Released February 24 2021
In loving memory of Steven Smith, Allena Gabosch, and Rebecca Henry.
For all those who care for others and endure.
D A D G A D (capo 1)
Over dinner with a fellow guitarist from Turkey, and a couple of others, I explained my while he was able to travel here to do music the relationship between our governments made travel to his country impractical and that my sadness over that and other political situations in the world was profound. As we bonded over food, guitar technique, string sponsorships, and the challenges of life on the road the world became less small and we parted with hugs, respect, and friendship.
D A D G A D (capo 1)
This piece came out as a balm for our world's various political challenges and dangers. To me it sounds like a girl in a white dress riding a black bicycle, with a bottle of wine and a baguette, on the way to meet her lover.
Ludwig van Beethoven 1810
D A D G A D
I'm told this piece is overplayed. I tried the beginning parts in an open tuning and the rest came out rather naturally. This tuning makes it more dramatic and less pretty in my opinion but, as there is plenty of pretty elsewhere on this album, and this arrangement is different than the others, I decided to go for it.
D A D G A D
We lost a number of people this year. This piece is for all of them but particularly for Rebecca Henry whose gentle spirit was exceeded only by her kindness.
D A D G A D
I was inspired to compose and record this on Inauguration Day 2021.
D A D G A D (capo 1)
This is a song of hope.
C G C F Bb Eb (capo 5)
A throwback to my earlier recordings. The Chelsea Royal Diner is one of many that have provided comfort to me on the road.
Johann Sebastian Bach 1720
D A D G A D
This is a guitar warmup I do and the beginning is a variation on Bach's Partita No 3 In E Major BWV 1006, Preludio.
D A D G A D
Allena was many things to many people. Always kind and patient with wisdom and the ability to see any situation with new potential, infatuated with life and love.
C G C F Bb Eb (capo 3)
And hope again.
Johannes Brahms 1868
D G D G B D
This has been a favorite for a long time.
D A D G A D (capo 3)
For Steven, who left us much too soon.
Jim “Kimo” West and and Cenk Erdogan for reigniting my passion for guitar and faith in humanity. Dave Gross and the rest of the Pacific Northwest Recording Academy chapter. David Haxton for building and maintaining my guitars. Uwe Prußner, Renee Ringholz, and the team at Hannabach strings and Howard Core. Corin Nelsen for advice and studio design. Charles Anthony and Cassie Kaminski for keeping on. Allena Gabosch for building something bigger than all of us. Rebecca Henry for smiles and soft words. Steven Smith for bringing laughter and sunshine into this world. Dana Montgomery, Myke Hutchings, Mary Kaufman, Christine Perkins, Jannine Suplee, Angela Hunt, Malixe, Bill Binkelman, Andrew Grafham, and the rest of my Patreon heroes. And last but not least to my beautiful Lily, the artist and author L.A. Smith-Buxton, for faith and hope and love.
Damon Buxton
February 11 2021
All songs written by Damon Buxton except as noted. All songs recorded, and performed by Damon Buxton.
Damon Buxton plays exclusively Hannabach strings.
Guitars by David Haxton, Mark Stanley, and Alhambra.
Photography by L.A. Smith-Buxton.
Copyright ©(p) 2021 Damon Buxton and published by Many Miles Music. All rights reserved.
Recorded at The Yellow House, Seattle Washington USA.
Copyright ©2006-2024 Many Miles Music LLC. All Rights Reserved.