Candice Night - interview
Tomasz Kudelski: Blackmore’s Night releases studio albums quite frequently, that is not common these days, and Dancer and the Moon is your a 9th studio album released so far. How composing and recording process took place this time?
Candice Night: We have learned over the years not to just go in for a 3 month period and record the songs like we used to because when we did it that way we didn’t get a chance to take a break from the process and then when we would play the songs in concert we would hear all the changes we wanted to make in the songs that we had already recorded for the cd and by then it was too late. So now, we go in, record a few songs, then take some time off and do a tour, then go back in and record some more songs and revisit the songs already recorded to see if we need to make any changes to them. That’s how we would up doing 3 different versions of Moon Is Shining- 2 of which made the final cut onto the CD.
TK: My favorite song from Dancer and the Moon album is the Last Leaf. What are your favorite songs from this album?
CN: That is definitely my favorite from this cd. It holds a special place in my heart as it originally was a lullaby that I used to sing to my daughter, but then we added the verse melody and decided to change the lyrics. I made the lyrics about a story that I had in mind for many years- and finally this melody seemed to be the perfect fit for that storyline idea. It is a metaphor for life and our fear of letting go of the familiar into the unknown of the future- but physically there really is 1 leaf that every autumn holds on for dear life through out the winter winds until one day I look out the window and its just gone. Blown away. It was a parallel of so many things in life. Other favorites of mine on this cd are the Spinners Tale and Moon Is Shining.
TK: You cooperate mostly with Pat Regan as an musical producer. How important is he for the band?
CN: It’s great because Pat comes to our home where we have a recording studio off of the dungeon bar on the lower level of our house. He’s like a part of the family by now because we have known him for so long. But he’s also a workhorse. We know we can go in with an idea and do our parts and our tracks and leave him to labor away all night making the edits and adding to the arrangement. And we may come down the next day and say- I really don’t like that 45 part baroque ensemble you added. Let’s cut it. And it’s fine. We try something new.
TK: In my opinion your music shifted slightly away from its renaissance roots of early records into more complex mixture of folk, pop and even rock. How do you perceive musical development of Blackmore’s Night musical style during the years?
CN: I think that although we have evolved as people in life, in our relationship and as musicians, our cds have reflected those evolutions but the ideas behind the music have stayed true to themselves. We have always incorporated electric guitars into our works but we have also taken from the renaissance melodies as well. On the first cd we had Clock Ticks On and Renaissance Faire but we also had Writing on the Wall. The great thing about this band is it allows you the creative freedom to do any type of music you want.
TK: On Blackmore’s Night records we can hear many interpretations of old medieval tunes but also some contemporary songs, including own interpretations of Ritchie’s Rainbow and Deep Purple classics. You also covered Uriah Heep Lady in Black on last the album. How do you pick up these tunes?
CN: We rediscover them along the way. Diamonds and Rust or Celluloid Heroes we rediscovered when we were having bonfire parties at our home and everyone wears garb and brings an acoustic instrument and plays either their own original works or old songs that moved them over the years while under the stars. Sometimes we look at songs again based on fan recommendations- like Temple of the King. Lady In Black we happened to hear on a radio in Germany and we had to ask fans what song it was because Ritchie liked it so much but he had never heard it before.
TK: You recorded solo album Reflections do you have further plans for solo works?
CN: I Do have other songs that I have written that I would like to breathe life into, as I really write in a very demo like capacity – with just piano and vocal, then I have the instrumentation idea in my head and sit with the producer to flesh that out. The 1st solo cd got a great response. Its just a matter of finding the time between writing and recording and touring with BN and my normal daily activities as a mom and wife- when Ill be able to fit in recording them. I already have a lullaby cd that it recorded and awaiting release so Im still waiting for that release date to happen.
TK: Judging by the pictures you have two wonderful kids Autumn and Rory. Is it difficult to be a mother and active touring musician?
CN: Of course, but no complaints at all. Each step with my children is an amazing adventure. I am loving every moment. I just have no spare moments left in the day. But I try to prioritize best I can and try not to feel guilty too much, If the house is a mess or the laundry is piling up but my babies are singing and playing, fed and happy and we are able to create music- then I have accomplished something great.
TK: Ritchie Blackmore has a reputation of moody and demanding person. Is he difficult to work with on musical level? Do you separate your personal relations from musical cooperation?
CN: I think its easier for us to work together because we are able to communicate so well after living together for so long. If there is an issue or a problem, we can realize it and talk about it. In other bands with guys, I don’t think communication was their strong point. Also I recognize his genius and know that the music in his hands is going to be going in a great direction. He leaves the words up to me and gives me freedom to express myself in that capacity. So we don’t get in each other’s way and we respect the strengths we have.
TK: I have impression that on Dancer and the Moon Ritchie plays more electric guitar then before. Is there any chance for purely rock album from him?
CN: I think he is enjoying being able to play rock without it being demanded from him on every song. He likes being able to play acoustic when we wants to, electric when he wants to, mandola, mandolin, hurdy gurdy, nickelharp. He is enjoying the freedom of expression. And I support him. So whatever he wants to do is up to him and fine with me.
TK: Jon Lord had once the idea of making one off event for all Deep Purple members. Are there any possibilities that Ritchie would ever work again with any of Deep Purple members? Recently there where some rumors floating around the fans regarding eventual cooperation with David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes. Is that truth?
CN: There are always rumors. And there is always truth and false in it all.
TK: With Carry on… Jon Ritchie paid a homage to late Jon Lord. I have always had a feeling that Blackmore’s Night should record with Jon Lord, who after leaving Purple was heavily involved into crossover and classical music that is not far away from Blackmore’s Night style. Have you ever considered to put Blackmore’s Night music more into orchestral environment?
CN: Yes we have. We actually have considered doing that for many years. I’m sure it is still a possibility for the future.
TK: Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull delivered terrific solo on Play Minstrel Play from your Shadow of the Moon debut. You also covered Jethro Tull Rainbow Blues tune. Is any further collaboration with Ian Anderson possible?
CN: Ian is a genius and a good friend of ours. We’d love to work with him again if the opportunity presents itself.
TK: What Polish fans can expect from Blackmore’s Night concert in August?
CN: We love when the fans dress up in garb and we will be playing songs from each of the cds of Blackmore’s Night and then delving into Ritchie’s past songs also. But as far as the set list? It changes every night. Depending on what Ritchie wants to play at the time. So even the band doesn’t know what the set list is going to be until Ritchie begins the 1st notes of the songs.
TK: What are Blackmore’s Night plans for the future?
CN: Continue on our journey. Maybe another live dvd in the future, a box set with unreleased footage from the past, a new rerelease with previously unseen footage of Winter Carols this holiday season. And we are in the process of recording a new CD.
