Published in the November 11-24, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Mark Fenichel
Mark Fenichel
Belinda Gail
Western singer-songwriter Belinda Gail will make a special holiday appearance in Morgan Hill at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at Community Christian Church. The show is called “An Unforgettable Christmas with Belinda Gail.” She is a bright star in the western music world and winner of the 2014 Western Music Association’s “Western Album of the Year.”
We thought you should know a little bit about her so we did a from-the-heart Q&A to find out just what Belinda is really about.
You have a connection to Morgan Hill. What brings you to town and what do you like about it?
In a nutshell, friends. Years ago at a gig with my late singing partner, Curly Musgrave, at the San Juan Bautista Mission, I got to know Don and Diane Van Straaten and John and Diane Berney and several others, who all became precious friends.
They have surprised me by turning up at my gigs as far away as Branson, Missouri. So when John asked me to do a Christmas show at their church, I jumped at the chance. Also, I was actually born in Watsonville, have family there and love returning to this area.
How would you describe your style of music for someone who is not familiar with you as a musical artist?
Typically called western music, back in the day radio combined it on the same format with country so it’s often confused and called “country/western music.” But it is very different from country. Western is very lyric driven and tells stories of the West, similar to folk songs. It depicts the life and lore of the West, family, God, country and living the ranching lifestyle. It is also typically acoustic, similar to bluegrass, with focus on the vocals. I sometimes refer to it as cowboy folk music.
What are your roots in music and who were the performers who inspired you?
Music definitely started with my mother. She loved music and loved to sing. Raised on ranches, our favorite family entertainment was singing. We would sing for hours in our living room in the evenings, or on a family trip. We have a whole series of songs we affectionately call “Mom’s Car Songs.” I never considered myself as a “singer” ‘til I was dragged by my best friend to join the church choir. I was quickly pushed by the choir director to sing in quartets, then trios, then duets, finally, terrifyingly, solos. My musical influences range from Patsy Cline to Linda Ronstadt to Dottie Rambo.
Your spiritual beliefs play a role in your music. Why is that important to you?
With all my heart I believe that my ability to sing and perform is a gift I have been given from the Lord. It is my duty and responsibility to never lose sight of where this gift comes from, to steward it to the best of my ability, and to give 100 percent. Without being “in your face” and “preachy” I consider my music my ministry with my primary role being to simply love people unconditionally and to use this gift to uplift and encourage them. My deepest desire and hope is that somehow through my music, people can get a glimmer of how very special and precious they are to the Lord.
What is the best part for you on being on tour and entertaining audiences with your performances?
Besides seeing spectacular parts of this country, it is the people … hands down. This year marks my 20th year in western music and because of it, I am able to call the most extraordinary people my friends. Astonishingly to me, these friends range from all over this nation, to Canada, and even parts of Europe. While I truly enjoy singing, songwriting and performing, it is meeting and talking with the amazing diversity of people that really fills up my soul. The people are what keeps me going when I am exhausted. I absolutely love people and that this music uplifts them!
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On another note: My friends The Snarky Cats wanted me to let you know they will be making a first time appearance in Morgan Hill at 8 p.m. Friday Nov. 13 at GVA Cafe. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.
Also, it is rumored that Mama Mia’s will be bringing their patio series inside this winter. They have a great indoor space that is comfortable with decent acoustics for solo and duo music groups. Finally, I am looking forward to a Saturday night appearance Dec. 12 at 88 Keys Cafe. They continue to offer live music with dinner. I will also be making a Sunday afternoon appearance as a duo with singer-songwriter Michael Gaither from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 22 at the beautiful Sunlit Oaks Winery in Gilroy.
Got a music tip? Email Mark “Fenny” Fenichel at [email protected].
