Producer's Note

The days Patrick and I spent at his home in Takoma Park, Maryland, recording and working on this album, were a constant revelation to me. Despite having known Patrick and his sensitivity and generosity for many years, I was somehow surprised by the large spirit that pervades these pieces, and that hovered over and supported our work together.

This music springs from an intensely personal vision and feeling. Patrick can often relate his music in an almost one-to-one correspondence with particular events, circumstances, or people. To work out this musical vision with clarity and precision requires a great commitment. What is remarkable to me is that these nearly literal personal statements are mediated by a wonderfully wide and expressive musical language, which while equally personal is also immediately understandable, not esoteric or difficult. This is rare.

Patrick presents here a musical vision that is not simple, but it is direct. I am grateful and happy to help make this music available.

-Tony Geballe

Deaths, the joy of seeing loved ones
again after long periods of separation,
stark reminders of impermanence–
our transient existence,
the beauty of nature, love,
the power of wishes,
the depth of a child’s pain
when she loses her cherished balloon.
All these have made impressions on me.
On all of us.

Total Playing Time: 45:32

All music composed and performed by Patrick Smith
Produced and Engineered by Tony Geballe / TonyGeballeMusic.com
Graphic Design and Photography: Pablo Mandel / CircularStudio.com
© 2008 Patrick Smith