218. The River

Episode 219 of the A Breath of Song podcast, hosted by Patricia Norton, titled "218. The River" was published on January 7, 2026 and runs 24 minutes.

January 7, 2026 ·24m · A Breath of Song

Summary

Song: The River Music by: Coco Love Alcorn   Notes: Coco is entering a long and challenging journey with an aggressive cancer diagnosis. She’s hopeful and grounded, but as an independent musician, she doesn’t have access to benefits like employment insurance or sick leave. With her treatment schedule, she’s had to cancel every concert, every tour, and even postpone the recording of her new album. She also had to pause her local choir until further notice. This means she’s facing at least a year ahead with almost no income — while focusing all her strength on healing. Supporting her directly through buying her music, or donating to the GoFundMe will make this time easier. In the meantime, you can sing this song of Coco's, bringing river healing energy into the world!   Songwriter Info: “Coco is the ultimate musical spark plug... an electrical connector through which the creative energy flows. In my 30 years of touring around the world, I have never seen another performer able to bring people together like Coco does.” ~ James Keelaghan - Artist Director, Summerfolk and renowned Canadian singer/ songwriter The first thing you notice about Coco Love Alcorn, is the voice. It's a rich, dynamic, supremely soulful instrument – hailed by the press as extraordinary, beautiful, and stunning – that has a way of touching your heart and making you care.  As a performer, Alcorn is always in the moment, joyful, and genuine. She combines diverse musical influences including jazz, R&B, pop, folk, and Gospel. Her playful and witty character, love of improvising, and willingness to engage fearlessly with the audience has made Alcorn an established presence on the Canadian music scene.  Born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia and now based in Owen Sound, Ontario, Alcorn’s career has spanned more than 20 years, 12 (9 solo) albums, cross-Canada tours, collaborations, festival appearances, award nominations, and notable success in TV and film licensing. And it took someone with a spirit like Alcorn's to navigate this path.  "Throughout my career I have explored across many genres, collaborations and projects, taking a winding path to get to here,” she says. “But I’ve loved every step of my journey and trusted my inner curiosity to take me where it wanted to go.”    Sharing Info: Please support Coco directly if you are sharing this song, either by buying the music on her website here: https://cocolovealcorn.com/store or supporting her GoFundMe here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/SupportCocoThroughCancer    Song Learning Time Stamps: Start time of teaching: 00:02:49 Verses taught slowly: 00:11:55 First run through: 00:15:50 Start time of reprise: 00:20:53   Links: Coco teaching the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgmg1K7BFxo&t=133s  Coco's GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/SupportCocoThroughCancer Lisa Littlebird teaching tracks: https://thebirdsings.com/the-river/ Sheet music for The River: https://cocolovealcorn.com/store    Nuts & Bolts: 2:2, major, verses & chorus, harmonize   Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share   Help us keep going: reviews, comments, encouragement, plus contributions... we float on your support.https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html

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