Before we did our first CD, we joked about it being the ONLY one we might ever do, since we met and began doing this unexpected duo singing rather late in our solo lives…and here we are with CD #2 on the stands, a third wedding anniversary gone by, and a home together in the trees of the Pacific Northwest. What a journey! From the moment we released Heart of the Matter and heard the hollers for another CD, we knew we wanted this new one to express our sense of home: personal connection to a place, but also connection to this planet and its potential for peace and beauty. The songs we’ve gathered here are ones that carry that message one way or another. We found them the way we find all our songs—by listening and paying attention when one of them cuts to the heart of us, or brings a deep and satisfying grin. And then there are Hank’s original gems…his own take on life that you can’t help singing along with. This album contains lots of tight harmony singing—what we’re known for—along with an instrumental and two a cappella tracks. Roger Ferguson adds mandolin sparkle to two of Hank’s songs, and Mick Nicholson put down his stand-up bass long enough to toot his tuba for a re-imagined Tin Pan Alley number. "Guitars, psaltery, and dulcimer back the lovely lead and harmonizing voices. All clean, clear, and full of life--just like when you see them in person." -Chris Lunn, founding member International Folk Alliance LINER NOTES (Maybe you’d find these fun to read) 1. WEST VIRGINIA, MY HOME (Hazel Dickens) One of the folk revival’s birthing mothers, Hazel wrote this about her own state. Hank was born in West Virginia as well; no matter where you come from, we hope this speaks to you of home. 2. GOING HOME (Hank Payne) Roger Ferguson on mandolin. Maybe you can’t go home, but you can never forget. This was my Dad’s favorite of the songs I wrote. We both put a few miles behind us before we settled down. 3. OLD LOVE (Neal Hagberg/Leandra Peak) We had been together only briefly when we learned this for our friends’ 50th anniversary celebration. We grew to see that ‘old love’ is also a state of mind. The baritone dulcimer was a gift from Claire’s sister-in-law Mary Ann. 4. TIMBERLINE (Laurie Riley) Laurie graciously gifted us with this song. She wrote it for those who put aside hiking boots and walking sticks but still feel the alpine wind. 5. HERE COMES THE SUN (George Harrison) It’s a joy to pass along the delight of this timeless and always timely tune. Claire on bowed psaltery. 6. SECRET GARDEN (Carol McComb) Jim Portillo brought this song to us and sings it beautifully—even sang it with Carol’s guitar accompaniment at PSGW. Claire’s heart breaks and heals again every time we sing it. 7. IT'S ONLY WORDS (Hank Payne) Close as I can come to poetry. Someone in a song-writing workshop asked, “Don’t you think it’s cheap to offer your love only a grain of sand?” I’ll let the comment pass. Claire on bowed psaltery. 8. YOUR LONG JOURNEY (Doc & Rosa Lee Watson) Many songs in the Appalachian tradition speak of pure and lasting love. We found this one in a 1964 Sing Out! magazine. It’s fortunate that our two crystal bowls happen to be in the right key. 9. LOVERS' WALTZ (Jay Ungar/Molly Mason) Another lovely waltz from the composer of “The Ashokan Farewell.” We’re not surprised it’s now a wedding favorite. Claire’s bowed psaltery wants to be a fiddle on this tune. 10. PROPER CUP OF COFFEE (traditional with new words by Anne Hills/Cindy Mangsen) Mick Nicholson on tuba. An updated version of a Tin Pan Alley ditty; the tuba was Claire’s idea. 11. I REMEMBER LOVING YOU (Luigi del Pupo/Tino Chumlavitch/Bruce Phillips/Priscilla Herdman) Truly an example of the folk process in action: penned by Canadians del Pupo and Chumlavitch in prison; performed by collectors Phil and Hilda Thomas at the 1974 Spokane Expo; heard there and adapted by Utah Phillips; verses added by Priscilla Herdman. And now we’ve edited and condensed it into a three-verse duet. 12. FISHING WITH JOHN (Bill Gallaher) Bill, a Canadian songwriter, read Chicago journalist Edith Iglauer’s book Fishing with John about her adventure onboard a salmon troller in the Pacific NW. His song beautifully captures her story. 13. MUSIC OF HEALING (Tommy Sands) We learned this from a Tommy Sands recording; Pete Seeger sings the middle verse. The song speaks of themes close to our hearts: home, the healing power of music, forgiveness, and peace. 14. HOME IS A RIVER (Hank Payne) Roger Ferguson on mandolin. Hiking in the Olympic Mountains, I arrived very dehydrated at the Home Sweet Home shelter at First Divide. The meadow was miserable in the hot August sun, so I continued down to the Upper Duckabush River and made camp. The cold mountain water in the shelter of the trees was inviting and invigorating. 15. THE BRAMBLE AND THE ROSE (Barbara Keith) A dear friend requested several times that we learn this song. It has a special meaning for us now and we’re thankful for his persistence. 16. TO MY OLD BROWN EARTH (Pete Seeger) This song was included in a 1964 Broadside publication and several recordings, though it is not widely known. We learned it to sing in a tribute following Pete’s death in 2014—fitting, as he wrote it to sing at funerals. We echo his wish: And this our home—keep pure and sweet and green.