Through It All
A Message from the Mother
It began with a tiny violin presented to his oldest son, then 3 ½ years old, a gift from father to son. This was the beginning of the dream the father had, the dream that his children would grow to love music as he had. The little 3 ½ year old boy began taking Suzuki violin lessons with very wonderful teachers. His brothers, ages 2 and newborn, went to his lessons, listened to the music on the tapes and eventually became old enough to inherit that first tiny violin. Their playing infused their brains and became part of them as if they were learning another language.
Then the father began playing his guitar for the sons, teaching them words to popular songs and having them sing. Their favorite song was "Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road" by Louden Wainright III. They sang that song on the stage of the UC Alumni Camp, Lair of the Bear, and played a violin part together that echoed the chorus. It was quite a hit and they became known as "The Dead Skunks". So, with the friendly atmosphere of 300 campers cheering them on and the encouragement from numerous relatives, they continued to expand their repertoire and learned to play other stringed instruments.
It wasn't all easy though. There were years when the boys' voices were changing and they could not sing together. Their classical violin training became a larger part of their lives and they flourished in the local community college symphony. Again, the encouragement of the conductor and other orchestra members kept them expanding their interest in all kinds of music.
During the later teenage years, the guitar became more important with the boys playing popular music for friends. The influence from the father continued to surface as he exposed them to some of the great music of the 60's and 70's. Through it All, through the process of years of practice, struggling and growing, the father and sons have begun now to create their own music reflecting and blending all of their musical influences.
This CD has been years in the making. The father, Jim, has had music floating in his head for a longer time and, so has a few more compositions than do the boys. James, the oldest, has composed some very emotional pieces, reflective of the changes he has experienced leaving high school, changing friends, starting at CAL and discovering more about himself and music. Clark, the very busy and anxious son, has composed some of the most beautiful and simple melodies, reflective of his ability to find some inner peace and share it with others. Graham, the youngest son, is featured on the violin in two of the pieces and spent hours listening, advising, mixing and critiquing. We hope you enjoy their music.
The Mother, Debbie
All songs recorded between May, 2000 and May, 2001, in Napa, California, and in Berkeley, California. Multiple guitar tunings used in all guitar pieces - DADGAD, EADEAD, DGDGBD, CGCGCE and standard, creating a distinct orchestral guitar sound. Guitars: Lowden, Larrivée and Martin D-35.
Track List:
1. Le Ciel
2. Thunder Waltz
3. Open Road
4. Conversation
5. Salmon Run
6. Fire Trail
7. JesseBelle
8. Mountain Love
9. Reflectory
10. Momentary
11. Progressive
12. The Gathering
13. Through It All
14. Epilogue
Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
A Message from the Mother
It began with a tiny violin presented to his oldest son, then 3 ½ years old, a gift from father to son. This was the beginning of the dream the father had, the dream that his children would grow to love music as he had. The little 3 ½ year old boy began taking Suzuki violin lessons with very wonderful teachers. His brothers, ages 2 and newborn, went to his lessons, listened to the music on the tapes and eventually became old enough to inherit that first tiny violin. Their playing infused their brains and became part of them as if they were learning another language.
Then the father began playing his guitar for the sons, teaching them words to popular songs and having them sing. Their favorite song was "Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road" by Louden Wainright III. They sang that song on the stage of the UC Alumni Camp, Lair of the Bear, and played a violin part together that echoed the chorus. It was quite a hit and they became known as "The Dead Skunks". So, with the friendly atmosphere of 300 campers cheering them on and the encouragement from numerous relatives, they continued to expand their repertoire and learned to play other stringed instruments.
It wasn't all easy though. There were years when the boys' voices were changing and they could not sing together. Their classical violin training became a larger part of their lives and they flourished in the local community college symphony. Again, the encouragement of the conductor and other orchestra members kept them expanding their interest in all kinds of music.
During the later teenage years, the guitar became more important with the boys playing popular music for friends. The influence from the father continued to surface as he exposed them to some of the great music of the 60's and 70's. Through it All, through the process of years of practice, struggling and growing, the father and sons have begun now to create their own music reflecting and blending all of their musical influences.
This CD has been years in the making. The father, Jim, has had music floating in his head for a longer time and, so has a few more compositions than do the boys. James, the oldest, has composed some very emotional pieces, reflective of the changes he has experienced leaving high school, changing friends, starting at CAL and discovering more about himself and music. Clark, the very busy and anxious son, has composed some of the most beautiful and simple melodies, reflective of his ability to find some inner peace and share it with others. Graham, the youngest son, is featured on the violin in two of the pieces and spent hours listening, advising, mixing and critiquing. We hope you enjoy their music.
The Mother, Debbie
All songs recorded between May, 2000 and May, 2001, in Napa, California, and in Berkeley, California. Multiple guitar tunings used in all guitar pieces - DADGAD, EADEAD, DGDGBD, CGCGCE and standard, creating a distinct orchestral guitar sound. Guitars: Lowden, Larrivée and Martin D-35.
Track List:
1. Le Ciel
2. Thunder Waltz
3. Open Road
4. Conversation
5. Salmon Run
6. Fire Trail
7. JesseBelle
8. Mountain Love
9. Reflectory
10. Momentary
11. Progressive
12. The Gathering
13. Through It All
14. Epilogue
Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
- NEW AGE: Celtic New Age
- NEW AGE: New Age
- TYPE: ACOUSTIC