Pierre Roxon and the timeless folk grace and community of "Blue Mary" featuring Charlotte Algar (Live Performance)

 

"At the feet / Of a blue Mary / On Palm Sunday..."

The beautiful nudges, cuddles of "Blue Mary", by Exeter, England bred, Central Portugal based singer songwriter Pierre Roxon, performed live with loving vocal assistance from artist Charlotte Algar and further vocal assistance from the audience, is not only something to behold but to hold inside as a lovely sonic affirmation, maybe one that you visit often throughout your life. The classic folk tone with circular patterns against Roxon's stately vocals feels like a Saturday kitchen dance, barefoot with a loved one, wife or child or anyone that needs a warm embrace. The song bathed in religious iconography (which I like done in this way - even as a non-believer) extends beyond any constructed invisible borders and has personal familial connections. 

Besides the purity here, the song itself with Charlotte Algar as background vocalist and impromptu choir leader feels like community, the best parts of community. The song, however it was creatively seeded, upon first listen, made me think of bits of Paul Simon, Paul McCartney, Jack White, Nico, The Kinks and Wes Anderson films. I love it's temperament and it's timelessness. 

LINER NOTES (bracketed) Pierre Roxon on the song:

["Blue Mary" was born from a personal and creative moment in Lisbon, Portugal, back in 2021. Inspired by the Catholic imagery that surrounded me, I found myself drawn to a cheap souvenir of the Virgin Mary. The song was recorded during a live concert held in a wine cellar, where I invited the audience to join me in recording their voices. "Blue Mary" also features the incredible talent of 6 Music featured artist Charlotte Algar, whose recent debut single has garnered widespread acclaim.

I can get quite tired with studios and the lackluster pace of typical recording methods. Maybe it's being impatient, but I appreciate music that's like a stir fry.

It's lots of fun to record a song in front of an audience with only one microphone, one guitar. I'm always seeking for creative ways to bring music to life rather than sterilizing it in a soundproof booth. I hope you can feel the warmth of the night, even though it was February.]

I love songs that, however they are taken by us the listener, are like a young bird that the artist breathes live into letting it thrive and fly away. Roxon imparts the song with specific bits of history from a loved one. The deep diving makes the song feel special and it is special. Read about these important personal connections below that Roxon shares.

[In 2020 got the opportunity to read my grandfather’s book about his time in an Italian concentration camp. I took notes on one passage, but I did not revisit the note until after Blue Marys release.]

[“And then one day this self-inflated phoenix of near infallibility suddenly shrivelled like papier-mâché in a flame, never to rise whole again. Ferramonti - Salvation behind the barbed wire (David Henryk Ropschitz)]

[It appears that my grandpa, whom I never met, deserves a great deal of gratitude. Unknowingly, the words crept into my song Blue Mary.“We are the phoenix made out of paper, gone in the flames, finally whole again” I am grateful that you survived the Holocaust when so many members of our family did not. I appreciate the chance to get to know you through your words. Lastly, thanks for unintentionally flooding my mind with vivid images!] 

As I listen to "Blue Mary" I become part of the background singers. I bet you will too. 

At the feet
Of a blue Mary
On Palm Sunday
All we can do
Is swallow life whole and in fact
That is where I am
We are the phoenix
Made out of paper
Gone with the flames
Finally whole again
Roots are pushing up pavements
Earth is silently waiting
Look all around you
This will be gone soon
Look all around you
This will be done soon
This is enough for me
More than enough for me
At the feet
Of a blue Mary
On Palm Sunday

-Robb Donker Curtius

  

THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM 

https://open.spotify.com/artist/50T2tQotEJfSpCvxJ6e984

https://pierreroxon.bandcamp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/pierreroxon/

https://www.facebook.com/PROXONHAMMOND

https://linktr.ee/pierreroxon


Pierre Roxon is a 31-year-old singer-songwriter and guitarist hailing from Exeter, England, now based in Central Portugal. Pierre's musical journey has seen him lend his vocals to projects alongside renowned guitarist Gary Lucas, known for his collaborations with Jeff Buckley and Captain Beefheart. Pierre has graced the stage in New York, performing with members of iconic bands from The Modern Lovers and Television.

Pierre Roxon, singer songwriter, musician, folk, folk indie, acoustic, Exeter, England, Central Portugal based, Live Performance, featuring Charlotte Algar, "Blue Mary" Live, Holocaust,