[Cover photo credit to Shervin Lainez]

Singer/songwriter Tracy Bonham has released the single “Safe With Me” via her own newly established Takes A Village Record. The song is “an anthem for these disenchanted times when marginalized groups are under fire for their mere existence,” and encourages “warm acceptance and protection.”

Bonham says about the inspiration for the song:

A very close friend of mine shared some videos of moms giving out hugs at PRIDE parades around the country, teaching me about the Free Mom Hugs campaign.

Acknowledging the practice which began in 2015 to offer solace and acceptance to members of the LGBQTIA+ in the form of hugs, Bonham’s song reflects “the recognition given to those disenfranchised due to race, creed, religion, or gender. ” Proceeds from the song will benefit The Trevor Project.

Bonham continues:

I was especially moved by the emotional responses from the ‘huggees’. It was a beautiful and sad moment watching how a simple hug, even from a stranger, could move a person to tears. It is clear to me, now more than ever, that our LGBTQ+ community needs to know there are people in the world that support and love them.

Written during this past summer (2024), “Safe With Me” is especially relevant today as the growing trend of persecution is on the rise.

Recorded at Grand Street Recording in Brooklyn, NY, “Safe With Me” features Rene Hart (David Amram, James Hunter) on bass and Alvester Garnett (Regina Carter, Abbey Lincoln) on drums.

Bonham, who is a classically-trained violinist and an alumnus of Berklee School of Music adds:

Playing with incredible jazz musicians like Rene and Alvester has opened my mind and is now giving me the support I have always needed to spread my wings and fly. I am really enjoying exploring the intersections and overlaps of where classical and jazz meet without excluding my alternative rock sensibilities. These dudes can rock too. The three of us playing together is definitely my happy place.