Track 1 , Sinking Down
This is an arrangement of an old hymn called “What Wondrous Love is This?.” It derives its title from the well known line, “as I was sinking down.” I first heard this hymn on a video called To Hear Your Banjo Play, produced by Alan Lomax and Starring a very young Pete Seeger. In one particular scene, a group of older people are singing a hymn at a church picnic. The main singer sounds like Neil Young, and the rest of the people are all moaning away. I was completely captivated by their rendition of the hymn and decided to do a banjo arrangement that emulated its somber feel.
Track 2 , Mephisto’s Shadow
When I first saw the film “Faust” I knew I would have to do some original music for it. The scene I chose starts happily and innocently, quickly spinning out into much darker subject matter. So too the music follows this course. In this track I use many harmonies particular to classical music . Check out the video section for more info and to see the scene.
Track 3 , Dry Creek
Dry Creek was inspired by my love for natural places tucked away behind developed areas. In one such place I take my daily walk with the dog. Along the path there runs a deep creek bed, dry most of the year. Meadow larks are often to be seen flitting about it singing their complex song, deftly avoiding the circling hawks. The dog has the occasional face-off with a coyote and numerous small reptiles frequently cross my path. The music of this track is an attempt to describe the ever changing scenery, both internal and external, that unfolds when one finds oneself in such an area.
Track 4, Sasquatch Totem
This track was originally called “More of the same, but not so bad.” A real mouthful. The title referred to the fact that I didn’t really discover anything new composing this one. It’s just more of the same but, as I think you will find, not so bad. I think its important just to relax and stretch your musical legs from time to time. Sometimes some of the best music happens that way. The shortened title refers to a favorite subject of mine: Bigfoot!
Track 5, Den Letzten
This is my favorite track on the album. I played it to a scene from “Der Letze Mann” over and over, working to get the timing of the music just right to match the unfolding of events onscreen. The result is thoroughly discussed on my blog and in the videos section.