January 2005

Dear: Candice

I just want to let you know that your music is a gift, my name is Jamie Scott and I am 24 yrs old and at times life throws us curves like when I was 12 my dad was diagnosed with cancer and it was like I had no where to turn and then I turned to music and it helped me get on with life and my dad is still with us thank God but it was not until this year that I realized that your songs help and that was when I found out that my older brother Johnny has cancer and I just found out that I have diabetes and I was about to breakdown and I put one of your CDs in and inside I felt that I can beat this and so I just want to thank you for your music.

And if you know it or not your music helps people in many different ways.

Jamie

Dear Jamie,
Hearing all you have gone through..you are an inspiration to others. Stay strong...it can only get better and for going through all you have I have to believe that rewards of happiness and peace of mind wait for you just around the bend... You will be able to get through and you will come out stronger than before... I am sending you lots of healing and love... and I have done since I first received this. You are not alone...
Much love...
Candice

Candice

I really enjoy all the Blackmore's Night CDs that have been released in America so far. I would not normally listen to that style of music but I find it outstanding. As I type this email, I am listening Shadow Of The Moon. I think your voice sounds a lot like Stevie Nicks. Are you influenced by her?

Thanks,

Kevin McMahon

Hello Kevin,
Its funny, a lot of people find that similarity. I am, actually, a very big Stevie fan. Although I have a tendency to believe that most people see the long blonde hair and the skirts and think that is the connection. And for them, maybe it is. I don't look or dress the way that I do because I am a fan of someone...I look and dress the way I do because it is me and I have always been true to my identity. But I have always been charmed by the presence of Stevie Nicks. I love her poetic words and her artwork. I think it is wonderful that she has chosen to keep her "look" so feminine throughout her years in music and that she portrays such a mystical quality. I love the subjects that she chooses to write about in her songs. So, yes, I am influenced in a way- and yet, I believe that we probably draw from similar influences and other worlds. I think we are probably coming from the same place, musically. Only my influences also stem from the visuals of the Renaissance times as well.
Always,
Candice

Candice;
Hello there ! My name is Ray Mesaric - I am a 41 yr old mobile DJ in Las Vegas. I just want to first tell you I am a huge fan of your music. My only problem is the lack of exposure here in the U.S.

Do you have any plans on touring here anytime in the near future ?
Also where can I find your solo efforts here in the States. I look forward to hearing them. Thank you for your time.
Ray "the Music Man" Mesaric
Las Vegas NV USA

Hello Ray,
Funny you should ask if we're touring the US- because we're actually coming right to your home town! We'll be in Las Vegas playing at the Mandalay Bay House of Blues at the end of this month. See here for the details of how to get tickets and the other places we'll be. I am so excited about these dates because they will be our introduction to the west coast. It will be so great to finally be able to play out there...

I am still working on the solo project right now. Blackmore's Night always takes priority so its taken me a while to be able to find some down time to get back to working on the solo songs because we have been so busy this past year. So, as soon as I get back in the studio , I will certainly let you know...
Love,
Candice

Hi Candice,
I have a question,but first,I wanted to say you have an incredible voice!
Second,I've been a Ritchie Blackmore fan for the longest time, I loved Deep Purple,and have been a huge Rainbow Fan. Here's the question: I loved the version of Self Portrait, is there a chance that you two will do anymore Rainbow songs? Maybe something like Catch the Rainbow,or maybe Rainbow eyes?
I'm sure they would sound great.
Thanks for your time,
Dave

Hello Dave,
Thanks for your sweet words... I too have been a huge Rainbow and Purple fan for years! Being able to sing the songs now is something I never thought would be...but I am always so happy when Ritchie asks me to try one to see if we can do it in "our" way. The songs are all so great, and they are so melodic that they translate really well to any musical instrumentation. So, now that we occasionally perform Child In Time, 16th Century Greensleeves, Soldier of Fortune, Since You Been Gone, Temple of the King, Street Of Dreams and , yes, even Smoke on the Water - though that one makes a rare appearance in our set list, I can honestly say, without giving away any secrets, that, yes we will be doing another Rainbow song in the future to be recorded for our next album.
Now you'll just have to wait and see ....
Hope to see you at one of our shows!
Love,
Candice

Dear Candice,
I found this website and reading these letters makes me so happy – behind the golden voice which blesses the music from another world, there seems to be a woman with a beautiful personality. Even more happy was I when I realised that I had an opportunity to write to you myself.

What I would like to do now is almost impossible with words, but I’ll give it a try. I’d like to thank you for your (and the rest of Blackmore’s Night’s) music. It gives me so much joy. Your music does something so rare and wonderful – it opens the door to that “other place,” which I’d like to believe is where we are all connected…

One of the wonders of music is that it is possible to store one memory, moment, or feeling in one single tune. I never stop marvel at how music immediately can take you back to that moment, or put you in a certain state of emotion – happiness, sorrow, ecstasy, longing, contemplation, etc.

So, thank you for creating a place which has been, and is, my escape when everything else is black and thank you for creating a jewel-case so beautiful to store my memories in.

And for something else: what type of pennywhistles (tin-whistles) do you use (brand, key)? And which do you like the best?

I regret not seeing you in Sweden when you last were here, but I hope you will come back soon.

And Candice, please don’t lose the passion for music that I hear when you sing – it is invaluable!

Many blessings and much love,

Anna

Hello Anna,

What beautiful words...thank you for putting your escape and emotions into words for me and for the world to read. It is such a warm and wonderful feeling, a feeling of true understanding and of reflection, to know that others find the same escape, the same beauty, and other worldliness through song. I believe that the feelings that music is able to conjure up, the freedom, memories, creativity and healing - really is true magic. As real and amazing as a sunset. The dimensions that a single song can transport you to is in itself, ultimately, time travel but more than that. It is travel through illusion as well as reality. It helps you realize what is, what may be and what you wish for. And allows you to visit that place as often as you wish. For those who do not understand, these words make no sense...but I know that you do know exactly what I am talking about. So thank you for your wise mind and your beautiful soul...

To answer your question: I prefer Clarke Pennywhistles. I have them in C and D...there just something about the wood that I am drawn to more than the plastic or metal whistles. Although, when I have to play songs that I may need a G pennywhistle for, I use a Flagolet. They cut through more sharply.

Never lose your sight into the other world...

Love and light always,

Candice