I wrote earlier that this record is about recognizing or attempting goodness. One thing I haven’t shared: most of the songs are memories of loved ones who experienced profound disappointment and suffering and—in spite of those evils—were exceedingly generous.
You can find lyrics (properly formatted) and credits here. If you like free verse poetry, I’m especially proud of pages six to nine (i.e., “An arm around your waist” through “Dove’s tail in pink light”).
A card game with my wife prompted this song. As I was fishing out cards that fell between the sofa cushions, I remembered very vividly doing the same thing as a kid. I remembered sitting with my mom in our living room. The drawn curtains gave the space a kind of glow during the day. I remembered that, as a child, I thought my mother was especially graceful.
Regarding the song’s title, “Dovetail” is the shuffle that quickly interleaves the cards. Only those blessed with exceptionally fine fine motor skills are able to execute it.
Porchfest (Two weeks earlier)
What a weekend. One show canceled, just as we were about to perform; another concert put together in an hour thanks to our friends in thequietcampaign. Many thanks to everyone who's come out to see us or listened to our two recent singles. You're the best.
For those looking for a relaxed, family friendly, outdoor Pride event: this Sunday (6/27), Eric will perform on Beacon’s front lawn (2364 E Cumberland St., Phila.). Eric goes on at 3. There may be baby pools. You need to bring your own baby, though.
We're taking part in West Reading’s Art on the Avenue this Saturday. Come see us on the 6th Avenue stage from 3:25-4.
I was thinking about Jack Rose and Willa Cather when I wrote this. Each felt, at a critical point in their life, that their best work was behind them. Each, unwittingly, proved themselves wrong.
The concert scene that opens the song (meant to illustrate Jack’s grueling performance schedule) is based on our 2018 tour. We played Savoy Taproom and made the fans mentioned.
You can find the song on your platform of choice here: https://thechairmandances.com/thewayyouthought
We’re performing (outdoors) in West Philly this Saturday, June 5!
No ticket or show fee is due, just stroll on up to 4421 Baltimore Ave.
This song is the third track from The strength of your arm, an album I wrote while doing an artist residency in the Cascade mountains back in 2019. While I don’t believe its songs share characters, I do imagine all of the individual narrators assuming a similar posture or tone of voice to tell their stories. That shared stance or way of speaking is, for me, the crux of the record. It directs what is said or observed; it attends every action, every forbearance.
Today’s single is one of my favorite recordings of ours (the album contains a number). If you are inclined to share news of it, and/or add it to a play list, we are inclined to thank you.
I hope this note finds you well.
Eric
We are officially a band again thanks to this photo. And since bands play [outdoor] shows, we'll take part in W. Philly's Porchfest on June 5. We're preparing a stripped down set (unsure re: the amount of available power outlets). The hosting porch is 4421 Baltimore Ave. Music starts at 2. We play second.
Today, I’m sharing a hymn I wrote and recorded four years ago. The words “What would you have me do?” are Dorothy Day’s. The others are mine.
Leek eyes
Song by Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five
This is me fulfilling a request to cover a second song from the album Nilsson Schmilsson. The photographs (mine) are of “Building Connections”, a mural designed by Shira Walinsky and Ernel Martinez and painted by many talented Mural Arts painters.
Eric sings “The Moonbeam Song”, written by the great Harry Nilsson.
My good friend asked me to play an old Sufjan song for his ordination. I changed it somewhat significantly, thus it is meet and right to rename it: Timothy’s Ordination Song. (Don't watch the video. I can't control my face.)
I was interviewed by the kind, smart people at “What’s Your Muse?” Below are links to the podcast episode. Have a nice week, all.
Earth & Altar recently published a short story of mine called “Sondland on the Stand.” You can find it here: https://earthandaltarmag.com/posts/sondland-on-the-stand
MLK’s favorite hymn
I wrote this song, about an apocalypse/imminent-catastrophe, over a year ago. It’s hopeful, I think.
This video (six years old) has aged well, I think.
