March 6, 2003 — A first novel by a Virgin Islands freelance writer and editor is making history: It's the first time a novel is being released with it own original sound track. Teddi Davis's "Back to the Ship" comes complete with a CD of island music, including the signature title song.
There'll be a gala book-release party, with Davis on hand to sign copies, at The Old Mill entertainment complex from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and live music by the TNT band will be on tap.
Then on Sunday, March 30, a brunch-time gathering with book signing will be held at Mim's Seaside Bistro in Watergate Villas. Complimentary champagne will be served from noon to 2 p.m.
Why the musical accompaniment? Explains the author: "During the course of events within the story line, one of the main characters composes a variety of tropical tunes. There was really no way to convey the energy and dynamics of these songs short of having them recorded by a steelpan performer for readers to enjoy." So Davis proposed the idea to her publisher, Catalyst Media Group in South Carolina, and the result is a CD with eight original songs.
The novel, described as "a light-hearted romp through the Caribbean" and a "beach read," is set in a place called the Holiday Islands. And the play-along, sing-along read-along CD features musician and vocalist Andrew Douglas and lyrics by the author. "Hug Me Left Side, Miss" and "Desmond's Delight" are other song titles.
Davis settled in the Virgin Islands from New York in the 1970s, working as a radio announcer, drama coach and freelance writer and editor while raising her daughter, Rachel. In 1995, loss of literally everything she owned in Hurricane Marilyn drove her to the mainland, where she worked in South Carolina and Florida before returning to the Caribbean. "The West Indies is my only true home," she said. Her familiar byline has appeared in a number of Caribbean publications.
Award-winning steelpannist Douglas partnered with Dan McGuinness of Island Soundworks to produce the CD, which was mastered by Landshark Records. The book is distributed in the islands by Ship To Shore Inc. and will be available in local bookstores and gift shops after March 10.
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