mariann megna....trails 'Trails' CD is a body of music spanning the last twenty years, beginning with the song 'Lighthouse', and with the most recent , "Harbor Garden". I recently realized both those songs end with the word "home", in the first I was searching for one, and in the latter, I found it in Sag Harbor, NY. Talk about full circle. You definitely take a journey with me on this one, the "Trails" leading me in my life as it were, from my driven days in New York City, to my life on Eastern Long Island, with so many trips around the block and in between. I was quiet about my music for years, and then in 2000 I was sparked by the young Children at the Sag Harbor Elementary School, and how they could perform at their daily morning program. Nancy Remkus was my son Tim's kindergarten teacher, and a great musician and songwriter herself. We began singing together, and collaborated on a CD 'Still" released in 2003. Well, that started to get me over my stage fright, and I kept thinking about those old songs I had, still waiting to be heard, those experiences to share. I was ready to finally record them, along with nine new ones, and the collection seemed to be taking a path. Musical stories of a modern day life; a minstrel. Sometimes these songs come in dreams, sometimes right out of the air, I believe in inspiration, and try to remain open to it. I'm glad when there's a funny or upbeat song. Believe me, I never sit down to deliberately write a sad ballad, and I do have a few of those; 'Mayday' 'Juggler's Christmas" I recorded them because they might offer comfort to someone else, and I know we all have our trying times. They are beautiful, they happen and I can't deny them. I'll be in the saddest aching moment and sure enough....words will start to come and I'll think "Oh man, give me a break, not now... this is going to be ridiculously sad...but I have to write it, like a toothache, it doesn't go away until it's tended to" I guess everything happens for a reason. Fortunately I also get to write funny songs like "Einstein Napped" inspired by my sister Terry, a physicist; my favorite muse. You hear about her a lot. In fact there are lots of real people in my songs, locals like Al Daniels, the inspiration for 'A Fisherman's Wife' , Sag Harbor and our beautiful landscapes and seashore are in 'Harbor Garden' and 'the Birds Still soar" Sweet Gabrielle Gardiner of Sag Harbor is the inspiration for 'the Prayers of Gabrielle" 'country mouse' refers to my friend Rick McKay in NYC and my fashionable friends vs our country/beach out here. 'Trails'..well that's about my friend Rob Dies and our long time friendship. I went back to Pine Point Productions in Windham Maine and producer Roy A. Clark to record this one. He had done such a great job on 'Still' and I knew he understood my music and what I wanted, a pure sounding CD, with nothing added that wasn't necessary. Pristine. We recorded the piano tracks on a 1926 Steinway in June, in July I did the lead vocals, and then in August we pulled off a major feat...Roy came down to Sag Harbor with his 'board' and we camped out at Harbor Music Studio for two days and recorded live tracks with the band. Sara Gordon's violin is on there, Chris Shaughnessey is fiddling on 'Fisherman's Wife,his viola is mournfully sweet on Prayers of Gabrielle, Bucky Silipo on 'Steep Hill and many others, Sue Daniels and Valarie Bell are harmonizing just like they do in concert. I like that. Bruce Beyer and Steve Shaughnessey joined the 'company' after the recording, and will make the next CD that much better. I like having these great musicians recorded, and they sound awesome. I am in very good company on stage. They are masters of their craft...Vocalists Valarie Bell and Sue Daniels, Violinist: Sara Gordon, Viola and Violin: Mr. Chris Shaughnessey, on Guitars and String Bass:Mr. Steve Shaughnessey, Bucky Silipo plays Bass and Acoustic guitar and keeping the Beat :Bruce Beyer on Drums. Muriel Sparks the novelist says 'Be constantly on the alert to recognize your prime...at whatever time of your life it may occur" I think I'm about ready for it. Mariann Megna