David Essig - Stewart Crossing Sequence (2020)

SEQUENCE is a body of material, primarily instrumental, which has developed over several years. The music arises, in part from my predilection for traditional music, and in part from a fascination with the notion that contemporary music can be created outside the confines of admixtures usually associated with popular music and jazz. The primary combination of 12 string guitar, mandolin, cello and drums occurred to me conceptually, rather than empirically; in this pre-visualization of structure and texture, however, I could not anticipate the vitality and robustness which was to spring from our ensemble. I hope this recording captures that sense of wonder which all of us shared during the creation of this music.

SUNRISE II (12 string guitar, cello, drums) is the group version of the leitmotif, so to speak, for the album. There are four sections: a major theme, a minor theme, an Appalachian section, which we called "the Square Dance" and another minor section, which we referred to as "the Russian part". It is fascinating that, while the technique used here, namely slide 12 string, is usually associated with Bluesmen the likes of Blind Willie McTell, the music here derives primarily from British and European, rather than Afro-American traditions. In fact, while much of my music involves the Blues, little of that rich and varied body is directly evident here...another time.

SAYING IT (acoustic guitar, 3 electric guitars, electric bass, drums, vocals) is our contribution to the Radio Sound. It was recorded in typical commercial fashion; only the drum parts were retained from the basic rhythm tracks; the rest of the parts are overdubs. Bob Doidge plays fine bass and I get a chance to stretch out on the Telecasters. The melody in the verses is actually the tenor line of the original tune. Show biz.