Album Notes

This is D.C.-based songwriter Steve Thorngate's first full-length album, released in July 2002. It draws from folk, rock, country, and jazz traditions. Thorngate explores a large variety of sounds and textures while remaining firmly grounded in a traditional acoustic setting; at all times he utilizes his diverse instrumental abilities and wide vocal range. The writing and arranging on this record are influenced by Van Morrison, Cowboy Junkies, Wilco, Over the Rhine, Nick Drake, and Elliot Smith, as well as Thorngate's background in jazz, musical theater, and classical music.

Thorngate started writing and performing his own songs in the late 90s, as a student at suburban Chicago's Wheaton College. This album features his original Wheaton band--Jon Steinmeier (Mavis Staples, The Detholz, Annie Quick, Redmoon Theater) and Ed Hodges (Jake Armerding)--along with Madison, Wisconsin singer Anna Sutheimer. The album's 12 tracks are split into five musically and thematically related pairs of songs and two instrumental interludes. The arrangements are mostly acoustic guitar-driven and are colored by piano, viola, and upright bass; they are tightly constructed but also feature a fair amount of improvisation.

Brian Porick (producer, engineer), Steve Thorngate (vocals, guitars, piano, bass, banjo, harmonica), Ed Hodges (upright bass, viola, vocals), Jon Steinmeier (drums, vocals), Anna Sutheimer (vocals).