The second volume in solo guitar explorations. Where volume I documents implosions of re birth and struggle this record shows a year worth of growth. A calmer, more refined approach using a few different acoustic guitars.


1. Gathered and Hunted

Trying to capture the world of imagination; wonder, time travel, escape and wander when I play the guitar. Allow the self to unhinge and let go wholeheartedly. I removed the rubber part of the capo and was left with metallic overtones and an entirely new touch emerges from the strings. An entrance to mystery.

2. Light Surrender

The element of trance in music from around the globe has always captivated and cultivated a deep curiosity for me. It has been healing people ever since there were people. It carves and exposes pathways to balancing emotional, spiritual, mental and physical properties. The guitar is my vessel and these songs are an offering. I hope for everyone to find their paths towards balance and ultimately love and gratitude.

3. Minas Blues

Environment is everything in this recording. There is up the road from where I live, along the Minas Basin shores a camera obscura - a cavernous brick building where upon entering, you are part of a living photograph. My fascination with the aural characters of this structure continue to deepen. More exploration required. Charles Austin named this piece for me and only used one stationary mic to record it.


4. Pale Wind Breather

The element of wind introduces herself on this piece. If one listens closely you can hear my foot changing the pitch, depth and timbre of the howls by slowly opening and closing the sliding door while I play. There is also a fly on the wall playing maracas.


5. Tears the Sun Cried

Letting go of the frustrations of how poorly our species treats Mother Earth. What we do to each other, what we do to the earth, is what we do to ourselves.


6. Kulloo Bird

An ode for all the spirits whose presence surrounds. Kulloo Bird is from the Mi'Kmaq legend and hieroglyphic drawings survive depicting the giant bird. Here is an excerpt from Spirits of the Land :

"“Kulloo, go up to the spirit world and let the Tree Spirits know it is time to come to the Earth World, and that they are to be accompanied by the Bird Spirits.”

So Kulloo flew up to the Spirit World, which is beyond the Sky World, and summons the Tree Spirits as well as the Bird Spirits. They arrive, and each bird had brought its song from the Spirit World. These songs filled the forest with breath-taking sounds.

Glooscap then turned to the young man and told him, “We will need the Animal Spirits also.”

The young man replies, “Then I will go and summon Kulloo, and tell him to take a message to the Spirit World.” The young man turns and summons Kulloo from the Sky World. Kulloo once again goes up to the Spirit World, and tells the Animal Spirits to come to the Earth to live. Kulloo soars back down, followed by the Animal Spirits, who go and inhabit the land. Glooscap is pleased, and Kji Niskam is pleased with the arrival of the spirits."

muiniskw.org


7. Three Trumpeter Swans

The latter portion of this piece contains everything I am tying to do on the guitar, create sounds and cycles outside of constraints and classifications, while holding down a groove, albeit fleeting. Hidden in this short selection are traces of all my influences.


8. Traversing Rivers

In volume I, I was merely trying to stay afloat. This piece declares calm after all of the struggle and allowing myself to float and navigate downstream for a change. An easement and peace that is only felt after coming to grips when trauma occurs. Life is contrast, thank fuck.


9. The Piper Cries

This was recorded with my three brothers in mind. Not knowing how deep our bonds do stretch. Absolute gifts of human beings. Youngest brother and his dog Piper (she sings the final note) were present for this performance.


10. Eolian Dune Dance

My love of the kora (a West African 21-stringed instrument) really comes into focus for this song. The traditional music from that part of the world has helped me in my journey. This song is a celebration for commonalities. Dunes form, water nourishes, air is for everyone and the skies blanket all indiscriminately. Treat each as equals. Show love for each other and ourselves. This song is liberation. Thank you.