The Guardian, June 13 1997 - By Sally Cole

Quinn blends inspirational writings with her own music in first album

Growing up listening to Baha'i prayers and writings and clinging to their beauty during life's difficult times, Islander Lana (Donnelly) Quinn wanted to share the comfort of these words with others.

So she set them to music.

Mixing her own compositions with traditional melodies, the Charlottetown native has created a beautiful treasury of spiritual songs in her first album.

The result is One Step Away, a collection of 10 songs beautifully arranged and mastered at RightTracks Studio in Saskatoon.

"I recorded the album because I feel there is a real lack of music with spiritual sustenance," says Quinn, who now lives in North Battleford, Sask., with her husband Brian and children, Denise, Danielle and Glen.

Ones to listen for include Mystical River (her own melody and lyrics) and One Step Away (her own melody and arrangement.) Special recognition goes to the talented musicians on the album.

Taking her inspiration from folk musicians, such as Joan Baez, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Bruce Coburn, Stan Rogers, and Loreena McKennit, she has created some special music.

"Many people have used the words Irish-Scottish-Celtic to describe some of the melodies that I write. There is something in the plaintive nature of this type of melody that seems to echo the yearning, yet difficult nature of our souls' quest for spirituality."

The Charlottetown native contends that music can have a profound influence in people's souls.

"It can uplift, inspire, soothe and comfort....Look at the effect and enduring nature of a beautiful hymn like Amazing Grace. It is so simple yet so beautiful. Because we are turning our hearts to God, we feel uplifted. It transcends many boundaries culturally and appeals to such a wide cross section of people, yet it is a simple melody, with simple words.

"I felt that if I could sing prayers and inspirational writings, that could do some of these things, I would feel like somehow I've helped people or made a difference in their lives."

The daughter of Bob and Shirley Donnelly of Charlottetown, Quinn will return to P.E.I. this summer to visit her family.

"When I think of walking along the shore and smelling the salt air, I can still get very homesick," says Quinn, who attended Colonel Gray High School and UPEI and worked summers as a surf guard.

In the meantime, you may reach Quinn c/o Mystical River Productions, P.O. Box 1341, North Battleford, Saskatchewan or through her website which has information and sound clips from five of the pieces. It's www.rightracks.com/lana/