Margaret Maria and Tréson COVER GORDON LIGHTFOOT'S 'SONG FOR A WINTER'S NIGHT'

The new music that is Margaret Maria and Tréson is as unique as the artists themselves. The classical world is colliding with the genres of funk, soul and pop, with a fresh new sound and a musical playgroud for Margaret Maria's creativity and Tréson's songwriting and vocal talents. Being courageous and brave to collaborate and venture into uncharted territories, this duo is set to change the world in a way that will not only surprise you, but delight your sonic sensibilities.

Their first single 'Music Can Change the World' was released December 15, 2023.

Song For A Winter's Night - credits

Composer: Gordon Lightfoot

Vocals- Tréson

Cello- Margaret Maria

Instrumental Arrangement: Margaret Maria

Mix and Master: Craig Robert McConnell

Producer: Margaret Maria

Recording Engineer: Margaret Maria

Videographer and Co-producer and Editor: James Nickle - Cleveland Sound Labs - Side Stage Media

'I rarely make covers, but this one came in May 2023 just after Gordon Lightfoot passed away. My dear friend of mine mentioned it was his favourite Lightfoot song, and I decided to make him a special Birthday present. So the cello instrumental was a present at first.

Tréson and I met at another friend's Birthday Party in July 2023. We connected immediately and said we would do music together! We were talking about covers one day, and I mentioned to him that I have one made already! He was thrilled when I said it was a Gordon Lightfoot tune! Tréson recorded the vocals in my closet studio (my first time doing any vocal recording) and it was mixed and mastered by my amazing Rage Angel co-creator, Craig Robert McConnell.

As an arranger, music producer and cellist, ’Song for a Winter’s Night’ was a dream to make a cover of. I had to come up with a unique way to express the folk style interludes and the bells, as I make everything with my cellos. But the depth and emotion of Gordon’s voice and his incredible artistry translated so well into my hands. I absolutely adore the simplicity and beauty of the song. It was great fun to make and even more wonderful to have Tréson sing on it with me.

So here you have both versions...which I love dearly.' - Margaret Maria

‘I was born in Montreal, but grew up in Jamaica where Country Music and American Top 40 songs are commonly heard on radio stations. I returned to Canada in the Winter of 1992. I discovered CHFI 98.1FM at that time, a show hosted by Popular radio personality Delilah. often times I would hear Gordon Lightfoot’s song 'If You Could Read My Mind' one of my favourite songs. I also remember hearing 'Song for a Winter’s Night' around Christmas time…those bells and Gordon’s voice were so familiar.

Margaret Maria and I started working together and when she told me she had made an instrumental cover of Lightfoot’s 'Song For A Winter's Night', and wanted me to sing and record it, I was ecstatic.
It is a huge honour to cover such a legend.’ - Tréson.

About the music video:

‘The music video slowly emerged as a portrayal of longing and missing a loved one, whether they were away for the holidays, or truly gone, with their spirit still in our hearts. We filmed the music video at Annette Studios on January 6, 2024 in Toronto, where there is a bar in the basement and a concert space upstairs. I was filmed upstairs with my drink, playing my cello and dreaming of my love and composing music, while Tréson was downstairs with the empty cello case, the lamp light, ruminating and dreaming with his drink. Having us in different spaces gave the song a feeling of loss and helped to channel the sense of longing and the warmth of wishing without it being too sad.

James Nickel is a one man cinematographer, videographer and editor! He flowed with our ideas and captured me on the couch reading and writing love letters (in the music) and Tré singing and hugging the empty cello case. Even the filming had a poignant energy to it.

The end has a beautiful surprise to it…where the cello appears in front of Tréson and he is reunited with his love, even if just in spirit.’ - Margaret Maria

Video sync made with permission from Warner Chappell Publishing.

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