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Snapdragon
~acoustic spawned instrumental music~
Longing for an organic touch, strings moving in air, vibrations and pulsations of a more acoustic persuasion? Welcome to Snapdragon, an original and fresh swing through the forest of acoustic music from Paul's studio in Montana. Featuring forays into mandolin, bouzouki, Seagull Merlin, acoustic 6 and 12 string guitars, and piano, Snapdragon doesn't shy away from an occasional fling with a synthesizer if the Music calls for it. Included is a terrific variety of music, keeping within the bounds of the form.
From gentle yet spirited piano solos like "Betony" and "Slavish Devotion", to solo mandolin ("Mercy, Sadness, Grace") and solo Merlin ("Montana Genesee"), from the rousing and dynamic "Goyal in the Moor", to the clap-your-hands-and-dance-along strains of "Horse Fingers", Snapdragon never fails to delight and engage.
Derek Bodkin graces Snapdragon with his incredible banjo and guitar playing, even leaning into a little harmonica for the piece "Montucky Hoedown", featured below.
Both genuine and captivating, Snapdragon is an authentic reverie and a twirling frolic along a footpath of verdant, emerald imagination.
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To hear selected tracks from "Snapdragon", select a track above and press Play.
Notes on Snapdragon:
Horse Fingers- We enter with a full-on acoustic romp, led by a Seagull Merlin dulcimer. The name comes from the finger-sized grass or apple treats I used to give my horses and the name just stuck.
Luftmeer-"Ocean of Air" (thank you von Humboldt). Mandolin leads this song, and despite the stringed nature of this album, has an appropriate synth lead that just works. Hear a preview above.
Betony- This name is a mint-family species of flowering plant and I think a lovely name. Piano solo.
Montucky Hoedown- Mando-driven romp; stomp your feet and clap along! Banjo, some guitar, and harmonica from the great Derek Bodkin. Preview it above.
Fiala- Czech for violet, in the nature-driven naming scheme of this album, I think this song reflects the elegance of a violet. Maybe.
Man of the Merrow- Merrow is sort of a mermaid. There are two versions of this song, this is the acoustic version. The prog version is on Chordophaze, you can hear it here. This song is a real journey, kick back and enjoy!
Mercy Sadness Grace- This is a mandolin solo, but quiet and subdued, not like one usually hears mando!
Goyal in the Moor- Watch out for the goyal, he's coming for you!
Slavish Devotion- The name came from a book I was reading, Russian, probably Dostoevsky, and I liked it. Piano solo.
Vicissitudes- The ups and downs of life. I find this a particularly pretty song.
Trego Road- A tiny 'town' in Montana where I once lived. You get the very rural, mountain feel of the area, a road where most everyone waves, on those rare occasions when you come upon another vehicle.
Montana Genesee- A beautiful valley. A piece written for solo dulcimer (Seagull Merlin).
Luck with Halve It- Yes indeed, luck would cut it in half! Just feeling myself fortunate.
Winter Sun- Ever have one of those sunny days in winter, where, if you sit in the sun, out of the wind, you can soak up some needed rays despite the snow and cold? I remember sitting with my chickens, all of us doing just that.
Betoto- Swahili for 'owl', or so I thought, maybe I'm wrong. A rather melancholic goodbye to the album; I hope it leaves you wanting to listen again. Thanks for listening, and reading.
As always, if you are interested in using Paul's music for your production, please use the contact form. You will find a VAST variety of music available to you, including many, many pieces and parts not featured on this website. From needle-drops and incidental music to whole orchestrated pieces and everything in between, Paul has an ever-expending library of music and sounds, including custom pieces, perfect for your project.