Liner Notes

The stories behind the music...

An Evening at Black Canyon - My wife and I have taken many road trips.  During a summer road trip we fell upon a campground just outside of Eugene, Oregon.  This place was so beautiful, we stayed for many nights and returned frequently through the years.  In this tune, I tried to capture the essence of this place; from the beautifully lush mountains, grand foliage, huge trees, mossy grounds and rushing river that surrounded our little camp site.  Along with the sound of the train passing through in the night.  What an AMAZING place!  Thank you to Kentaro Otsuka for adding his masterful bass elements on this track!

Tuning - D A D G A D

Over a New Land - This tune is nothing without the beautiful guitar work of my friend Chris Yeaton.  We were hanging out together in Hawaii one year and I was working on this idea.  He caught a glimpse of it and demanded I play it for him (over & over & over...).  In about a couple of hours, he created the lead guitar part that you hear on this track.  It kind of reminded me of visiting a new place that just takes your breath away, but not only visiting, more like an out-of-body experience, where you are floating above it all, trying to take it all in at once.  Thank you Chris for bringing this tune alive.  Also, this recording is the FIRST take of two attempted.

Tuning - C G E G A C

Apprentice of a Dead Man - This is a tune I wrote trying to explore the guitar and it’s capabilities, in more than just the sounds from the strings.  It’s percussive elements were fun to explore and experiment with as well as the two-handed tapping techniques, harmonics and such.  It was really developed using the tools I acquired over the years from studying of guitar legend Michael Hedges.  I LOVE performing this piece.

Tuning - D A D G A D

Final Journey - This tune is performed on a 12-string Harp Guitar using an ebow.  It was inspired by the thought of someone’s journey to the afterlife.  I wanted to explore some possibilities on the Harp Guitar with the use of the ebow and see what colors & textures I could create.  Hope you enjoy it!

Tuning - E G Bb C A D / E A D E A D

NO.8 Gonesh Stick - As a teenager, into a lot of different music (some would say a “hippie” at heart), my friends and I used to burn incense in our rooms, studios, cars, etc.  The incense of choice was NO.8 Gonesh Stick.  So, this tune was inspired by that scent.  You’ll have to decide if it’s more a “scent” or a “stench.”  The bass part was masterfully created by my friend Kentaro Otsuka.

Tuning - D A D G A D

Freak of Nature - I can’t tell you how this tune came about.  It seemed to have just fallen into my lap.  I can’t explain where it came from, how I started it, why I use the tuning I’m in or anything.  So, because of all of that, I simply called it “Freak of Nature,” because some things just can’t be explain.

Tuning - C G D G C D

The Calm Before the Storm - This tune is Part 1 in a series of 3 Parts.  It is to be played together with “The Eye of the Storm/When the Storm Breaks.”  It is supposed to be the representation of the life cycle of a Thunder Storm.  This is really the development of the storm, with gentle rain drops and rolling clouds.  The transitions between each part are distinct and should be clear in which part of the cycle you are experiencing.  It’s main title is “Mother Nature’s Medley.”

Tuning - A A D G C E

The Eye of the Storm / When the Storm Breaks - This is Part 2 & 3 in “Mother Nature’s Medley.”  The Eye of the Storm is exactly that.  the aggressive, intrepid, thunder storm, releasing it’s fury, while, “When the Storm Breaks” returns you to the passing of the storm and the calm and cleansing feeling of what had just happened.

Tuning - A A D G C E

Home in Hanalei - This tune has a grand story.  I was to visit the island of Kaua’i for the first and I was terrified, because I was going to stay there for 2 months and thought I’d get “island fever.”  So, in all my anticipation and nervousness, I arrived to start my vacation.  I INSTANTLY fell in love with the island; its beauty, its calm, its entire vibe, as soon as I stepped out of the airport!  I felt like I was “HOME.”  However, during my visit, I went to Hanalei (the famous place that Peter, Paul and Mary sang about in “Puff the Magic Dragon”.  In Hanalei, there is a church with the most gorgeous back drop I had ever seen.  Walking around the grounds of the church, I noticed an old cemetery off to the side.  I went to explore.  What did I find?  4 of the largest headstones in the cemetery had my last name on them.  OMINOUS!  So, I wrote this tune to share how I feel so at peace there.  This is my ALOHA!

Tuning - C G E G A C

Riverfront Day Dream - There’s a place in Spokane, Washington called, “River Front Park.”  It is a beautiful park that I visited some years back.  While I was there, I remember sitting in the park drifting off into thought.  This tune tells about the time I spent in the park day dreaming.

Tuning - C G D G B D

Final Journey: The Scenic Route - This tune is performed on a 12-string Harp Guitar using an ebow.  It was inspired by the thought of someone’s journey to the afterlife.  I wanted to explore some possibilities on the Harp Guitar with the use of the ebow and see what colors & textures I could create.  However, this version of the ‘Final Journey’ would take a non-direct route.  Thus, being the ‘Scenic Route’, which is the addition of the middle section of the ‘Final Journey.’

Tuning - E G Bb C A D / E A D E A D

The Beautiful Granddaughter - This tune was written by Chris Yeaton.  I can’t take credit for any of it.  He just allowed me to participate in it by adding a second guitar part (which it really doesn’t need).  THANX AGAIN CHRIS!!!

Tuning - C G C G C D

Capo at 5th

Mimi’s Weekend - I wrote this tune for my wife.  Her weekends (time off) are very important to her and she loves to spend her time at the beach, traveling and such.  This tune was to show how much she loves her time.  It’s a slow, calming piece that is happy and positive.

Tuning - E G B G A D

Capo at 4th

Into the Light - Here’s a tune that uses 2 ebows at the same time on a 6-string guitar.  I was looking for colors, textures and overall sounds, rather than rhythmic “song” qualities.  It is best to listen to this tune with a great pair of headphones, a comfortable chair and an open mind to get the full experience.  It is intended to take you to another place with tones, not rhythms.

Tuning - C x x G A C

Thank You - This is a tune that I wanted to write to Thank everyone who has touched my life and helped create who I am today.  I’m so thankful for all that I’ve been able to accomplish, pursue and attempt and the people who helped to make it happen, that I felt compelled to share my appreciation.  So, for all of you out there who I have crossed paths with and learned from, this is for you!  The title says it all.

Tuning - D A D E B A