Album Notes

Richard Montefiore is a multi-talented musician, songwriter, lyricist and producer with previous successful releases on MP3.Com and AcidPlanet. Another release "Ray o f Hope" is in the works under the "Dreamhenge" moniker in collaboration with several other artists worldwide.

The songs on "Country Matters" explore living well, joyful relationships, highlighting transition and new beginnings.

1) Simple Things explores relationships and shared experiences, focusing on the value within, rather than material loads and accumulations. Lyrics and Vocals, Richard Montefiore. Guitar, in the Windham Hill style of Will Ackerman, written and performed by J. C. Kercheval.

2) Aidan's Heartsong- Inspired by a family member's struggle with depression, transition, loss and personal growth. Music and production by Aidan Browne. Lyrics and melody by Richard Montefiore.

3) "Winter Lovers" is a bluesy, jazzy/rock vocal piece. Based on a poem by the spoken word artist "Ox3" it explores classic themes of passage and renewal in an intimate setting. Music and Lyrics composed, performed, sequenced and produced by Richard Montefiore.

4) Atomic Cowgirl- A country/Folk/Punk flavored collab. with Eric Myers produced in the spring of 2003 features a great harmonica from Steve Blizin. Main lyrics and music written by Eric Myers. Counter-melody and lyrics by Richard Montefiore.

5) Walks with Angels- About the loss of a young girl in a tragic accident. Music was written, performed and initially produced by Dave Bell. Added percussion by Geraldo D'Arbilly, 2nd lead from Eric Myers. Lyrics, melody, performance and additional production by Richard Montefiore.

6) City of Hearts- A love song to the world. Music and Lyrics by Richard Montefiore. Additional classical guitar, bass and piano by Steven Stuhlbarg. Analog recording, 1992 by Christopher Montefiore, produced by Christopher and Richard Montefiore.

7) Haunted By You- Lyrics by Steven Hewitt of "OX3" and Richard Montefiore who also provided the vocals. Music, guitars, production and sequencing by Richard Montefiore. Additional guitar by Vidal Sanchez of "Angie's Spiral."

8) Forever Mine- Sweden's Lars Fosdal described his inspiration by saying "Remember a warm, slow summer morning when you woke up together with your lover?" after composing the music for this tune. Lyrics written & performed by Richard Montefiore.

9) On "Easy Now" the lead vocal entwines with the guitar lines to tell an intensely personal soulful story and examine intimacy and estrangement in a complex, touching and distinct manner. Music written and performed by Eric Myers. Lyrics and melody by Richard Montefiore.

10) Fred Rogers Blues- A rollicking "Beatles - y" blues tune celebrating the life and contributions of American Public Television's Children's guru, the late Mr. Rogers. Music written and performed by Eric Myers. Lyrics and melody by Richard Montefiore.