Many thanks to Volker and Phil for their great music. And for the fun we had together while working out the arrangements, rehearsing and recording them. In his studio, Frank Mestars was our sound technician and completed the team. We owe a lot to Frank for his calm expertise, his keen ears, his patience, and his knowledge of good local Chinese restaurants. Thanks are also due to Dietmar, Hiltrud, (Mara too) and Ferdi, for their hospitality at "Ferdi's Pizza Pinte" — the folksinger's Hilton.
Sleeve Notes
Horse — Like most people, I have some nostalgia for old ways and old days. I need a car for my work, but sometimes, just sometimes I wish …
1913 Massacre — A Woody Guthrie classic taught to me by Alex Campbell. Alex, I hope you are listening, up there, (or down there ?)
Tunes of Glory — I learned* this Pete St. John song from the singing of Glasgow pal Arthur Johnstone when I played as a session man on his recent album. (*pinched)
Poor Boy on the Road — Most folksingers have a song that bitches about the hard life on the road. The next time you hear one of those songs, you'll smile and remember this one. Thanks to Ken Hicks of Virginia Beach for teaching me this one.
A Man You Meet Every Day — Glasgow singer John McCready provided me with this piece of ammunition. Every folksinger has at some time been a victim of the character described in John's song.
Sure Sounds Like Society to Me — I've always been a fan of Harry Chapin and his recent release, which he recorded shortly before his tragic death, is another reminder, if we need one, of the mans' great humanity.
The Last Stand — If your world ever fell down about your ears, then you'll recognise yourself in this one.
The Activity Room — Wendy Teas from Miami, has a keen ear for a good song, and sent me this Ruth Pelham story-song about an old folks home. Nice one, Wendy.
Old Men And Children — Dave Pattison of Stirling folk club recommended the work of singer-songwriter Frank Hennessy to me. Thanks Dave, and thanks Frank.
Strong Women Rule The World With Their Tears — Always generous with his songs, Brian McNeill, friend, novelist and folk musician handed this one to me hot off the press. Once after a gig in Fayetteville, N. Carolina, I visited the house where Flora McDonald settled with her soldier husband, years after helping Prince Charles Edward Stuart escape the Hanoverians in the aftermath of Culloden. A strong woman, that Flora, says Brian.
The High-Low Song — Tom Gala, Philadelphia tree surgeon and singer-songwriter with a unique style, is a constant car-cassette-companion for me. Volker, on piano, suddenly got that crazy light in his eyes …
I Can't Touch The Sun — Long ago, at his home in Copenhagen, Tom Buhmann played this Shel Silverstein track to me. One for you, Iain, Tom said. But then the whisky bottle was produced and the song was forgot until one night, years later, I heard Jim McKenna sing it in Glasgow's Star Club. Thanks lads!
Newfoundland — Learned from the singing of Frank Hennessy. Watch out — the tune is an "ear-worm"!