Released March 22 2020
For David Wayne Hallas.
D A D G Bb D (capo 2)
My father was a businessman who negotiated the manufacture of aircraft components in Italy. I travelled there with him as a child and it forever changed my view of art, design, love, and beauty.
D A D G A D (capo 1)
I have always enjoyed this piece and its challenge of notes that are very high next to those that are low. Johann Sebastian Bach, 1783.
D A D G A D (capo 1)
Dave and I were there for each other during many times, good and bad, over 41 years. He was a good man and I am not alone in thinking he was a better friend to me that I ever had the capacity to be for him. There are no more somedays now. Rest well, old friend.
D G D G B D
This song was inspired by a line in a poem by Maxine McCuller, a gifted writer and thinker with a kind and beautiful soul.
D A D G A D (capo 1)
If you know this one you probably took voice lessons or studied opera. I only play part of it here, as a variation. Tommaso Giordani, 1783.
D A D G B E
I began this piece wishing for more time with someone. Eventually I realized that we got to spend the time we got to spend, and it was beautiful. As I consider the beauty in the world around me, I am grateful for having been able to appreciate it.
A D F# B
I was gifted a koa soprano ukulele and in European tuning it opened up and astonished me with its tone and volume.
D G D G B D (capo 1)
Waltzes are fun to write and they seem to come naturally to me. This one is for our cats Fred and Belle, who sometimes run around making each other crazy.
D A D G Bb D (capo 2)
For David Haxton, who made two of my guitars and has maintained all the others, and for all those who make fine musical instruments out of wood.
A D F B
Another piece on the little koa. The minor tuning here creates a tension that feels a lot like waiting.
Johannes Brahms 1868
C G D G B D
I do a lot of driving. My wife worries. So this is a song for her and a promise to arrive home safe and sound.
A C E A
Sometimes you find yourself in a position to help someone without them knowing. I find it's good to do it.
C G C G C D
This came into my head over the clouds on an airplane late one night, metal wings cutting through the air, to carry me safely home.
G D G B D
For all mothers and their children.
D A D G A D (capo 1)
This piece speaks to what I feel about our beautiful democracy and what it needs right now. Samuel Ward, 1882.
Ash for so many years. Cassie Kaminski for making everything ok again, time after time. Charles Anthony for getting up on the roof with me, for listening, for being. Maxine McCuller for describing that day and bringing sunshine in the rain. Dave Hallas for all the times we wrenched and drove and talked. Steven Hallas and Jamie Norman for loving your dad and making him proud. Dana Montgomery, Myke Hutchings and Larry Lantz for the little koa. David Haxton, my luthier, for building and maintaining my guitars. Zlatko Parlov for weaving magic out of carbon fiber. Uwe Prußner, Victor Fontarra, and the team at Hannabach whose strings I have used exclusively since 2006. Renee Ringholz for all the help and support. And last but not least to my beautiful Lily, the artist and author L.A. Smith-Buxton, for our many days together and somedays to come.
Damon Buxton
March 18th, 2020
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. Ukuleles by Kiwaya and Mele.
Photography by L.A. Smith-Buxton.
Copyright ©(p) 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.