This collection of American folk songs is very special to me. Each song is a personal favorite that evokes a unique moment in our American heritage. Conceived as a nurturing and healing collection of music, it is also a reflection of a vision of historical America. Intended to be played in the late morning when the sun is shining and the birds are singing, it is the perfect background music for office work or work around the house. This collection of songs describes both a single day and a whole lifetime. It touches on all aspects of life from the sacred to the profance, the noble to the idiotic, and the personal to the political. To me, these songs reflect the spirit of the common man. "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" was my father's favorite song. I learned "St. James Infirmary" from a music book he gave me and I included "Amazing Grace" to please my mother. The idea for the whole collection was inspired by playing the song "Michael Row your Boat Ashore."