About Sapphire

Sapphire began her song writing journey in 2010 after reading Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes— prompting a deep soul journey and the reclaiming of her musical nature which she had laid aside for many years. The songs on What You Couldn’t See Before span 10 years of that journey of soul searching, learning, and truth seeking, as described through her insightful and intellectual lens.

Sapphire began her song writing journey in 2010 after reading Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes— prompting a deep soul journey and the reclaiming of her musical nature which she had laid aside for many years. The songs on What You Couldn’t See Before span 10 years of that journey of soul searching, learning, and truth seeking, as described through her insightful and intellectual lens.

Her poetry captures the imagination. It is infused with layered meanings and filled with analogies that create philosophical parables. Her songs were forged out of the crucible of challenging and enlightening life experiences. They are combined with beautiful melodies, delicate, soulful singing, her intricate guitar expressions and a tapestry of instrumentation that colors the words with sweeping emotional clarity. Her guitar, named “Vessel” by its creator is a one-of-a-kind  instrument crafted by Finnish guitar maker Olav Loef. The musicians contributing to the album are some of Marin County’s most talented.

Close-up of iridescent, metallic surface with rainbow-like colors and a textured finish.
A woman with long brown hair sitting on a rocky ledge beside a large body of water that sparkles in the sunlight.

Many songs present life challenges or observations. Then, through the bridges, the songs reveal the stepping stones and paradigm shifts, en route to an awakening or enlightenment, and ultimately, that which is truthful and crystalized. She is passing on her little pearls of wisdom created in her own shell. You’re invited to listen with intention and mindfulness. You will be richly rewarded.

Close-up of a delicate, shimmering pink and peach iridescent surface with fine lines and glittering sparkles.
A butterfly perched on pink flowers with a blurred green background.

The title of the album is extracted from the bridge on the final song of the album- “You journey inside to see what you couldn’t see before”. This reveals the thread found throughout the album - that the answers to the majority of our questions and challenges in life, and our search for truth, comes from a place found within. 

Abstract image with soft, shimmering colors and light patches, resembling a digital or holographic display.
A woman with long brown hair wearing a white blouse and long skirt standing on a wooden bridge, holding an acoustic guitar, in a lush green forest with moss-covered tree branches and pink and white flowers in the background.

Each song was written through it’s own organic process of emerging and unfolding. And each one is a journey that transports you musically, emotionally and intellectually. As you listen to her soothing voice you’ll find yourself re-listening to her songs to uncover the wonderful, layered instrumental details as well as the layered meanings of the lyrics. Enjoy! 

Close-up of soft, green fabric with subtle folds and a slight sheen.
Woman with long dark hair playing a guitar, standing in front of a large tree trunk with green leaves and pink flowers in the foreground.
A man with gray curly hair holding a silver flute, wearing a black shirt, standing behind a seated woman with long brown hair, blue eyes, and a navy blue shirt, playing an acoustic guitar. They are outdoors in front of lush green shrubbery, with some yellow flowers visible.

Sapphire & Patrick Collaboration

Sapphire and Patrick’s journey began as they co-performed and continue to perform weekly as part of the Musical Feast music group in Mill Valley. But as Patrick got to know Sapphire and heard her original work he was inspired to collaborate in recording her songs. They then further forged their musical partnership which combined her song writing, guitar and singing talents with his multi-instrumental contributions to color the music and accentuate the essence of each song. 

While they co-produced the album together, it was Patrick’s long hours of mixing, adding his multi-instrumental touch, his vision of bringing different musicians into the project, and his overall perseverance that got this project over the finish line. It’s as if Sapphire gave birth to the songs and Patrick prepared them for a life out in the world. 

In addition to playing flute, Patrick plays piano, organ, keyboard bass, harmonica, percussion and composed the orchestral arrangements for the album.

Photo by Claudia Hampe