Cascadia is a tongue-in-cheek anthem about secession of the Northwest region to form a new nation. This song has proved popular among my fellow Portlandians, tickling their independent, rebellious streak. The Cascadian flag on the back cover was designed by Alexander Baretich. There is plenty of information about Cascadia on the web, including on Wikipedia, and FreeCascadia.org. (Joseph Siegel plays violin) So-long, Salem Cowboy laments the sensationalized media trial and subsequent resignation of John Kitzhaber, the only four-term Governor of Oregon. (Paul Brainerd plays steel guitar) My Favorite View extols the view of Puget Sound, and the surrounding islands and mountains from the town of Mukilteo (not mentioned in the song), and recalls the area’s history. It was at Mukilteo that the Point Elliott Treaty was signed between Governor Isaac Stevens and the chiefs of 22 Native American tribes on January 22, 1855. The treaty ceded the coastal lands, from Seattle to the Canadian border, to the U.S. government. Best I’ve Ever Known reminds us to “be here now” and make each day the best time of our lives. (Joseph Siegel plays violin) Fire Away is a biopic that states there’s no time like the present to take a chance and shake things up. (Joe Marquand plays dobro guitar) Little Davy honors the memory of young soldiers and protests the Iraq war. This song was inspired by the “Honor Roll” segment on the PBS NewsHour that displays, in silence, the photo, name and age of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Joseph Siegel plays violin) Baby You’re The One was written for my wife Beverly, prior to our wedding in 2009. Bev sings harmony on this song and six others on the album. This song was previously published on the Portland Folk CD produced by the Portland FolkMusic Society. (David Mongeau plays mandolin) Lullaby came to me in a dream, at least partially. It seemed so familiar, I had to search around to see if someone else had already written it. Hopeful Heart is about gratitude and seeing the world in a positive light. “Every morning, I thank the sun for shining”. (Robert “Bobbo” Bernstein plays harmonica) May The One expands upon the Irish blessing “May the road rise up to meet you and the wind be always at your back”. “The One” refers to the spirit of the universe and the source of all life. Painted Sky acknowledges the wonderment of the natural world “Life is a mystery, who knows why?” Bye Bye is a closing piece, in the tradition of the Beatles “Goodnight” and “Golden Slumbers”, and includes another blessing; “May your wish upon a star always come true. Peace be in your heart and your soul too”.