Mary Bridget Davies (Jenny Anderson)
Tony Nominee Mary Bridget Davies is best known for her role on Broadway in A Night with Janis Joplin. She is releasing a new album entitled Stay With Me: The Reimagined Songs of Jerry Ragovoy, which will be available on March 20, 2020. She talks with RyeTheNewsGuy.com about her new album, what we can expect, the touching message behind the making of this album, and what comes next.
Davies transforms these classic songs and makes them her own as she sings two new never before heard Ragovoy tunes. This album is especially close to Mary’s heart as it is dedicated to her sister, who passed away from suicide. This album is a personal piece of art, which is a friendly reminder of self-love and the importance of mental health.
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What can we expect to hear from this album?
Jerry Ragovoy was a prolific songwriter and his particular style is timeless so get ready to hear some real rock and soul music with a modern twist.
Where will you be going on tour?
We begin at the rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH and then kick things off with an east coast tour first. Dates will be announced soon.
I know these songs are in honor of your sister— do you feel this album helped you cope a little with the grief of loosing her? Any time I can express my emotions through song, it is the most cathartic thing in the world. To be able to sing these new songs in my voice with content relating to the death of my sister, it has saved me from slipping too far into my own sadness.
Often times people say music is outlet to express yourself and can be a healing process— do you feel that? 100%
How did you decide to also focus on female empowerment as one of theme on this album as well? A lot of work has been done but there is a lot of work left to be done as far as advancing women onto the same plane of equality and this project means so much to me on so many levels that if I can have the spotlight for a few minutes and champion the cause, I will!
You are well known for playing Janis Joplin on Broadway and off-Broadway. Do you feel Janis is with you in your music— your sound is very much in the style of hers! There are times when I am on stage in A Night with Janis Joplin that I honestly don't remember! I think that is when she takes over!
How are you continuing to keep her legacy alive? I was honored to have narrated the audiobook of her sister Laura Joplin's book Love, Janis 2 summers ago and of course by playing her in A Night with Janis Joplin (which I am currently performing in until March 8th 2020 in Austin, TX.) Also a song Jerry had written for Janis, "Don't Compromise Yourself " is on our album that I got to record so I am carrying the torch with the new album!
What’s your favorite song on the album?
They all have a special place for me. Currently it's "Don't Compromise Yourself." What is next for you?
GREAT QUESTION! Music videos, touring and another album.