Survival Songs: Whistling in the lagoon, to hear, to follow, to connect, to heal and to celebrate each other!
A huge thank you to Sebastian Maciel for his excellent studio arranging and mastering and friendship. And thanks to Isidro Flores for his poetic notions!
Debra's New Album!
In preparation for her year experience in Brazil at 17, Debra knew she could squelch "saudades de Canada" (homesickness) real fast with "her" music. She loaded up dozens of cassette tapes with the likes of Sting, Neil Young, Crosby, Stills and Nash, YES(her favourite R &R band), Zepplin, Tom Petty, Pink Floyd, the Stones, Abba, The Supremes, MJ, Earth Wind and Fire and more. In 1981-82 disco was also popular but Debra preferred to dance the lambada with Fernando Zani! Music was her means to an end...and then she preferred to stay in Brazil!!! But couldn't.
In Mexico, it is the same. Like blood needing oxygen, Debra heals to her favourite music. She hopes you do too! And may you compile a list of your favourite kareoke songs to record! Why not?Sebastian can help you too!
Bookends, Simon and Garfunkle
The Book of Love, in style of Peter Gabriel
Norwegian Wood, the Beatles, in style of Miten and Deva Premal
En Courant, (Mahogany) in style of Nicole Rieu
Jordan River, Starling Arrow here...
Blu, Zucchero here...
Nights in White Satin, Moody Blues, with poem read by Debra Breeze here...
Sail Across the Water, written by Jane Siberry, interpreted by Debra Breeze, arranged by Sebastian Maciel
Jane Siberry and Debra after Jane's concert in Windsor, cerca 2015. They met once before in the bathroom of the infamous Bamboo Club on Queen ST. West in Toronto in the 80's after Jane's outdoor concert. She said she loved dancing to the ska and reggae at the Jamaican club whenever she was in town. Debra reminded her of their shared dance scene and Jane humbly replied, "Oh well, hello again, nice to meet you!"
This is an anticipatory song. Siberry and Breeze are waiting for something big to sail across the water...Deb hoped it was Rob.
Thank you, written by Alanis Morrisette, interpreted by Debra Breeze, kareoke, arranged by Sebastian Maciel, 2026
What we go through, makes us stronger... Debra did not go to India but had a defining moment staring at the favelas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at 17, where she said no to having children. Until the poverty was gone, she could not add one more. But the poverty only worsened. She is grateful with the inclination as to why and how it all happened. Thank you God.
In 2021, Debra felt victorious over her health amidst dictatorial mandates to wear masks, follow stupid arrows and stand 6 ft from people as if they had KOODIES! She didn't and she's still here to talk about it!
She hopes the woodchuck who chose to lived under her house is still there. Woodchucks represent "Death Without Dying" because they hibernate and their hearts slow down. But this one had a baby!
Debra continued to be sober since 2016. She maintains a 90 lb weight loss, no longer addicted to food, and junkie restaurants.
Stand Up!, Karen Barak, A Cultivate and Create Project, interpreted by Debra Breeze, dedicated to Moises. Arranged by Sebastian Maciel
We are All Related, Nessi Gomez here...
Minstrel Song, Moody Blues here...
Medlay, Dancin' in the Moonlight/Joy to the World here...
Wildsweet, Starling Arrow here...
BookEnds by Simon and Garfunkel, 1968, interpreted by Debra, arranged by Sebastian Maciel
Debra thinks Simon and Garfunkel knew we'd only have our memories left...so be it!
I CAN DO IT!
By Debra Breeze
1) I can write my own songs
I’ve done it twice before
I’m tired of singing others’ tunes
They’ve left me wanting more
More truth in virtue
More truth in sentiment
More truth in gratitude
More truth of mine!
2) I’m tired of listening to others’ truths
I’ve taken more risks,
I've jumped out of planes,
Risked my life on surgical beds
To be healthy again!
3) I can live my own life now
Almost lost it thrice before!
Like a cat with nine lives
It’s not just witch folklore!
CHORUS
4) I can ditch the grasshopper
Feel into the whale
I’m more powerful than I thought
Even without a tail!
I can muse and sculpt and paint
It’s how I was born!
Forget the hardships of that “other” life
My song now, not forlorn
CHORUS
I’m grateful for the exotic
I’m grateful for the breeze
I’ve more love to give now that I can receive!
So please Great Spirit, grant love’s ease! and give me...
CHORUS