Are You Ticklish?

Carly,
I love your song "Are You Ticklish?" I would love to know it's deeper meaning. Also, are YOU? Crydun-Ohio

Extremely. Lots of nerve endings responding on high voltage energy. Very ticklish. I think of course it's also another meaning for 'sensitive', and possibly amused by my attentions. Love Carly - 1/30/03

Let The River Run

Carly,
I picked up your Anthology CD set for one song, Let the River Run. I rarely buy CD's but this song speaks to my soul. As my spirituality has developed over the last number of years I have been able to find truth, especially in music.

Your song speaks of SO much truth, it really is "in the asking"! Your song speaks to each soul whom is looking for their purpose... I love it! What were you thinking at this time of your life that this could pour out of you? Thank you, Bill - Ballston Lake, NY

The song was written for the movie "Working Girl". I wanted to write something that would be a hymn to New York and it's aspiring throngs. A jungle hymn. I looked to Walt Whitman for inspiration and my husband, Jim, had some great poetic lines that he generously shared with me. Love, Carly - 1/18/03

Christmas Is Almost Here

Dear Carly,

I am blown away by your holiday release. The cover alone is one of the best in years. I give credit to your brother for that one. Your rendition of "I'll be Home for Christmas" just has me floating on a cloud with its seductive elegant charm and is the best version I have ever heard.

"The Land of Christmas" is one of the best songs you have written and I took to it immediatley. Am I mistaken or do I hear a hint of "Actress" in the opening guitar? Also do you plan anymore projects with a stripped down sound? It really works for you. Also love the rough edge of "Pretty Paper" with Willie Nelson. Thanks for putting out such a unique holiday release. I plan on playing it for years to come. Patrick Miller - Cincinnati, OH

What a shocking thing that it actually came out. Don Was disappeared mostly. But it might have been a blessing because being so stripped down wouldn't have happened if we'd fussed with it too much.
Hotel room: five days. Guys floating by and adding voices and guitars and the real spirit of jazz. Thanks for writing. Carly - 1/15/03

Norman Seeff

Dear Carly,

Just picked up your new Anthology CD and once again I am wondering why you always seem to "shine" in photos taken by Norman Seeff.

I remember the story that you once told - about how Norman slipped you a little bit of wine before taking the famous "Carly in teddy - dancing on knees" shot for the cover of Playing Possum. But I get the feeling that there might be another reason you get so wonderfully loose and wild before his camera? Any thoughts? Stephen C. - San Antonio, TX

I love working with Norman. Why I shine? I have no idea. But the black 'teddy' shots were a day in the life. You never quite know why. Someone has to seduce you in some way. Just let you know that you're a beautiful creature and then you 'come out' of your shell. Norman had that sensibility. I wonder where Norman is.

Peter Simon and I used to take photos and when he developed them we would do what we called the "Norman Seeff effect". I can't remember exactly what it was, but it was blurry and shining in some way. Peter is a genius behind the lens and I'm so glad he took the pictures for my new Christmas CD. Love, Carly - 1/6/03

The Love's Still Growing

Just a quick question. I think "The Love's Still Growing" is one of the most beautiful songs you've done (or ANYONE has done). I know that goes back a way! The harmonies are outstanding.

I think I remember hearing that is your voice recorded twice. Is that true? How was that done? Anyway, WHY does that fantastic song not appear on any other album? (Especially ANY of the greatest hits like the Anthology???) I really look forward to hearing from you! I hope you are doing well. Glenn Moenich - Strongsville, Ohio

The Love's Still Growing is a Buzzy Linhardt song. Yes, my voice is doubled, tripled whatever. Buzzy's voice is also on there. He's a haunting creature. You've given me an idea. Maybe it should be on an Anthology. I guess it's one of those 'overlooked gems'. I do love it. I think I'll listen to it now. It's very out of tune you know. Love Carly - 1/4/03