cancer each year
is at catastrophic proportions and awareness is one step to help
change those numbers. "By using music to promote Breast Cancer Awareness
to young women, we hope to make them aware of this pervasive health
problem - sorting out myth from fact is critical," says Hernando.
The proceeds of It's About Eve will be distributed to three
different charities: The Libby Ross Foundation, The T.J. Martell
Foundation and Comedy Cures who are working very hard
to raise Breast Cancer Awarenss.
For some of the girls who worked on this project, the theme hit
close to home. Here are some of their personal stories:
"While
I was putting together my bio for It's About Eve, I wanted
to dedicate it to [my mother], but realized that we had never talked
about [her experience with breast cancer]. Last year, after 9/11,
she came up and spent the day with me in NY and finally spoke about
what she went through, why she never spoke about it and now we are
so much closer. I think it made a huge difference to her that she
could talk about it to me."
--Nancy Magarill
"My
mother is a breast cancer survivor. I consider myself an incredibly
lucky daughter in that she caught it early and only had to endure
a lumpectomy followed by radiation. Many friends, both my age and
older have had or died of it. I think all women live in fear of
that lump and the fact that it is so widespread continues to shock
me."
--Julia Greenberg
"My aunt Melody passed away from breast cancer and I saw how my
cousins were badly affected by it. It's painful to see someone fighting
so hard and slowly wither away while the family is brought down
through it. I hope they do find a cure soon and also educate more
on preventing cancer in the first place."
--Heidi Petrikat
"I have a few good friends who are now battling Breast Cancer, in
various degrees of treatment. I'm praying they survive. My good
friend and neighbor has an extremely high rate of Breast Cancer
in her family with many of the women dying before age 40. When her
sister died of it at age 32, she and their other sister had elective
mastectomies performed to prevent them from contracting the disease,
a very courageous and necessary move. I'm happy to say, 8 years
later they are both fine."
--Debra Davis
The opening track of It's About Eve is the only song recorded
specifically for the CD - a vibrant, energetic cover of The Beatle's
"The Word". Kicking off the song is a powerful chorus of over
25 female artists Hernando assembled from those who appear on the
record as well as many others from the independent music community.
The featured vocalist is none other than music legend Joan Jett,
an old friend of Hernando's, who also performed lead guitar on the
track.
As one of the first women to own her own label, Blackheart Records,
Joan Jett was the perfect choice for the independent spirit of the
project. "Hernando was a wonderful friend of mine when I was in
the Runaways," said Joan, "and I totally enjoyed being part
of a project that is his passion after all these years. As an owner
of my own record label, I'm certainly someone who appreciates and
admires independent minded women. While we heed the call to support
the WTC victims and our military overseas, we can't forget women's
health concerns."
"My original idea was to do "Yesterday" since Paul [McCartney]
wrote it about his mother who died of breast cancer," says Hernando.
"However, I realized that it would not lend itself to a sing-along
with guest vocalists. Our producer Rob Stevens chose "The
Word". It was more rock, less burnt out (at radio) and a bit hipper
for an indie vibe." Rob Stevens is a client of Hernando's producer
management company who has worked with The Red Hot Chili Peppers
and Yoko Ono. "Besides choosing the track, he did a kick-ass job."
says Hernando of Rob's work. The result is a soaring psychedelic/rock
version of the classic song.
Coordinating the recording was an enormous accomplishment in itself.
"The making of the bonus track was inspiring on many levels. All
the women cooperated and gave great performances with no ego," says
Heranando. "We got all the background vocals done really quickly
- a testament to the talent both in the studio and the fine folks
behind the board" commented Elisa [Peimer].
For the women who participated in the recording, it was an incredible
opportunity and experience to work with their peers in the music
community. Elisa Peimer noted, "I had never met most of these
women before and yet there was a wonderful feeling of camaraderie."
Another vocalist, Heidi Petrikat says, "I had a lot of fun
working with all the girls, learning how talented they all are in
their own way." "The shy type that I am was overwhelmed by all the
ladies. But, it was like in a chorus in high school, which I always
enjoyed," says Julia Greenberg.
It's About Eve is an incredible display of talent and music
and a testament to the incredible work people can do together helping
others. Breast Cancer Awareness can change the lives of many women.
As we see in Hernando Courtright, it is not just a woman's issue.
 It's
About Eve can be purchased at the WOMANROCK MusicShop
on June 12th.
Visit:
http://www.womanrock.com/musicshop
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