I staged the photo above at my mother’s house recently, as I consider possible cover images for my new album, The One Who Remembers. It features some artifacts from my great-grandmother’s kitchen: one of her many teacups (always individual, never in a set), a teapot, a lace place setting, and … of course … her spoon jar.
I’ve since learned that spoon jars are just something you know or you don’t, depending on what was customary in your own home. I grew up with this spoon jar on the table, usually dancing around on a lazy susan or next to a larger jar of wooden spoons and spatulas. Thanks to my aunt and uncle, I have my own spoon jar now, but the one pictured above was the inspiration for the first song I wrote for this new album, appropriately titled The Spoon Jar. Take a listen to this snippet:
What is this new album about?
This new album consists of songs that capture memories based on the everyday observations and artifacts that bring them to mind. I’ve gone through some transitions over the past decade (more on that later). When I think on what has kept me steady through the change, it’s interesting to me how mundane they are. A jar with a bunch of spoons; a potholder charred from years-long use; the melody of a lullaby from childhood; the feel of a sandy beach on my feet … Memories arise from any number of simple moments in our everyday lives, taking us away from the present moment and then back again. Sometimes memories leave us with new resolve or decision. Sometimes they are just comforting, or discomforting. Sometimes they are just there, traveling with us forward in time.
It’s hard to capture memory in any concrete form, of course, but what is art for, anyway? Each song on The One Who Remembers captures a moment of remembering, reflecting on where it simultaneously finds us and leaves us in the present moment.
What may surprise you …
I know you all are familiar with the idea of an album of music, and familiar with me as a music teacher, so there are some things about this album that may surprise you …
- When I see most of you in class or at jams, or most of you see me on YouTube, I’ve got an ‘ukulele in my hands. Not on this album! While I write songs on a variety of instruments, this album features 7 songs on guitar and 1 song on piano.
- In addition to these 8 songs, there are 4 interstitial tracks I’ve named “Echoes”. These come between the musical tracks and are meant to stand in for the kind of auditory experience or moment in which a memory comes forward. The song that follows each of these echoes is a representation of that memory.
- Finally, you’ll be hearing some other natural sounds on some of the song tracks … wind, birds, voices. While I wanted these songs to have a polished sound, of course, I wanted to place them in the real and concrete environments that inspired them.
Reminder: Crowdfunding Show March 9!
EDIT: Due to illness, I had to cancel this March 9 show. However, I’ve been able to reschedule this show for April 7, 5:00pm, at Artichoke Music in Portland, OR. Learn more here.
As I’ve already written in more detail in this blog post, I’ll be sharing more about this album and playing through all of the songs at a special house concert in Northeast Portland on Saturday, March 9 and 5:00pm. There are a very limited number of seats for those who want to come in person, enjoy some snacks and drinks ahead of time, and get that intimate performance experience – if you’d like to join us, please contact me here. However, it will also be live streamed for free so anyone and everyone can tune in, wherever they are. I’ll be posting the live stream link in the next couple days so please check back here soon. You can also get it directly delivered to your email inbox by signing up for my e-newsletter here.
I hope you can join me!