Announcing the release of Open Book’s album “Leaning In”.

Available for download on 9/10/23 on all streaming platforms.

“I love this album by Open Book and loved singing on it.  Michele Gedney is a co-leader of Writing a Song That Matters and wrote the song "Go" that Cry Cry Cry covered.  We lost Rick Gedney last January, but he is so warm and present on this album, Leaning In (available on all streaming platforms).” ~ Dar Williams

Click here for comments and reviews on “Leaning In”

Michele writes:

This album was recorded during the pandemic, working with long-time producer, Billy Masters.  As the world shut down, everyone on this project adapted and we were able to create this album remotely, sending each other tracks that were recorded in home studios.  The focus on this project during that strange time was such a gift to all of us, turning our sense of isolation into community and collaboration.

Sadly, Rick passed away in early in 2023, just as the final mixes were finished. It felt like a kind of miracle that he and I were able to finish recording our parts before his passing. It was a gift to be able to process such an enormous loss in this beautiful way. And Rick was so very proud of this one.

Thank you to Billy Masters and the gifted musicians who joined us on this project:
Dar Williams, Daniel Weiss, Lloyd Maines, Marco Giovino, Shawn Pelton, Zev Katz.
They each brought so much love and magic to these songs.

The album artwork showcases two of Rick Gedney’s most recent oil paintings.

January 15, 2023

I am heartbroken to let you know that my husband Rick passed away on January 14th, 2023. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy of art and music. He and I found each other in music and it was our language together for over 22 years. Our music has been a chronicle of our love and life together and I will miss him more than I could ever express. We completed an album of new material in 2022 and I do hope that one day, you can hear it. In the meantime, keep him in your heart, look at his beautiful paintings, listen to our music. Thank you for being on the journey with us.

“And I need you to know, I will be forever Grateful to you”. ~ Michele

Rick and Michele Gedney, known as the duo, Open Book, have been writing, recording, and performing together since 2000. Their original music features melody invention and vocal harmonies backed by a tapestry of interweaving guitars.  

Open Book has released five albums which have received national airplay and critical acclaim. In addition to performing concerts, writing and recording, Rick and Michele have been honored to work as part of the teaching team at Dar Williams' retreat called Writing a Song That Matters. The retreat is heading into it’s 12th year, with three retreats offered in 2024.

Their song "Go” has been released by Cry Cry Cry on their album, “Live at the Freight” (2020)
All proceeds from this album will be donated to Live Music Society, to help sustain and rebuild venues for live music.

Open Book are the winners of the 2017 Connecticut Folk Festival 'Grassy Hill Songwriting Competition'.  

Open Book has shared the stage and recorded with many amazing musicians:

Al Hemberger - Billy Masters - Buddy and Julie Miller
Christine Lavin - Dan Bonis - Dar Williams
Doug Yowell - Ellis Paul - Freedy Johnston
Ian Matthews - Jay Nicholas - Jeff Allen
Joe Crookston - John Sebastion - Jon Pousette Dart
Karen Savoca and Pete Heitzman - KJ Denhert
Lucy Kaplansky - Lincoln Schleiffer - Livingston Taylor
Marco Giovino - Mark Murphy - Marc VonEm
Martin Sexton - Michael Visceglia - Mike LaRocco
Modern Man - Pete Heitzman - Radislov Lorcovic
Richard Shindell - Rob Clores - Rob Mathes
Sara Milonovich - Sharon Goldman - Sloan Wainwright
Stacy Earle - Steve Hass - The Kennedys
The Levins - Terence Martin - Tom Camp
Will Lee - Zev Katz and many others

 Click here for all Press Quotes