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This month…
• a free “Irish” arrangement
• new album update
• new publications
• some recommendations
Free Piece
It's March, so that means St. Patrick's Day! I'll be making the corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes next week, but it also means that this month's free piece is an arrangement of one of my favorite Irish tunes.
Although “The Lakes of Pontchartrain” is often attributed to Irish music because of the Planxty and Paul Brady versions, it is actually an American folk song. Sometimes it's even referred to as a Creole love song. It is believed that the tune of the song (which is “Lily of the West”) made it's way to Ireland via soldiers who were here fighting for the British or French armies in Louisiana and Canada during the War of 1812. The lyrics most likely date back to the Civil War.
My first encounter with this song was on the Andy Irvine/Paul Brady record from 1975. If you are unfamiliar with this album, do yourself a favor and go listen to it. It is absolutely brilliant. The Panxty version is amazing as well. Christy Moore's singing is hauntingly beautiful. It has a very different vibe to it.
My arrangement is a straight forward one, sticking to the melody. I did write a variation with some ornamentation on the second verse, but nothing too crazy. I typically write these arrangements in a one sitting before school starts, so I know they could be a bit more refined, but there just aren't enough hours in the day.
I decided to get reacquainted with my dear old 1974 Martin 018 for this one. This guitar was beautifully restored by the incomparable John Mooy a few years ago. I am forever grateful for his skill and craftsmanship.
I am capoed here on the third fret to put me in the key of Bb. I like the brightness and clarity the Martin has in Bb. You do not have to capo, or you could capo wherever you like. Get creative. I hope you enjoy playing it, expanding on it, or just listening.
“Until the Light Was Gone” is complete! Tom finished the mastering process last week, and we have sent out previews to reviewers and some trusted ears.
There will be three singles (released 4/17, 5/1, 5/15) leading up to the full album release on May 29th.
CDs will be available via our collective website (more info on that to follow soon), on our individual Bandcamp pages, and our individual websites. We will be doing a CD presale, so I will send out more info about that when I have it.
"Until the Light was Gone" contains 14 tracks of Ambient/New Age-y/Pop-ish/Chill Grooves. I play electric guitar and Nashville tuned acoustic guitar. Tom plays piano, Rhodes, bass, synths, programming, & additional guitars. Jeff Oster plays some wonderful Flugelhorn on one track.
We are extremely excited to share this music with you! It's getting close…
New Publications
Guitar Chamber Music Press will soon be publishing a new guitar trio of mine titled “The Light That Was Never on Land or Sea”.
I have also submitted a book of 25 short trio pieces for beginner to late intermediate guitar classes and ensembles. These are pieces that I have written for use with my own students over the years. Stay tuned for more info on that in the coming weeks. You can find all of my current publications here.
Big thank you to Manley Mallard at GCMP for being so receptive to publishing my work.
Recommendations
Here's what I've been listening to and reading…
That's it for March…
In baseball news…
Kian, Jason, and I just drafted our teams for the 2026 season of Strat-O-Matic baseball. I am hoping for a repeat World Series win this year. 🤞🏻
We'll be heading to Pittsburgh the first weekend of April for opening day at PNC Park. Let's Go Bucs! There is hope for a winning season this year. 🙏🏻
Thanks for reading these. I appreciate your continued support of my music.
Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit! Happy Saint Patrick's Day to you!
