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MEA CLIFT
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Mea, although being the youngest member of Letter of Marque, is no stranger to singing, or to singing songs of sailor and sea. Growing up she was always singing, in her bedroom, in the church choir, even being selected for All- County Chorus. In late 2001, she joined "Caraid" (Pronounced "Care-eige"), based out of Roanoke, Virginia. Several years later she formed "Fish in a Barrel", a small band of musicians singing sea chanties and Irish drinking songs. She has also sung briefly with Ships Company Chanteymen. Now she is deeply honored to be a part of Letter of Marque. Along with her voice, Mea brings to the group the Irish Tin Whistle, and some percussive backing.
When not practicing her music, Mea is a Systems Engineer in Fairfax, Virginia, and participates in living history events ranging from the golden age of piracy through the War of 1812. She is a member of Ship's Company, and is the founding member of the Great Bay Privateers.
When asked "What is it about chanty singing that you find so engaging?" Mea said:
"I'm sharing a gift I have, enjoying the tunes and getting lost in the stories told, the harmonies made, and the laughter that abounds in certain songs. It's a time when, for a few hours, the world goes away, and music is my life. Modern music is great, but you can't sing it in a group- it just doesn't work well that way. Chanties were made to be sung by choruses of men working hard on a ship, or sharing in their grog ration, etc. That's what I like about it."
Mea's favorite Chantey: The Mary Ellen Carter
Mea's musical influences: Mr. Gary Rupert (band director), Lois Kuhn (choir director), the Itinerant Band, Poe, Rasputina, Alannah Miles, Madonna, Lani Urreta.
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