| Axiology could be the study of values, or it could be the study of being with your ax, playing it like music matters more than words can say. For me, it's a groove. It's a song that locks me into a rhythm that won't quit. John-Carlos and Jimmy bring it alive. |
| The text is Paul Laurence Dunbar's, and the music is original. The arrangement for this piece was the first idea around which I began the journey to this recording. With Joe on slide guitar, Akinyele on tambourine and my harmonica sketching, we suggest a context in which Charles pays respects to the master through the words and the inflections that remind us of a historical yearning. Although Doug Chambers does not appear on this, my thanks to him for his early support in working out the ideas. |
| This poem is dedicated to the poet q.r. hand, jr., a member of WordWind Chorus (as I am, along with Reginald Lockett and Brian Auerbach). His words and spirit have helped sustain the San Francisco Bay Area in particular for nearly 30 years. He is the author of i speak to the poet in man,and he appears on WordWind Chorus' first CD, we are of the saying. |
| Through her voice Jen Shyu brings a delicacy to this piece, which I wrote a while ago, that allowed me to hear the lyrics as if they were new, and then she matches it with her violin. Jimmy creates a sound background to which John-Carlos finds the subtle chording for counterpoint. |