THANK YOU !

This CD was simply conceived as a gift to my three young children for their adulthood.
But during the years this project lay fallow, or stalled, I gained a second family and an embarrassment of rich friendships, so, now this CD serves to express my love and appreciation for their support too.

This is a salute to my father, Nat, for passing on his musical nervous system, and to my mother, Bertha, for a love of language, and a bi-lingual perspective. Merci to my sister, Kathryn, for giving names to the chords that thrilled me as a kid, and for the emotion in melody. I'm tickled to have one of your songs on this CD. Thanks to my cousin, Si, for his big ears, precision, and generosity. A true mensch. Here's to all my first-cousins for supporting a childhood immersed in music (Mitch, Al, Mark, Michael, Allan), dance (Devra and Fran), and drama (John, Myra, Bev). Your childhood support was significant.

I salute the following family of friends who have supported my music: Joe Young deserves special mention. Back in 1977, when I was devastated at the lost my fingers, he handed me a maraca and said "Shut up, you're now a percussionist!" When I eventually relearned guitar and then complained that I couldn't play high chords positions, Joe said "one day I'll learn to make guitars and fix that. So, his guitar makes every song special. Love to Mel Gellner for his encouragement, in those rehabilitation years, to explore modal music. Cheers to Michael Dunn, Mark Dowding, and Jacques Khouri for Martian years of musical experimentation under the blue light. Michael, thanks also for the tasty instruments that you’ve crafted me. Mmmhar to Charles and Michael Hart for so much vocal harmonic bliss and attention to detail. Thanks, Holly Denney and Suki Saggu for your sweet vocal blend. Cheers to Ron Cole for your accordion vibe. Big love goes to Babatunde Olatunji, Dido Morris, Temba Tana, Jack Duncan, and Art Liestman for support of my paradigm shift into West African music. Art deserves special mention for his musical commitment and inspiration. A hearty toast to Charlie Knowles, Tom Neville, and Peter McLean, for a rich diet of tasty playing.  I have mucho appreciation for Russ Batchelor's contributions, encouragement, and “prefessional” finesse. Merci, Brian Samuels for your honeyed cello and humour , which is so theraputic. Thanks to Brendan Ostrander for drumming on short notice. Tzvi Tal, David Ross, and Steve Lustig, thanks for the brotherly council to navigate challenges and make music. Joey Turco mixed this project with a dedication as if it were his own, consequently, all sonic magic must be credited to him. I take ownership of any turds he was left to polish. I especially want to thank my Muse, best friend, and wife, Anne Mullins, for her musical and poetic advice that continues to challenge and inspire me.

I love you all

Vancouver 2012