Album Notes

The Songs & The Artists who wrote ‘em…

1) Blazing Out Of Sight / Storyhill
The acoustic / pop duo Storyhill, made up of singin’ and pluckin’ buddies Chris Cunningham and John Hermanson, got it’s start in Bozeman Montana in the late 1980’s. Drawn to create together in high school and later in collage in Northfield Minnesota. They’ve produced several CDs, tour regularly and are now recording for Red House Records. This track can be found on their Red House release Storyhill. www.storyhill.com

2) An Easy One / HEM
Spin Magazine gives this Brooklyn Americana band four stars! Their melody conscious writing and the casual beauty of Sally Ellyson’s vocals blend with gorgeous orchestral arrangements to deliver a truly intoxicating sound. One of the great acoustic bands in America this song can be found on their CD Eveningland. www.hemmusic.com

3) True Blue / Gary Louris
Just before jetting off to Europe Gary was kind enough to submit this acoustic version of the lead off track from his 2008 release Vagabonds. As the singer, songwriter and guitarist for the legendary Jayhawks, Louris built a reputation among critics and peers as one of America’s finest songsmiths. If you don’t know his music…your about to be kissed. www.garylourismusic.com

4) Manhattan Moon / Lucy Kaplansky
This is the first song from Lucy’s 2007 Red House Records release Over The Hills. A great tune with classic folk / country roots, a contagious mandolin hook and warm understated vocal delivery. To think such windblown melodies rise from the streets of New York City. A beautiful artist. www.lucykaplansky.com

5) Abraham / Brothers Frantzich
Pronounced Fran-zik, the brothers Tim and Paul Frantzich have been singing and performing together since family car rides in the ol’ Chrysler Town & Country Station wagon. They’re beloved in poetry circles and sacred folk venues across the US and UK. They’ve released several CDs. Abraham can be found on their Harmonium release. www.brothersf.com

6) Ready / Meg Hutchinson
The Boston Globe says that Meg’s “elegant and free-flowing melodies feel both modern and rooted”. Ready is the first song on her 2008 Red House Records release Come Up Full. Meg, only 29 years old, has won numerous songwriting awards in Ireland, the UK and the US. She’s a master of introspective writing and delivery who currently calls Boston her hometown. www.meghutchinson.com

7) Holy Now / Peter Mayer
WUMB Radio Boston says, \"His guitar work is breath-taking, his lyrics mind-spinning, his singing soul-soothing and his feet-on-the-ground optimism nothing short of healing.\" Just this last spring Peter was introduced by a great artist in Minneapolis as the writer of one of the greatest songs ever written, in any time, by any artist…Holy Now is that song. www.petermayer.net

8) Birds / Alison Rae
Minnesota songbird Alison Rae wrote her first song at the age of 4... now 29, her remarkable voice drips with youthful purity and the dust of the road. She spent several years performing in Nashville with many great artists where she developed deep sincerity in her writing and delivery. Birds is the leadoff track on her 2007 self titled release. www.myspace.com/alisonraemusic

9) Goin’ Home / The Pines
Combining elements of roots, blues and rock The Pines, David Huckfelt and Benson Ramsey, create a haunting sound both inventive and compelling. Goin’ Home is the final track on their celebrated Red House Records release Sparrows In The Bell. Whenever you turn yourself toward your loved ones or hometown…this is the soundtrack. www.thepinesmusic.com

10) All Over The World / Arlo Guthrie
One of the great American icons of acoustic, folk music, Arlo Guthrie played Woodstock in 1969, inspired and starred in the film Alice’s Restaurant, sang City of New Orleans and has continued to live a life of conscience and heart. Today he is a headliner in countless festivals all over the world. www.arlo.net