Sisters in song

Although sisters Alice (Ali), Mandy and Mary don't do everything together, their tight sisterly bond allows them to sing in perfect harmony.

The three, known all over Conception and Trinity Bays, as The Simms Trio, recently released their first CD.

Entitled The Simms Trio, the CD contains 10 Bluegrass Gospel songs, the sister's favorite style of music.

"It's very upbeat. It's full of good old toe tapping music that appeals to people of all ages," said Ali Simms-Power of Cupids who, at 38, is the baby of the group and seldom stuck for words.

"Many people expect it to be another sappy gospel CD, but it's nothing like that," adds 41-year-old Mandy Simms (Cupids Crossing), the shy one of the group.

"It's also a tribute to our parents (Albert and Alice) who loved and supported us in everything we did and encouraged us to sing," says Mary Wall of Marysvale who, at 51, is considered to be the group's voice of wisdom.

The three, along with their four other siblings (Paddy, Gerard, Connie and Denise) grew up listening to gospel songs and playing music.

"There was always music being played in our house," says Ali. "Always someone dropping by or a house party on the go with lots of singing and people playing instruments. It's something we were exposed to on a daily basis. Our parents always encouraged us to sing."

"Dad could sing really well, but mom couldn't carry a note," chuckles Mary. "However that never stopped her from singing along or tapping her foot to the music. She just loved it. Music and singing was a normal part of our lives."

Often pondered

Over the years the three sisters sang together in various churches and at community events, weddings and funerals.

Producing a CD was an idea they often pondered, but never took seriously until last fall upon Ali's insistence.

"We considered it, we always said we would love to make one (CD), but always put it on the back burner and just kind of forgot about it," says Mary. "However last fall Ali started saying we should do it now or else we would never do it. Anyway being the baby and the sook that she is, myself and Mandy gave in to her."

The sisters started recording at My Own Studio in South River, owned and operated by Dave Fitzpatrick, around mid October.

Fitzpatrick also did the music and assisted the sisters with the back up vocals. Katey Simms was responsible for all the photography while Katherine MacDonald did the graphics.

Inspiration

The Simms sisters received the first copy of the CD on Dec. 21, 2009, the same day their mother, who was residing at the Harbour Lodge in Carbonear, suddenly took sick.

The 80-year-old had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, years before and the disease had taken over her life.

"She was a very loving mother and a happy person who never complained," her daughters recall. "The Alzheimer's took all that from her. It's a horrible disease."

The women took the CD to the Harbour Lodge and played it for their mother.

"It was a rough copy, but we really wanted her to have a chance to hear it. She was such an inspiration to us and she would have been so proud," said Ali.

Although their mother was unconscious, the sisters believe she heard every word.

"The nurses told us the last sense to go on a person is their hearing, so we believe she was able to hear the CD," says Mandy.

Alice Simms passed away on Christmas Eve, 2009. Her daughters plan to donate some of the proceeds from the CD sales to the Alzheimer's Society. They feel the CD is a bittersweet accomplishment.

"We're really happy and excited about it, but mom isn't here to share in it and that makes us really sad," says Mary.

The first shipment of the Simms Trio CDs arrived Feb. 15, on their father's 80th birthday.

"He was very proud of it," says Alice. "Actually we dedicated the CD to both our parents thanking them for introducing us to music at an early age and for their constant encouragement."

The sisters say one of the songs on the CD "I Heard the Bluebirds Sing" reminds them of their parents.

"It isn't really a gospel song, but it has a lot of meaning and talks about a couple going through life together, of love, marriage and never parting. It reminds us so much of mom and dad," says Mary.

Mother's Day performance

Most of the songs are old time favourites, in fact they're so old, no copyright was needed.

"You don't have to get a copyright for songs over 50 years old," explains Ali.

The sisters are pleased with how well the CDs are selling.

"The release party (March 19) went really well," says Ali. "We were thinking that we would get about 40 or 50 people at the most, but over a hundred showed up."

The Simms Trio CD is available at most stores in the Cupids/Brigus area or can be ordered by emailing thesimmstrio@hotmail.com.

This coming Mothers Day will no doubt be a difficult one for the Simms Trio and their family. The three sisters plan to spend part of it celebrating their mother's life and the love that she bestowed upon them by performing at St. Georges Heritage Church in Brigus.