The creative process for this project began Christmas vacation 1998. I had just finished ANCIENT ISLE. I planned a trip to Ireland landing in Shannon with a few B&B stopovers along the way. First I traveled south to a beautiful seaside town, Kenmare. There I met John Rubin who was immediately interested in selling ANCIENT ISLE at his Record store. After a relaxing time there, I drove around the southern coast and back up to County Cork & arrived at Ballyvolane House, a large English Manor style B&B with an expansive property - all kinds of farm animals running freely. To my surprise, upon entering the B&B, I was delighted to see a grand piano in the living room, and the owners invited me to play anytime I felt the urge. This environment inspired me to begin composing BALLYVOLANE (at their piano). Spent a fascinating New Year's Eve there, where 25 of us were served a gourmet multi-course extraordinary meal. I was able to meet quite a diverse group of people that night and will always cherish the memory of that very special evening at Ballyvolane House. From Cork, I continued north to Dublin, where the population suddenly became a lot more dense. Lots of night life, jam sessions in the pubs with the Guinness flowing everywhere! Driving into Dublin, I had trouble finding my lodging address. I got out of my car, walked into a bar, and a wonderful lady / bartender / owner (I reckon) walked out of the bar in the rain no less and down an entire block with me just to point out how to get to my destination. Just one example of the Irish hospitality and friendliness which I experienced everywhere I went. A major influence & inspiration for this CD was the music of Donal Lunny, possibly the most respected producer in Ireland. I picked up his CD, COOLFIN, on recommendation while in Ireland, & was so inspired that I decided to do my own arrangements of two traditional songs from this CD - MISS MONAGHANS & FALSE FLY. Miles of memories and experiences - the backdrop for this CD. Hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed composing. Matt