Helene Cronin – “Bells of Saint Thomas”
Americana Highways is hosting this premiere of Helene Cronin’s song “Bells of Saint Thomas,” from her forthcoming EP Beautiful December, due to be released on November 13. This song will be available on October 20. Beautiful December was produced by Mitch Dane with engineering assistance by David Diel, and recorded at Sputnik Sound.
“Bells of Saint Thomas” is Helene Cronin on vocals; Bobby Terry on guitars; Byron House on bass; Chris Powell on drums, Melodie Chase on cello; Charlie Lowell on keys and bells; Caitlin Anselmo and Matt Singleton on backing vocals; with additional guitar, bells, and keys by Mitch Dane.
It helps, when it’s almost time to turn the clocks back and the percentage of darkness in our days is increasing, to have something lovely and welcoming to listen to through the season. That’s what the holidays are for, and that’s what music can provide. That’s also what Helene Cronin has offered here, in this peaceful song of hospitality and inclusion — something the world needs right now.
It was Thanksgiving spent with family at the beach last year, next door to the hourly chimes from St. Thomas Catholic Church, that inspired this title. I put my guitar in Drop-D and felt the nostalgia for Christmases past and especially the people I’ve lost. Those ideas populate verses 1 and 2. As I worked on the 3rd verse, to bring even more meaning to the bells, the word “doubter” kept trying to creep in. I kept pushing it away, thinking the song should focus on “belief” and positive thoughts, until I remembered that Thomas in the Bible is known as “doubting Thomas.” I knew then that I had to include it! It’s funny how the subconscious mind works. When recording vocals, this song brought me to tears. You can hear the emotion in the vocal. “To believers and seekers, and doubters like me, it’s a come one-come all benediction, when the bells of St. Thomas are ringing. – Helene Cronin
Find more information on Helene’s website here: https://www.helenecronin.com/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Interview: Helene Cronin Guides Us Through Life’s Landmarks