“There is no place here for complacency.” That should have ended a long time ago, but that is what has gotten us in to the handbasket that we’re in, and set the course that we’re on. So, of course there are a few protest songs on this forthcoming CD.
“My Machine” was co-written with Carl Solomon while we were in Montreal, Canada at a Folk Alliance International Conference. I had begun writing this song a couple of years earlier and had gotten to a place where I was mired by everything I wanted to say, and not enough ways to say it. Carl cleared the path by saying, “This is not right. This is not okay,” and we went from there.
Woody Guthrie had written on his guitar, “This Machine Kills Fascists”. Pete Seeger’s message was a bit more tame, but just as powerful. “This Machine Surrounds Hate and Forces It to Surrender,” was written on his banjo. Well, you can see how that worked its way into “My Machine.”
There are other protest songs. One is “Little Town” written by Mikel Christa, aka, Mr. Mikel, in 2001. Amazing how relevant this song is to the current conditions in America today. I am grateful to Claudia Christa and to Ron Johnson for allowing me to record it.
This recording has fun songs, funny songs, and a few about love, and some that I had to write just to get them out of my head. I am glad I get the opportunity to share my music in this way. Of course, my favorite way is live performances, but this is what gets me there.
Thanks to everyone that has made this project possible. It has been an endeavor. I am extremely pleased with the way this CD, I Ain’t Stayin’ has come together. A song isn’t finished until it is shared, so, here you go!
Peace, y’all
da6d
