April 10, 1994. This has been the most important day in my life to date. Sure there have been other momentous occasions but this one has had the greatest impact in defining me. On that day I began courting the woman who was to become my wife. Our first date was to see the musician Michael Hedges for the first time. During that performance he played “Because It’s There” on his Dyer Harp Guitar. Since then my journey has been exciting and at times turbulent but the two constants have remained; Stacey and my harp guitar. This album is dedicated to that day and has been a long time in the making. First…
Stacey’s Song: It seems only natural that one of my first compositions was written for my wife. Without her I would not be half the person I am today.
Just Sleep: Our first child was a challenge with many sleepless nights. Stacey once told me of a night where she was looking out the window at 3am to see if anyone else had their lights on and wondering if any other parents were awake with their children. This is a lullaby for the parents.
Handstands with Henrietta: Our youngest child Annie has a lot of energy. In attempts to try and keep her busy we enrolled her in gymnastics which suits her well. Henrietta is a stuffed poodle given to us by my sister and passed down between my children. Even now she is a constant bedtime companion.
Black and Tan: My “Irish” drinking song. Cheers!
You Make me Smile: Watching our oldest child Emma mature over the years has been an endless source of pride and joy.
Unfinished Song: A song written about the people I have had the privilege to know during their short life. They died tragically and prematurely without reaching their full potential. Brad Hoyt does a fantastic job contributing the piano portion of this song.
Alison: A cover of the Elvis Costello classic.
Bach’s Minuet: Written by Christian Petzold and found in the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach (1725). In my interpretation I tried to use to full range of my instrument on this piece.
Here There and Everywhere: Like so many others I grew up listening to the Beatles. First on reel to reel tape, then cassette, followed by compact disc, and now on my ipod. Timeless….
Twilight: Written after reading the novel by Stephenie Meyer. There is a scene where the lead character writes a lullaby for his true love. I had a preconceived notion of how the song was supposed to sound before I actually heard it in the movie theatre. This is how I pictured it written on harp guitar instead of piano.
Serenade: Written by modern composer Philip Rosheger interpreted for 19 string harp guitar.
Beyond the Curtain: The studio experience has been very educational. I feel through this album I have reached a new level in terms of my skills. This is the first song I composed to mark the next stage of my musical journey.
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