In the Booth Liner Notes

Home , Because of Me, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Fall in Love Again, Give Me That, If I Needed You, In My Own Backyard

In The Booth CD Liner Notes + (Bios, Lyrics, Stories)

The purpose of this document is two-fold: 1) to provide this album's cover art and information to people who choose to download the tracks, and 2) to provide some extra information - bios, lyrics, etc. to everyone who has been gracious enough to listen to my music.

(Photo by Amy McMillan, 2012)

It has taken me 30 years to finally record this album - not for lack of desire or trying. Life has a tendency to get in the way of dreams, sometimes almost to the point of forgetting what those dreams are. The decision to do this project started in 2009, and was supposed happen in 2010. But a tonsillectomy in early 2010 (necessary, but about 45 years late!) took my singing voice and created a number of other issues. I honestly did not think I would ever be able to sing again, and for over a year I didn't sing at all.

(Photo by Amy McMillan, 2012)

I was incredibly fortunate to have a wonderful doctor who worked with me to find the treatment I needed, and a speech therapist who understood, unlike many others, that singing isn't just something I do - it's an integral part of who I am and always have been. That connection gave me hope and a strong desire to make the therapy work. While I've come to realize that my voice will never be what it once was, I've learned to appreciate and work with the voice that I have now. And I plan to continue working with it as long as I can.

(Photo by Gaslight Photography, 2012)

My husband Bob has been a tremendous help and support throughout the long hours that it has taken me to do this project. His belief in my dream and his assistance in helping me fulfill it are appreciated more than I can say.

(Photo by Amy McMillan, 2012)

So, I hope you enjoy the music, the website, the photos, lyrics, stories - all of it. If all goes according to plan, I'll be able to keep doing what I love for many years to come.

(Photo by Gaslight Photography, 2012)

Wishing you happy and safe journeys....

Lorrie

"It's my life - I live it... I love it... Criticism be damned!"

BIOS

Born long ago, Vestal, NY

I can't remember a time when I didn't sing.

My mother used to tell people that I sang before I really talked - sitting in a grocery cart, I'd sing the TV jingles learned from time spent in my playpen in front of the tube. Other people were delighted - my mother, I think, was just annoyed.

Music was always playing in the house - Sinatra, Nat King Cole, The Mills Brothers, lots of 40s and 50s stars. My father played piano and string bass; my mother sang. And I sang, too! I sang constantly as a child (which got me in trouble on more than one occasion). School recitals and neighborhood 'shows'; church junior choir and then being selected to sing with the adults; and every musical chorus/choir/drama performance I could get into during my school years.

My father bought me my first guitar when I was nine, a cheap department-store model with a neck too wide for my hands. But all I needed were six or so chords, and I was on my way to musical stardom. Listening to the folk icons of the 60s - Peter, Paul, and Mary (my fave), Judy Collins, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan among them. I always knew I was a singer first, and the guitar was just a means to support the vocalist (and of course, back then, pianos weren't portable!).

I started writing songs in my early teens, about all the normal teen angst and boys that I was convinced I was madly in love with. For the record: I was, and still am, a hopeless romantic, and the great majority of my original works reflect the same theme - the male of the species. (I'm in love...I'm out of love...He's the most wonderful person in the world...He's a schmuck...I'll never, never, NEVER fall in love again...I'm in love again...)

I did musical theater and sang opera during my high school and college years. My first 'gig' was at my uncle's bar when I was 15 - I played during the other act's breaks. (Thank you, Uncle Ralph, for that little bit of nepotism!), and joined my first band, 'Now and Then', when I was 18, performing current pop hits mixed with older jazz standards (think The Captain and Tennille meets Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole!).

I left college to join the Army and travel the world, and during my career, I sang in military and civilian clubs everywhere I went, both stateside and abroad. 'The Star-Spangled Banner' became my trademark - a cappella, anytime, anywhere - and so I performed that and other patriotic songs at hundreds of official military functions, entertaining senior U.S and foreign military officials and dignitaries.

In the mid-80s, while stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base (where I currently work, oddly enough!), I won Female Vocalist of the year for the Air Force and a spot in 'Tops In Blue (TIB)' - the Air Force's 6-month, touring showcase. Even now - in their 60-year history - I am the only non-Air Force performer to have been selected for the tour. I still consider it one of the greatest honors in my life to be a 'TIB Prior'. During my second assignment to Germany, I took first-place as top Female Vocalist in U.S. Army Europe three of the five years I was assigned. (The other two years I wasn't available to compete.) I was selected for the U.S. Army's 'Army Soldier Show' in the late 80s, and became the only person to ever be selected for both services’ performing groups.

I also sang with another band while in Germany, a German band with just two Americans - the keyboardist and me. 'Tanzband Magic' (Danceband Magic) was a band from the beautiful town of Idar-Oberstein, very near the Baumholder military community. The 'other American' - a talented musician named John Mills - was the head of the Baumholder Entertainment Office. He heard me not long after I got into country, at the first of my competitions, and asked me to audition for the band. They hired me, and I worked with them for the next four years. I learned German oom-pah music for them; they learned music by The Judds and The Bangles for me. And we made beautiful music and the world was good!

During these years, I was married, had my son, Jeremy; divorced, remarried, and divorced again (there's that 'hopeless romantic' at work!). Jeremy spent a great deal of time over the years listening to me sing and play (a captive audience, I guess), and over the years has become my most vocal 'conscience'. It's a heavy burden, since no one likes the messenger, but Jeremy inherited the job from my father - both my biggest supporter and critic growing up.

After returning stateside for what would turn into my final military assignment, I stopped singing and playing - just stopped. I think it was withdrawal from coming back from Germany (those who have been there will understand this completely!), and also from working with the band for so long. There was a sense of family and security with those guys, and now back in Maryland, I felt very alone. So for almost the next decade, other than military functions (and the occasional karaoke night), I did very little musically.

Oh, and I got married, and divorced...again. Yeah, I know, I know...!

So a dozen years ago, I finally moved back to San Angelo. My son was in college, and I decided to come back to one of my favorite places during my military days. I started playing again, slowly getting out and about and meeting people who love to make music - and for a smaller town, this place has bunches! I reunited with an old musical friend, Larry Ward, whom I'd met in the 70s while I was a military student here. (My first CD 'In The Booth' is titled after a song I wrote about him.) I also met Ed Stabler - a wonderful, award-winning, western musician who is fluent in many genres. And last but never least, I met Kelly Kingston, a bass player extraordinaire and just one of the nicest people on the planet - and she gives great hugs, too! All these people and many more helped me come back to the music that I had been missing for too long. And at the end of 2009, I had my plan in motion to record my first CD - finally, after all these years!

And then in early 2010, I had a tonsillectomy that went very wrong. It took me and my singing voice out of circulation for over a year; a wonderful speech therapist finally helped me get it back. Through it all, many 'friends' disappeared, but Ed kept in touch. When I was ready to start the CD, he was first in line to help.

So for those of you who have taken the time to read through the ramble, here's the current state of things: - I remarried in 2004 - and I'm still married!! Bob Keating (aka 'Bobby K') has been my rock, and for those who may wonder, yes - I've submitted him for sainthood...! - Our combined child count is three (plus): Kimberly, a Navy Chief, Korean linguist; Bobby, Special Projects Manager of Visual Marketing, Macy's Visual Merchandising, NYC; Jeremy, an Army Sergeant, Occupational Therapist and his wife Sarah, an elementary school teacher. - I currently work as a Training Development Manager for the U.S. Air Force here in San Angelo.

And now my first CD - 'In The Booth' - has been released! I hope that all my friends, old and new, find their way to it, take the time to breathe and relax with it, and share it with all their friends, old and new. And I look forward to making more music - as long as the pipes hold out!

MUSICIANS

Ed Stabler Guitar (Multiple Tracks), Duet Vocals - 'If I Needed You'; Autoharp - 'Feather Quilt'

Ed Stabler is a singer/guitarist well-known for his rich singing voice and smooth, fingerpickin' guitar style. A Colorado ranch background and the gift of a guitar at age ten got him started singing old cowboy songs early on. In the 60s, he sang in various folk clubs and coffee houses, always including cowboy songs with what was then "mainstream" folk music. Ed returned to his folk music roots, performing many great songs he did years ago, while still including traditional western songs and songs from contemporary writers of "western roots music". His subject matter is broad and varied, but the cowboy and the American West are his main focus. The Academy of Western Artists nominated Ed for eight awards in 1996, including Entertainer of the Year. The Western Music Association nominated him for Instrumentalist of the Year in 1997 and 2000. While Ed is mainly a solo performer, he began working with Lorrie in 2009

(Photo by Linda Martin) when they met at the San Angelo Chicken Farm Art Center 'picking circle'. He also performs often with bassist Kelly Kingston (formerly Kelly Henson) who P. O. Box 1030, Mertzon, TX 76941-1030 provides a solid musical bottom for his intricate guitar work. Home: 325-835-5023 Cell: 325-277-0462 Ed's available recordings include: Ed Stabler with Kelly Henson -- Wind in the Email: [email protected] Wire, Partner of the Wind (cassette only), and Long Roads, Legends and More info: http://www.myspace.com/edstabler Lies. He's currently working on a CD of railroad songs, Fast Freight, for

release later this year.

Kelly Kingston Bass (Multiple Tracks) Bassist Kelly Kingston, "Kelly the Bass Player", is originally from San Angelo, TX and is a graduate of Texas A&M University. She's been a musician all her life, playing in fiddle contests all over Texas as a little girl. About age eight or nine, she was bitten by the bass fiddle bug, and as a teenager was invited to join the bass section of the San Angelo Symphony Orchestra, a position she still holds. She is a regular studio musician for the Angelo Civic Theater and is the on-call bass player for organizations and events across the state. Kelly's musical interests are highly varied: she was a founding member of the San Angelo-based blues band Barefoot Mark, has toured with the Angelo State University jazz band, and has served as vice president of the San Angelo Blues Society since 2007. She is a regular with the National Cowboy Symposium and recently played the State Fair of Texas with Buck Helton, Devon Dawson, and the Cowtown Opry Buckaroos. Her recent recording credits include Wind in the Wire with Ed Stabler and Let The Beast Run with Barefoot Mark. Also a regular at the SA Chicken Farm music circles, she is known for her signature slapping style and her monster five-string upright bass.

Mark Cullimore Guitar (Multiple Tracks)

Kerry Grombacher Songwriter - 'Feather Quilt'; Mandolin - 'Wayfaring Stranger' Kerry writes contemporary western songs and plays guitar and mandolin. Born in Kansas, Kerry lives in New Orleans, and has also lived and worked in Texas, New Mexico, and Oregon. His songs have been recorded by other western artists, including The Texas Trailhands, Duke Davis, Trails & Rails, Earl Gleason, Ed Stabler, and Gary Prescott. Kerry has performed on stages ranging from the Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. As a sideman, he’s played mandolin with a long list of western performers. Kerry is also featured on The Big Roundup website, www.cowboypoetry.com. (© 2007 Lori Faith Merritt) Kerry performed on the syndicated television show, Louisiana Jukebox, and on http://www.kgrombacher.com/ River City Folk, a music program broadcast on public radio stations and

Sirius/XM Satellite Radio. His recordings include It Sings in the Hi-Line (2008), Sands Motel (2001), Riding for the Brand (1999), Dreams of New Orleans (1998) and Home to the West (1996). Kerry is a member of the Western Music Association and the North American Folk Alliance, and he endorses Elixir Guitar and Mandolin Strings and TKL Guitar and Mandolin Cases.

Jesse Ramirez Mandolin -'One Of The Lonely People' Jesse Ramirez was born in San Angelo in 1988. His music studies began in high school as a percussionist in the marching, concert band and orchestra, and a guitarist in the jazz band. Jesse earned his Bachelors of Music in Music Performance at Texas Tech University in May 2011. While at Tech, he studied under guitar virtuoso David Brandon, and participated in the annual Christopher Parkening Masterclass in Bozeman, MT, studying with Grammy-winning guitarists Christopher Parkening and Andrew York. He also participated in the Texas Tech Celtic Ensemble, where he played guitar and picked up the mandolin. His concert guitar repertoire includes selections from all genres of music and he performs throughout Texas. He currently plays professionally and owns and operates West Texas Guitar, a studio where he teaches private instruction in guitar, mandolin, and piano. He is also on staff at Angelo State University, teaching classes in guitar studies and classical guitar for the department of Extended Studies.

Joe Rose Songwriter - 'I'll Wish For You'; Background Vocals - 'All The Wasted Time'

Joe Rose is a self styled singer/songwriter from upstate New York whose thoughtful, straight from the heart style of songwriting earned him recognition from Billboard Magazine. Four songs from his two studio albums were recognized by Billboard for his songwriting abilities. Joe has also recorded songs for a record producer in Nashville, earning him praise for his talent. His first album, Full Circle, included the songs 'Another Day' (about not letting life pass you by), 'Holdin' On To a Lie' (a relationship gone bad), and '800 Miles' (an international favorite about the fall of the Berlin Wall). His follow-up album, The Journey, included 'If I Can't Have You' (surviving after love), the inspirational 'Truth' (a spiritual tribute), and his epic 'Trilogy' (about the exploitation and extinction of African Wildlife). As a self-taught acoustic guitar player, his influences were vast, but Joe credits Lorrie Keating as his major influence, saying, "Her heart-felt lyrics and beautiful melodies were truly inspirational." Joe and Lorrie first met in junior high, where they created a circle of friends who met on the weekends to sing and play guitar.

Through the years, the songs that were written captured the true meaning of life, love, and friendship, and some 40 years later, those songs are just as fresh and meaningful as they were back then.

Gary Laney Recording Engineer Gary was manager and chief engineer at Sound Emporium Recording Studios in Nashville for 18 years, recording albums for artists Keith Whitley, Trisha Yearwood, Texas Tornados, REM, Al Kooper, Don Williams, Alan Jackson, Amazing Rhythm Aces, New Grass Revival, and Jason & The Scorchers, to name a few. His work has won many major awards, including a Grammy and several CMAs. He and his wife Tamara now own Palmwood Music Publishing and Lakeside Recording in San Angelo, Texas.

http://www.palmwoodmusic.com/

SONG NOTES & LYRICS

The year is 1970, and a 12-year old Lorrie is in another new school. One day, she meets a cute, blond- haired, blue-eyed boy named Joe Rose - and a 40-year friendship begins. But first, he was her first boyfriend, her first kiss, and then there's that little gold ring with the tiny red, dangling heart... It's amazing that, when I can't remember what I had for breakfast today, I can remember all that! This song was the first of several that Joe and I would write, one for the other. This was the first track I recorded for this album, and the entire feel of the song changed when Ed and Kelly began to play it with me. After 40+ years, it became a brand new song!

Why do I feel this way, more than any other day? This different feeling is much more. The day he asked me to be his girl, well, I thought that Tell me have you ever heard the beautiful sound of a I would die. singing bird? But I'm happy, and I know the reason why The first time that I noticed was when you walked My love for his is true, you see...it's just the way I through my door want it to be. Pretty birds keep singing your beautiful song. So pretty birds, keep singing in that blue sky above. Me and my guy will walk slowly on. Hand in hand, together we'll stand, and I hope we'll Pretty birds keep singing your beautiful song. never part. Me and my guy will walk slowly on. The song of the birds in the trees will be the song Hand in hand, together we'll stand, and I hope inside my heart. we'll never part. The song of the birds in the trees will be the song inside my heart.

You meet a great guy - he's headed in one direction, you're headed in another (and I don't mean that figuratively!). It happened often while I was in the Army, but not all of them inspired me to write a song. I've always felt this was one of my better sets of lyrics...

The candles flicker softly as you kiss me - I can see your blue eyes shinin' in the glow. And I'll go far away, then you'll go farther still. You lay me down, and slowly start to love me I'll hold you in my heart, and wonder if you will in that special way that makes me want you so. come back to me someday to say your search is The wall I hide behind for all the world to see done, is just paper in the hands of one who knows. and that your heart has no more doubt that I'm And as you gently take that wll apart, I start to cry, the one. 'cause soon I know, I'll have to say goodbye. I know that I can't hold you, but someday you And I'll go far away, then you'll go farther still. will see I'll hold you in my heart, and wonder if you will that what you're looking for just brings you come back to me someday to say your search is done, back to me. and that your heart has no more doubt that I'm the one. Then I won't go away, and you'll be closer still. I'll hold you in my arms, not wondering, 'cause For both of us the past had left us hurting - you will It made it hard to trust in love again. be back with me that day to say your search is I've heard it said, and now I can believe it - done, Two people can be lovers, and be friends. and that your heart has no more doubt that I'm But still you say you feel that something's missing, the one. and you thing that you alone can find the key. And when you tell me that you love me so, I start to cry, You'll be back with me that day to say your search 'cause soon I know, you'll have to say goodbye. is done and that your heart has no more doubt that I'm the one.

Temporary duty in West Berlin, two months, summer of '80. A sweet guy named Denny swept me off my feet in spite of the fact I kept reminding him I could 'only stay a little while longer'. Between Denny, lots of girl-time with my best friend Cathy (Cat), and nights spent playing at the Home Bar, it was one of the happiest two months of my life...

So you think you want to see me hang around here for awhile. Still, you know...... you must understand..... I don’t think you know what you’re getting into. You’ve got a special place within my heart And you say that nothing else can matter as long as But the last thing that I want to see is you get hurt we can stay together. because of me What am I going to do about you? so please remember, Honey, that I told you from the start… I can only stay a little while longer - more than likely it’s the last of me you’ll see. I can only stay a little while longer - more than Still you smile every day, and tell me you will find likely it’s the last of me you’ll see. a way to prove that you’re the only one for me. Still you smile every day, and tell me you will find a way to prove that you’re the only one for me. You seemed so shy and quiet when we first were introduced. I can only stay a little while longer... I thought it was unusual, and I wondered. I can only stay a little while longer... But soon I found I was mistaken - a few short days – I can only stay ... my heart was taken, and I’m so glad it hasn’t been returned.

I can only stay a little while longer - more than likely it’s the last of me you’ll see. Still you smile every day, and tell me you will find a way to prove that you’re the only one for me.

4. If I Needed You (Townes Van Zandt)

Ed Stabler asked me if I knew this tune when we first started playing together - best-known version (previously) by Don Williams and Emmy Lou Harris. It was a perfect fit for us and we enjoy singing it immensely. Absolutely had to include it on this disc...

If I needed you, would you come to me? Would you come to me for to ease my pain? Baby's with me now since I showed her how, If you needed me, I would come to you. to lay her lily hand in mine. I would swim the sea for to ease your pain. Who could ill agree, she's a sight to see: a treasure for the poor to find. Well the night's forlorn and the morning's born and the morning's born with the lights of love. If I needed you, would you come to me? And you'll miss sunrise if you close your eyes, Would you come to me for to ease my pain? and that would break my heart in two. If you needed me, I would come to you. I would swim the sea for to ease your pain. If I needed you, would you come to me? Would you come to me for to ease my pain? Mmmmmmm Mmmmmmmmm If you needed me, I would come to you. I would swim the sea for to ease your pain.

5. Leavin’ On A Jet Plane (John Denver)

One of my no-kidding, all-time, favorite singer/songwriters, John Denver was a beautiful spirit who gave us some of the most memorable music of our generation. My first introduction to this song was the Peter, Paul, and Mary version, and I have been playing it since I got my first guitar. This song was transformed from my normal rendition as soon as Kelly started playing the bass - she changed the rhythm, which changed the mood, which completely changed how I approached the vocals. I can't say it enough - the surprises that came out of the collaborations were the best part of doing this project!

All my bags are packed - I’m ready to go. So kiss me and smile for me, tell me that you’ll I’m standin’ here outside your door. wait for me. I hate to wake you up to say goodbye. Hold me like you’ll never let me go. But the dawn is breakin’, its early morn. 'Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet plane - don’t know Taxi’s waitin - he’s blowin’ his horn. when I’ll be back again. Already I’m so lonesome, I could die. Oh babe, I hate to go.

So kiss me and smile for me, tell me that you’ll wait Now the time has come to leave you - one more time, for me. let me kiss you, Hold me like you’ll never let me go. then close your eyes - I’ll be on my way. 'Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet plane - don’t know when Dream about the days to come, I’ll be back again. when I won’t have to leave alone - Oh babe, I hate to go. about the times, I won’t have to say...

There’s so many times I’ve let you down, so many times So kiss me and smile for me, tell me that you’ll I’ve played around. wait for me. I tell you now, they don’t mean a thing. Hold me like you’ll never let me go. Every place I go, I’ll think of you - 'Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet plane - don’t know every song I sing, I’ll sing for you - when I’ll be back again. when I come back, I’ll wear your wedding ring. Oh babe, I hate to go.

'Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet plane. Don’t know when I’ll be back again...

Oh babe, I hate to go...

6. I’ll Wish For You (Joe Rose)

In 1980, I was three years into my first enlistment in the Army, almost a year into my first overseas assignment in Germany. Joe didn't take my decision to enlist very well, and we kept in pretty close contact through cassette tapes and letters (phone calls were expensive and of course, it was the pre- computer stone-age!) In the fall, I got a tape from him with this song that he had written for me - I cried for days. Then I sat down and wrote him a reply (more on that in the notes for the Bonus track - 'All The Wasted Time'). I have played this song for many years, and Joe graciously allowed me to record it. I always wish for him, too, and hope that this interpretation of his work will make him smile.

It's been years since you left me to find a new life And every minute that you're gone, Dear, I think and now that you've left me, I can see you were right. of you. The time had come that you realized how happy you'd be On every star that flies by, Dear, I'll wish for to pack up all your things and face reality. you.

And every minute that you're gone, Dear, I think of The letters that I receive, from you to me you. keep telling me where you are, or where you will On every star that flies by, Dear, I'll wish for you. be. Oh your life has changed since you left me Dear - Every day that I wake up to my radio, you've found a new life. I hear the songs you used to sing - the songs I knew so I miss you more than ever, but I know that you well were right. I sing them softly to myself, remembering you, and how you smiled when you sang to me, as only you And every minute that you're gone, Dear, I think could do. of you. On every star that flies by, Dear, I'll wish for you.

On every star that flies by, Dear, I'll wish for you.

This story is a bit longer than most...but it's a good story...

1979: I was at Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, TX for two training classes, and got a job singing three night/week at a local restaurant. I flew back to California between classes, and the manager hired a guy named Larry Ward to cover my nights. When I returned, I found that the manager also decided to give Larry my Saturday slot. Wasn't happy about that at all - no sir, not one bit! So that next Saturday evening I was sulking in my room, when my best bud Cat suggested that we do the only thing we could do in this situation - go to the restaurant...and heckle the guy! I suddenly felt better and off we went.

We were sitting there, drinks in hand, snide comments ready, waiting for Larry to start. And then he started singing...'Amarillo By Morning'...and all the snide comments just went 'pfft'! Brown hair, blue eyes, and a beautiful voice, all in one package - Cat looked at me and just shook her head (oh, not, not again!!).

Larry and I met that night, started singing together during the rest of the time I was in town, and now we are closing in on 33 years as friends. We stayed in touch during my travels, and met up again when I returned several years later to teach at the same school. We often met up for lunch at a local pharmacy lunchroom - always sitting in the same place, always ordering the same thing - two chocolate shakes, two burgers, and a shared basket of fries. And when Larry would leave me phone messages about our lunches, he always ended them with 'in the booth, in the back, in the corner, in the dark".

I would be lying if I said that I never had 'other thoughts' about Larry and I over the years, but fate had other plans for us - when he was married, I was single; when he was single, I was married (there's your 'two passing ships' reference!). Our relationship is still one of my most treasured, and I will always be happy to meet him 'in the booth'...

In the booth, in the back, in the corner, in the dark - two chocolate shakes, two burgers, and some fries. There we’d sit, and talk and laugh – settled deep in 30 years have flown on past, and that booth is long conversation since gone. and try to solve the problems in our lives With miles and time between us, nothing’s changed. Then we’d hug and go our separate ways. Now it’s dinner once a month, always at the same Knowing soon, there’d be another day... location In the booth, in the back, in the corner....in the dark. and we laugh at how our lives get rearranged Two passing ships have nothing to compare, Now it seems like yesterday since that night when we but I will always see us sitting there… first met. In the booth, in the back, in the corner....in the dark I heard your voice, and music joined our lives Back and forth, through all these years, no matter what our situations that friendship and the music still survived. And I knew, on my trips across the sea when I returned, you’d be waiting there for me… In the booth, in the back, in the corner....in the dark

8. House Of The Rising Sun (Eric Burdon)

I started playing this song in 1978 when I was at the military language school in Monterey, CA - someone asked for it, and I was happy to oblige. I stopped playing it somewhere along the way until, last summer, someone asked for it again, and I scrambled to remember it all. I wondered about adding it to this disc, even after we finished recording it, because I felt that my post-surgery voice didn't allow me to give me that pitch-perfect rendition that I wanted. Then those brave souls (who regularly help me see around my blind spots) reminded me that this song didn't need to be that way at all. So, in the words of the late Rod Serling, "Presented for your consideration..."

There is a house in New Orleans, they call the Rising Oh mothers - tell your children, not to do what I have Sun, done, and it's been the ruin of many a poor girl, and God I or they'll spend their lives in sin and misery in the know - I'm one. house of the Rising Sun.

My mother was a tailor, she sewed my new blue jeans. Well there is a house in New Orleans they call the My father was a gambling man, down in New Orleans. Rising Sun, and it's been the ruin of many a poor girl, and God I Now the only thing a gambler needs is a suitcase and a know - I'm one trunk, and the only time he's ever satisfied is when he's on a ...and God ... I know - I'm one drunk.

9. Feather Quilt (Kerry Grombacher)

This song came to me via Ed Stabler, who has known writer Kerry Grombacher for many years. This song falls into the genre of Western music (not to be confused with country and western, which frankly doesn't exist anymore). Never having done a song like this, I decided it was worth a go. The unusual instrument that you hear (that might jog a memory of music class, if you're old enough) is an autoharp - it surprised me when Ed suggested it (and then had his harp refurbished so that he could add the track!) Since every track on this album is a bit different anyway, we decided to use it. Makes me smile every time I listen to it!

The Stetson that he wore is still hangin' by the door, It's this time of the year that reminds me - when and his dog lies in wait on the porch. I hear the wild geese call. The cold, blustery air moves that old rockin' chair - And, I look to the hills from this home that we makes me think he's there, rockin' back and forth. built - The birds take the air, and the fox seeks his It's this time of the year that reminds me - every lair, summer leaf must fall. and I shake out this old feather quilt. Oh, I look to the hills from this home that we built - The birds take the air, and the fox seeks his lair, A table set for two is the last thing that I do and I shake out this old feather quilt. before I turn out the lamps for the night. And the prayer on my lips is for the memory of his Like a chain stitch goes around, this old quilt has been kiss, passed down, and a dream of the arms that held me tight. and I'll give it our daughter in my time. But tonight the wind whistles songs he used to sing, It's this time of the year that reminds me - every and I'll cling to its warmth while it's still mine. soaring heart must fall. And, I look to the hills from this home that we built - The birds take the air, and the fox seeks his lair, and I shake out this old feather quilt.

Yes, I look to the hills from this home that we built - and I shake out this old feather quilt.

10. Wayfaring Stranger (Traditional)

Another song that came through Ed - just sitting around his living room, playing with different tunes. (The phrase, "Do you know this song?" always seems to lead us in some of the most unexpected directions!) There are hundreds of versions of this traditional tune - the lyrics are compiled from several of the best known. Of course, it all sounds pretty normal until Ed decides to take it for a swing near the end. Kerry Grombacher was in town at just the right time, and graciously laid the mandolin track that fits perfectly. This is one of my favorite tracks on the album...

I am a poor wayfaring stranger I'm going there to see my loved ones - just traveling through this world of woe. Gone on before me one by one. Yet there's no sickness, toil or danger I'm only goin' over to Jordan. in that bright land to which I go. I'm only goin' over home.

I'm going there to see my mother - I am a poor wayfaring stranger She said she'd meet me when I come. just traveling through this world of woe. I'm only goin' over to Jordan. Yet there's no sickness, toil or danger I'm only goin' over home. in that bright land to which I go.

I know dark clouds will gather 'round me. I'm going there to see my father. I know my way is rough and steep. I'm going there no more to roam. But beauteous fields lie just before me I'm only goin' over to Jordan. where God's redeemed their vigils keep. I'm only goin' over home.

Over home...

This song is from the summer of 1977 - the summer before I went in the Army. I was alone, not particularly happy with life in general. It was then that I made the decision to drop out of college (full scholarship for a four-year state university), join the military, leave the valley for a few years and see the world, and then come back home. Little did I know this decision would completely change my life forever, in good ways and bad - I never did come back home, except to visit occasionally. But, oh, the places I got to see! And - I finally learned not to be lonely anymore...

Your smile is so kind, don’t walk away. ‘Cause I’m one of the lonely people. Please stay and talk awhile, please stay. Yes, I’m one of the lonely people. I’ll tell you why, I can’t let you pass me by - And I don’t want to be lonely anymore. I can’t face this problem one more day Well I’m one of the lonely people - I’m one of the lonely people ‘Cause I’m one of the lonely people. And I don’t want to be lonely any more. Yes, I’m one of the lonely people. And I don’t want to be lonely anymore. Please take me far from this place. Well I’m one of the lonely people - I’m one of the Help put a smile back on my face. lonely people No one should see what loneliness can be - And I don’t want to be lonely any more. Love, you could be my saving grace

I worked so long so many times ‘Cause I’m one of the lonely people. Learned all the reasons and the rhymes Yes, I’m one of the lonely people. But the only thing love has ever given me And I don’t want to be lonely anymore. is an aching emptiness down deep inside Well I’m one of the lonely people - I’m one of the lonely people And I don’t want to be lonely any more.

No I don’t want to be lonely any more I don’t want to be lonely any more

12. Years (Beth Nielsen Chapman)

This song made me cry when I first heard in it 1991, and it still chokes me up now (try singing like that!) Beth Nielsen Chapman is a phenomenal writer. As any soldier (sailor, airman, marine) will tell you, there is something beyond special about being able to return home, especially if it's been awhile. I know that when I took that exit off the highway, swung up over that bridge, and made that final turn onto my parents' street, I felt a sense of peace that is difficult to describe. The line about her mother being at the doorway hits particularly close to home: I'd lay on the horn (if the hour was reasonable) as soon as I hit the corner, and my mother would be on the front porch when I pulled up to the house. The saying is, "You can't go home again." and, with my parents gone, that is now all too true. But when I sing this song, I'm always just turning that last corner, reaching for the horn...

I went home for Christmas to the house that I grew Across the street the Randol's oldest daughter must up in. have come home. Going back was something after all these years. Her two boys built a snowman by the backyard I drove down Monterey street and felt a little sadness swings. when I turned left on Laurel and the house appeared. I thought of old man Randol and his Christmas decorations And I snuck up to that rocking chair and how he used to leave them up 'til early spring. where the winter sunlight slanted on the screened- in porch. And I thought of all the summers And I stared out past the shade tree that I paced that porch and swore I'd die of boredom that my laughing daddy planted on the day that I was there. born. And I thought of what I'd give to feel another summer linger where a day feels like a year And I let time go by so slow. And I made every moment last. And I let time go by so slow. And I thought about years - how they take so long - And I made every moment last. and they go so fast And I thought about years - how they take so long - and they go so fast

Then the door flew open, and my mother's voice was laughing as she called back to my daddy, "Come and look who's here"

And I thought about years....

On Track 6, you heard the song that my friend Joe wrote for me in 1980 - this is my reply, written that same year. I've always thought that this was one of my best lyrics. The recording is not from my current session. Instead, I used a version I recorded back in 1990. Here's why...

I went home on leave for Christmas, 1990. While I was there, Joe told me that he had some tape left at the studio he was recording at, and asked me if I wanted to record some of my songs. We spent the afternoon at the studio, and by day's end, I had gotten all my best originals done, plus a few covers and all the harmonies I wanted to do. He and Bob Damiano, the studio owner, worked on the tracks and Joe sent me a copy when they finished. This was the last track on the tape, and I was surprised to hear Bob's keyboards (done after my session). But my big thrill was hearing that Joe had also gone in and added harmony vocals - and had matched me perfectly, just as he did when we were so much younger.

I wanted to do this song for the album, and looked for someone who could not just sing Joe's part, but do it as well that original recording. But I didn't find anyone to fit the bill, so I figured I had to scratch the song from the list. Then my husband suggested that I just use the 1990 recording - he said it was unique, because the song was for Joe and he was singing on it. My concern was that my voice of 21 years ago sounds noticeably different than my voice does today, and that would impact the consistency of the album. But eventually I made the decision to use it as the final track. Hubby was right - I would never get a better version.

Making it a bonus track was my son's idea. After listening to what I thought was the final track sequence just before Christmas, Jeremy suggested we move this to a bonus track (previously recorded/unreleased) and record one additional song. But what song? Another original, preferably - to get rehearsed and recorded ASAP. Jeremy solved that problem too - he pulled up the files from the 1990 session on the computer, and immediately found the one he was looking for - "Do this one." 'This one' is Track 3 - "I Can Only Stay". Smart kid!

Yeah, I can sing this song by myself, and I still do. But it's much more fun singing with someone else - someone who has known you forever (and loves you anyway!) Joe and I stay in touch, but we don't get to see each other as often as we would like. Oh - I almost forgot - I didn't tell him I was including this song on the album...Surprise!!

Well, you’ve done it again - And I miss you as much as you miss me. another song that made me think, then made me cry. Right now, I can’t think of anywhere that I would But now there’s something you should see about so- rather be called reality than back together with you, pickin’ songs and that might explain the way that I’ve been thinking sippin’ wine. recently. Forgettin’ all the wasted love - and all the wasted You know that I’ve been gone - time. I’ve traveled half-way ‘round the world and back again. And what I first set out to find - someone to love, some And the circle is strong - peace of mind - the friendship and the love that’s here will never die. is hardly closer now than when I left you years ago. We’ve gone through happy times and pain, smiled at the sun, laughed And I miss you as much as you miss me. at the rain. Right now, I can’t think of anywhere that I would All these years we’ve run the course, and still we’re rather be goin’ strong than back together with you, pickin’ songs and And maybe you and I are meant to be apart so when sippin’ wine. we meet again, Forgettin’ all the wasted love - and all the wasted we’ll come to see the love we feel is something warm time. and something real. It could be we’ve been looking for each other all You say that I was right along. to pack up all my things and go to fight the war. All kinds of battles have been fought, and through them And I miss you as much as you miss me. all, I have Right now, I can’t think of anywhere that I would been taught rather be that like a stream against a rock, it all can wear you than back together with you, pickin’ songs and down. sippin’ wine. But I really can’t complain, Forgettin’ all the wasted love - and all the wasted ‘Cause the people and the places have been good to me. time. But always loneliness is there, through broken hearts and love affairs - And I miss you as much as you miss me. could it be that what I seek is in my own backyard? Right now, I can’t think of anywhere that I would rather be than back together with you, pickin’ songs and sippin’ wine. Forgettin’ all the wasted love - and all the wasted time.