Melanie Returns After 17 Years With Pyramid Set

After spending the last 20 years raising children, folk pioneer Melanie had a "creative reawakening," which has led to her first set in 17 years, Crazy Love, on Pyramid Records. The album streeted Sept. 24.

Melanie first gained prominence after her appearance at the 1969 Woodstock festival. She has issued 30 albums in 30-plus years and has continued to tour. "I've always been around," she says. "I've just had a different focus in life, raising my children."

Melanie attributes her newfound focus on making music to the events of Sept. 11, 2001, as well as the adulthood of her youngest child, Beau Jarred Schekeryk, who shares his birthday with the tragedy. "I did a lot of soul searching," she says. "One day, it hit me. I had this creative explosion; and I have been going full-steam ever since."

Melanie's return to the studio was originally designed to yield an album of remade versions of her classic songs. The idea was scrapped in favor of the new music she was writing with her son. "My family is grown now, and we are now a music business family," she notes, referring to her longtime husband/manager Peter Schekeryk's work on producing the 16-track record with her son Beau Jarred. Daughters Leilah and Jeordie Schekeryk provide background vocals, and the entire family contributes to live performances.

"I was surprised that I started liking how my voice sounded," Melanie says. "This album is nothing like anything I have ever done before. Those who remember me from way back will be surprised."

Alan Jacobi, president of Pyramid, concurs: "You can't compare it to anything else out there."

The artist promises that Crazy Love is just the first serving from the creative crop of inspiration she's harvested in the past year. "I'm a giver," she assures. "I like to fill up your plates."

Melanie is planning an extensive tour to promote the album that will begin later this fall. Her husband will book the jaunt.