“…Life is forever in motion and it’s important to savour the journey. I remember thinking, just take it all in because it all goes by so fast. Don’t waste time pining for the past when you’re undoubtedly standing at the edge of the future.” Rosanne Baker Thornley
Rosanne Baker Thornley is a Toronto-based, insightful, award-winning singer-songwriter who is releasing an album this summer titled “Sorry I’m Late.” She shares about the intimacy of the album, “As my songwriting years have evolved, my writing is more grounded in writing what I know. In searching my heart and writing that. To be honest. To be vulnerable. To be brave.”
I was delighted to receive a copy of her current single, “In Paris,” which is perfectly described by the artist as “a narrative of experiencing the past, the present, and the future all in one moment.” What’s even more endearing is that this intimate song is also a sweet, heartfelt reflection of Rosanne’s memories from a trip to Paris with her daughter. The details she sings of make it easy to imagine I too was on this journey with them, climbing to Montmartre to see the painters, café patrons, chefs in white aprons, and fine wine.
The memories of this time in the French capital are further accentuated by the accompanying music video, brilliantly captured on screen through the lens of a vintage stereoscope, and the opening quote here was extracted from Rosanne’s ‘out loud’ thought about how she felt while watching her daughter’s image be captured on paper by an artist whilst abroad together. Once again, parallels of a memory shared, as this reminds me of one of the many times I’ve visited New York City with my daughter, and the one time I had her portrait drawn by a street artist in Central Park.
That portrait dates back many years ago, and I still have that rendering hanging in my living room. It evokes fond moments of my own travels with the light of my life. Those kinds of memories help this song resonate deeply with me through Rosanne’s lyrics: “And it wasn’t the first time, and it won’t be the last / I could not help but think just take this in / ‘Cause it all goes by so fast.” I find myself singing along as if these words were written from my soul as well. It’s beautiful to witness our daughters grow, and then reflect on the way our interactions evolve. There is something truly magical about a mother-daughter relationship, and Rosanne captures it within the underlying love notes of “In Paris.” The simplicity of the instrumentation accompanies Rosanne’s voice and message so perfectly, it’s almost as if we are listening to an intimate exchange.
Produced and arranged by Will Schollar, mixed by Ben Pelchat, mastered by Andy Krehm, and recorded at Kensington Sound in Toronto, “In Paris” invites the listener to imagine traveling abroad with someone special and to think about the lovely memories you’d make. Rosanne herself encourages listeners to “close your eyes and let the music ruminate in your heart,” and that’s exactly how it drew me in.
Photo Credit: Taylor Thornley-Schollar
Jess has always enjoyed a wide range of music genres and eras. Connecting deeply with classical music, she played cello from grade school through high school, and although no longer actively playing, her affinity for finding an emotional connection to music is still strong. Residing in central PA, she is new to the Canadian music scene and enjoys listening to new artists as a way to break away from “the usual.” Jess is an avid yogi who often finds a sliver of peace while on the yoga mat with good music playing in the background.
