This is one story that we all need to hear. So familiar and poignant to the human experience, Ms. Cusack’s debut album, If You Knew My Story, is an extremely moving soundtrack for her life’s journey – chock full of emotion, sentiment, and wisdom – and one that will pierce the hearts of listeners everywhere.
Comprised of songs from her recent role in Bright Star as literary editor Alice Murphy, including “If You Knew My Story,” “Way Back in the Day,” “At Long Last,” and more, as well as tunes from her time in London, where Ms. Cusack starred in Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera, this album brings the voyage full-circle. Also featured are some of Ms. Cusack’s original songs, including “Shane” and “Middle Lane," which visit topics ranging from the complexity of first loves to the comfort of one’s favorite sanctuary – spotlighting the scope of her exceptional talent and soul that allows her to be serious, witty, and relatable. There’s really a song for each and every one of life’s stages.
A true artist in every sense of the word, Ms. Cusack doesn’t hold back when sharing her story in all of its forms -- pain, joy, sorrow, optimism -- and completely owns each encounter and event that has shaped the woman she has become. She is unabashedly herself and an authentic inspiration, with her material and presentation providing a sense of renewal and evoking feelings of courage and hope – proving that simply being yourself and honoring your path are the ultimate victories.
The album also features duets with Katie Rose Clark, Joe Jung, Paul Telfer and Grammy Award winner Edie Brickell and beautifully demonstrates the bliss in collaboration. Hearing Ms. Cusack and Ms. Brickell bring “Sun Is Gonna Shine Again” to life is the most wonderful expression of friendship and positivity.
Combining Ms. Cusack’s roots in blues and gospel with her operatic training, you won’t want the music (or the story!) to end and will be brimming with motivation and faith to live life to the fullest. To sum it up concisely, If You Knew My Story is total euphoria!
This album is part of the Broadway Records “Live at 54 Below” Series. To find out more and place an order, visit https://www.broadwayrecords.com/cds/carmen-cusack-if-you-knew-my-story-live-at-feinsteins54-below
