Empty Houses

Empty houses became a symbol for songwriter Sarah Bowman when she was searching for a new place to live. From this experience she gained new perspective on poverty, the division of classes, subtle constants between cultures, and the true meaning of home. The songs in this collection of works entitled 'Empty Houses' reflect on difficult times and offer hope and a sense of purpose needed to push through and feel not alone. The production of the CD was fitting to the theme. Sarah recorded in the historic La Cappella concert hall off season in the summer of 2010. The rich sound of the hall is captured in the careful placement of her instruments and vocals. Sarah recorded piano, cello, guitar and vocals in the hall before setting off to Amsterdam to collaborate with renowned artist Pim Kops of The Dijk and The Avalanche Quartet. With the help of the staff at La Cappella, and the talents of Bern's local musicians Samuel Baur and Oli Hartung, the album came together as a most genuine and touching creation of a group of friends. (For a complete list please see below.) During Sarah's period of writing for this album, an earthquake devastated Haiti and turned the school in Port au Prince where Sarah once taught, into ruin. Using the letters of friends and faculty there, Sarah wrote a song about the great concert hall that she remembers well, Salle Sainte Cecile. She dedicates this song and the proceeds of the special edition albums to reinstating a music program at Ecole Sainte Trinite where the concert hall once stood. The album was paid for in part by an online fund raising campaign that proved a high level of anticipation for it's completion. Helping Haiti is Sarah's way of giving back. Album Musicians: Sarah Bowman- Vocals, Cello, Guitar, Wurlitzer Pim Kops- Accordion, Rhodes, Guitars Oli Hartung- Electric Guitars Samuel Baur- Drums and Percussion Mike Meadows- Percussion Claudio Strebel- Bass Live Band: Oli Hartung- Electric Guitars Samuel Baur- Drums and Percussion Cline-Giulia Voser- Cello Swiss release date October 14, 2011.