Album Notes

This recording of original compositions was inspired, in part, by Woody Guthrie and the time he spent living in Portland, Oregon in May of 1941. Most of the songs on this CD were recorded in the 100-year old house where Woody lived in 1941—and likely where he wrote and worked on some of his classic songs of this period.

Woody’s driver and traveling partner at the time was Elmer Buehler. Elmer spent many hours on the road with Woody, driving him around the Northwest to provide inspiration for Woody’s songs. This CD includes four recordings of the now 94-year old Elmer Buehler, telling stories about his travels with Woody, set to original music.

While primarily an acoustic album (acoustic guitar and bass, mandolin, harmonica, resonator), some of the songs reach out for a more modern rock/americana feel with electric guitar, bass and drum kit.

Fans of Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, and Steve Earle will enjoy this CD.

Recorded on location, this CD was mixed by independent recording guru Larry Crane (Elliot Smith, Sleater-Kinney, Steven Malkmus) and mastered by Jeff Stuart Saltzman (Death Cab for Cutie, Ian Moore, Richmond Fontaine) creating a technically excellent recording.

“Ken Vigil is a musical storyteller. His songs are warm, humerous, tragic and literate. Each one is artfully expressed in a manner that allows the listener to come to know the songwriter. He weaves his tunes around his clear, clean voice and comfortable multi-instrument playing. His music is unique to his own personal experiences, but somehow triggers my nostalgia for days gone by.”

Jim Burke, Twin Parodox Café


“I also recommend Ken Vigil’s new project – “Woody’s Ghost”, songs inspired by Woody Guthrie’s 1941 trip to the Pacific Northwest where he wrote some of his most popular songs. Ken found the house that Woody rented during his brief visit to the region and recorded most of the CD in the home. A real inspiring work.”

Ron Olesko, WFDU-FM