From the original 1992 CD liner notes: For the past several years I've been eagerly telling friends that "I'm working on an album". It may come as a shock to many to find out that 'the album' actually exists as more than just a figment of my imagination! I started serious effort on this project in late 1988. Paul Lau, the best friend a guy could have, had just finished a gospel album and was newly arrived in Toronto. Paul was the first to introduce me to others as a 'musician', rather than as a 'chemical engineer at P&G'. From the start, Paul kept encouraging me, insisting that I'd written songs worth capturing in a record. So, I spent a day recording a rough 'demo' of material for the album, playing all songs in order and without stopping. That initial session set the stage for a project that would encompass four years and literally countless hours on the part of many people. Clearly, it is no accident that it's called "Easier Said Than Done"! Through good times and bad, music has been a constant source of amusement, expression and relaxation. For me there's nothing more satisfying than the feeling you get when you finish writing a new song, and realize that it aptly captures the emotions of a particular moment. Friends know that I usually write songs based on situations and events that I experienced or observed. In this respect the recordings serve as a sort of "emotional photo album". "Sea to Sea", written in 1985 in Halifax, is the oldest song in this collection. "Song for Emily", written within the past 2 months, is the newest composition. Through music, I've been fortunate to forge friendships with an outstanding variety of people. The prime objective of the album project was to have fun, and I can guarantee that we probably had more fun making this record than you could ever have listening to it. Still, I hope that somewhere amongst the selections you'll find something that you can relate to and enjoy in your own way. I'd appreciate any comments you have concerning the songs. "Don Cudmore's Album" would not have been possible without the assistance of many people. Special thanks to: Paul Lau, for his involvement in every step of this album; Lorie (Saunders) Smith, who had never heard her voice recorded before, for performing the lion's share of the album's vocals and interpreting my music in a fashion that I really enjoy; Avery Tanner at Wolf Trax Audio Productions, for his crucial role in the final overdub and mixdown stages of the project, as well as his excellent work as a human noise gate and one-armed mallet person; Elizabeth Beeler, for coming to Port Hope and recording "Cause I Need You" at a most uncivilized hour on a Sunday morning, effortlessly hitting some of the highest notes I've ever written; Kurt Hahn, for his assistance and interest on "Room With a View", and Janet Hrnchiar, who was responsible for the album's art direction and design, for creatively and enthusiastically preparing the visual 'pieces' in this collection. Special thanks to my family (my mother Jean Cudmore, David, Sharon & Tim, Cathy, Nana, Sheila, et al.), Emily, friends inside and outside of P&G, and others who have helped me through some very difficult times - you are truly inspiring. Special thanks to Allen & Valerie for all your support, Ralph & Debbie for help with lyric sheets, and Gail & Ron for patiently listening to each new composition and providing strong opinions as to what songs should be included. Thanks also to everyone who worked on earlier versions of the album, and whose efforts enabled the project to stay alive as it metamorphosed into its present form. This album is dedicated to the many people who are special to me. In particular, I'd like to single out my four cousins (Carolyn, Bonnie, Callie and Susan) who were my first and most loyal audience! Donald Cudmore Toronto, April 1992 About the songs: Lobster Madness (Instrumental): Is dedicated to friends who constantly teased me about lobsters and the fact that I was born on Prince Edward Island. Synopsis: 'Lobster Madness' begins at the seashore. You can hear seagulls, waves and a foghorn in the distance. Suddenly you head beneath the waves. Underwater, lobsters are grooving to the beat. They keep grooving until, at the end of the song, you head back to the surface. Could it be Love (lead vocal: Lorie Smith): This song is all about the feelings you get when you meet someone intriguing and appealing for the first time. In this case I didn't find a 'girlfriend' but someone who turned out to be a talented violinist and (after Emily) my favourite person to share Cafe au Lait & a Montreal Gazette with. 401 Eastbound: While driving down the highway in 1989, I reflected upon my reasons for leaving a secure situation in Toronto for a challenging opportunity in Brockville. 'Heading home' refers to heading in the general direction, at least, of my native Maritimes. Cause I Need You: Written in 1986 for my mother, Jean, a few months after I had left the Maritimes and moved 'a thousand miles away' to a new job in Ontario. ------------ All songs written by Donald Cudmore, except Moment in Time which was written by Paul Lau and Donald Cudmore. All songs arranged by Donald Cudmore, except Room With A View which was arranged by Donald Cudmore and Kurt Hahn. Music performed by Donald Cudmore with additional percussion throughout by Avery Tanner. Paul Lau played acoustic guitar on Moment in Time and 401 Eastbound, as well as additional keyboards on Lobster Madness. Kurt Hahn played additional keyboards on Room With A View. Avery Tanner played harmonica on Song for Emily. Engineered by Paul Lau. Mixed by Avery Tanner at Wolf Trax Audio Productions. Recorded at Bob's in Bailieboro, Don's in Brockville, Paul's at Harbourfront, and Wolf Trax in Toronto between March 1989 & April 1992. Lorie Smith sang lead vocals on: Moment in Time, Sea to Sea, Room with a View, 401 Eastbound, and Never Knew. Paul Lau sang Easier Said Than Done. Elizabeth Beeler sang Cause I Need You. Donald Cudmore sang Pieces, Song for Emily, and back-up vocals on Moment in Time and Never Knew. ------------ A few extra notes circa 2012: Song for Emily was written 2 months before the album was finished (and about 8 months after we first met). It was a Valentine's day present. The song says "I hope that we can make it through. So I can spend my life with you." Four years later, it was the first waltz at our wedding reception. Twenty years later, we're still spending our lives together... joined by Paul, Evelyn and Christine. The online edition of this recording is an anniversary present to the most amazing person I know. You are still the cutest. Thanks to Paul Lau for getting this recording online, encouraging me musically, and just generally making life more fun.