Album Notes

This album took shape over a period of 3 years, between Slightly Stoopid tours and recording sessions. It started forming through several relaxed and experimental recording sessions at Koberlin and Thossounds Studios. Each tune was pieced together and 'built' from the ground up. Each tune has it's own story and it's own direction. They are able to stand on their own within many possible genre influences. In fact, at times it seems the only similarity in the collection of tunes is that they are performed by the same person.
CARDIFF SUNSET is a tune influenced by the amazing sunsets over the ocean at Cardiff-by-the-Sea in San Diego. It feels like a late evening surf as the sun descends beyond sight. Relaxed and ocean-esque.
WALK: RUN: FLY is an aptly titled tune. Try listening to this one while walking, by the middle you will be running, and towards the end you will fly. The drums are pounding tribal rhythms and Tom's Chapman Stick is tapping intricate rhythmic patterns over the drums. This tune keeps on building and growing until it's climactic end. Picture yourself about to hand glide over the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
BALI HAI is spacy and minimalist in nature. There is lots of room here to breathe. This tune features an indonesian saron, a metallic 6 note xylophone-like instrument that is struck with a hammer. It's sound is soothing. The drums and Funk Finger bass accompany the various other gongs, cymbals and bamboo saron as well. Very exotic texture.
AFROCUBAMERIBRAZILIA gets it's name from the regional rhythms and instruments performed on this piece. There are elements of African, Afro-Cuban and American drumming and percussion. There are also elements of Brazilian tradition in the principal instrument of this piece, the berimbau. This one will make you dance.
DIDG DANCE is a drum and percussion driven piece that features the australian aboriginal didgeridoo. This piece has many different instruments swirling around each other to create a web of interlocking sound. Drums, Congas, Woodblocks, Talking Drum, Rain Sticks, Voice and more accompany the didg. Picture a bonfire surrounded by happy beings dancing and entranced by the music.
CHASE SCENE is a tune named by my sister Heather. I played this for her, and asked her what image popped up in her mind. This is an energetic, upbeat tune in the vein of the drum and bass genre. Drums and synthesizers are prominent with abstract guitar accompaniment. Picture the old cop TV show The Streets of San Francisco (featuring Karl Malden and Michael Douglas). Upbeat disco accompanied police chase scenes through china town.
SONIK SPEAK is another didgeridoo feature. This one is more mellow than didg dance, and is more spacy and abstract.
The didg is the main voice surrounded by a mysterious and haunting drone. The backing instruments are simpler so the focus is on the didg and the vocal calls. Picture the ability to communicate with the spirit world.
TRIBUTE TO BONZO is a drum solo. John Bonham has always been a huge influence, and my draw to the world of drumming. This piece features several recognizable quotes from popular Led Zeppelin songs. Picture Bonzo influencing millions of drummers worldwide.
MORNING FLIGHT is another minimalist journey through the sky. Acoustic guitar and reverb happy percussion instruments soar together with the eagle.
XPLORATIONS takes you from the depths of the ocean to the fringes of outer space. A liquid flow of new age influenced synthesizers and drums.
THE SUTRA is a trip to India by way of western instruments. The thread that holds things together. Picture a plate of basmati rice with curry and garlic naan bread.