Under The Man In The Moons Knowing Eye

I'll share a few thoughts with you about my songs. They were written to help me remember what I'd lost of my spirit. They helped me heal. There is a dolphin who gets over his sore back, a monster with a runny nose, songs about my great grandfather (the train engineer) and my days walking the tracks, some asking questions about the natural world and those written for my children. In the fall of 1987 I wrote the first of this collection, 'The Wizard of Why,' a song of appreciation for the curiosity my father instilled in me. These songs continued to show up through the early 1990's, with a few coming later. Through my connection with my great friend John Bennett, I met a group of people who had played together in one of their homes. My thanks to C.J. Peek for welcoming me into his basement studio, where we recorded the first set of tracks that comprise this CD as The Magical Animal Band. The cassette recording I produced in 1990-91, 'Songs of the Curious Child,' predates this collection. My thanks to C.j., Tom, Jodi, Bill and J.B. for their lovely work with me on that tape. Returning to the studio in the fall of 2011, I met another wonderful group who helped me create arrangements and record more of my songs. My thanks to Kevin, Ron, Jim, Grover, Kelsey, Brett, Peter and to Randy for their time, musical expertise and good spirit in being there with me in this project. Special thanks go out to Steve, Brett and Randy for their fine work in the studio recording, mixing and mastering. Additional instrumental credits go out to Tom Ehlinger for his artistic rendering of the penny whistle on 'I Thought I Saw a This..' and to Randy Gildersleeve for his fine mandolin and bass work on 'Rooster Crowing,' 'Magical Animal Mysteries, 'The Wizard of Why' and 'What Railroad Men Would Know.' My 55 year old brain forgot to note their efforts on the original CD liner notes! Finally, I send out my thanks to my family and fine friends who have inspired my work and encouraged me over time. I have chosen a career over the years as a psychotherapist while being a husband, father and keeping my music a big part of my life. I continue to believe in healing. I hope my songs bring you some enjoyment and encourage you to remember the graceful, magical part of you.