What does the “Savannah Soul” Album Cover have to do with Forrest Gump?
It’s a strange story really.
When Producer Kenny Munshaw said to me that he co-owned a studio in Savanah, Georgia & that we should do some of the album work down there, I was immediately intrigued. I didn’t know anything about it, except that I knew it had beautiful trees & would have a new energy I could feed from.
To get into the mood for the album, I found a picture on Google and made it my screensaver. I saw these trees below & knew that I had to be there but at the time, had no idea where the image was captured.
In June 2014, we started the album. At that point, I thought that maybe the picture I had as my screensaver was in Forsyth Park, but it wasn’t. Here’s a recent shot of Forsyth Park below:
It wasn’t until March 2015 that I found out, through serendipity, where that photo was taken. I met this beautiful man Tito with his dog Toby & had to take their picture. Following my intuition, led to this man filling me in on Wormsloe Park – a beautiful historic site in Savannah, Georgia.
When we drove to this park, I was shocked. Here it was – my screensaver – in real life. I would never have known this had I “stuck to myself & not talked to a stranger”. Honestly, when traveling, I follow my intuition & it has always led me in the right direction.
We decided to go dog walking through downtown Savannah (pictured below).
The album photo for “Savannah Soul” was hence, taken here at this historic site, by former Versace photographer Doug Ordway (a friend of Munshaw’s). This is also the iconic scene from Forrest Gump where he runs away from the bullies, with his knee braces flying off & shattering on the ground. He finds his strength while we hear in the background, Jenny’s words “Run Forrest Run!”
At first I was intimated to work with Doug because of his repertoire & calibre but when I met him, I was overwhelmed by his ability to be down to earth & truly want to help however he could. We hit it off so well that I joined him for his next project to entice Vogue magazine, (an in the middle of the street photoshoot with Savannah models). Doug will stop at nothing for the right picture, including stopping traffic.
Afterwards we decided to grab a PBR at the legendary “Pinkie Masters” – apparently one of the best dive bars in the South & also where Jimmy Carter jumped on the grungy bar & announced his candidacy for President of the United States!
The dress (pictured below) was designed by Corinne Monique – this gal is so talented! She’s been involved with New York Fashion Week and currently resides on the East Coast of Canada. We picked out the fabric together in none other than my hometown, Saint John, NB, then she sewed & designed it all by hand. Unbelievable!! I recommend her if you need anything custom designed.
Also – a huge thanks to Nawal Doucette who lent us her body form so we could pin the fabric. Check her page out – she gives bellydancing workshops & is a beautiful woman.
I’m so excited to share this project with you as so many minds have come together!
Here is a video of my recent stop in Savannah at Wormsloe Park. Bekah & I wanted to share some love with you. I also got to see Tito & Toby again! Life can be absolutely magical if you just let it happen.
Oh and if you like “Hey Sugar” please vote for it by giving it 5 stars on the East Coast Countdown! It’s number 8 and it would be great to get to number 1 but I need your help.
Watch the Official Music Video for “Hey Sugar”
The time is here! We have made it to 45% but still need your help! Please order your copy of “Savannah Soul” today – we’ve only got a short time left before the campaign closes: www.musicalgypsy.ca
