About
The Spokes Man
Friends from across North America and in Australia joined me in
creating this for you.
I am proud of this collection of my songs and grateful for the gifts
these artists have contributed. Please read the credits on the last
panel. There are no tiny-print lyrics in the CD package. Instead, the lyrics for all of the songs are
here..
Team Spokes Man Musicians
Canada: Mike Ford, Corwin Fox, David Francey, Allison Lupton, David Matheson, Shane Simpson, Geoff Somers, Mike Stevens, & Christina “Zippy”
Zaenker
Australia: Annabel Hawkins & Ann McGarvie
USA: Guy
Capecelatro III, Ben Werth
& Liz Werth
Cover Painting by Peter Welch
Recording of Craig's and Zippy's tracks and irreplaceable project kick-off spirit lift by Corwin Fox
Additonal recording and mixing by David Matheson, with Craig Werth
Produced by Craig
Werth, with David Matheson.
Additional production input and support from Corwin Fox and Liz Werth.
Mastering by Ron Skinner of Heading North Mastering Studio, Toronto.
Graphic design and layout by Craig Werth.
Now here’s a bit about each song.
The Spokes Man - guitar & lead vocal: Craig Werth, harmony vocal: Mike Ford, harmonica: Mike Stevens. Inspired by a true story about a retired man in the southeastern U.S. who fixes up old bicycles and gives them away to children.
If Angels Had No Wings - guitar & lead vocal: Craig Werth, harmony vocals: If Angels Chorus (Allison Lupton, Geoff Somers, Liz Werth, Mike Ford, Corwin Fox, Christina “Zippy” Zaenker, Guy Capecelatro III, & Ben Werth). The song’s character, “Janine,” is a compilation of many magnificent women I have known as friends over my lifetime. Friend, Janine Stoll, cheerfully lent use of her gorgeous name for this.
Valentine Girl - guitar & lead vocal: Craig Werth, harmony vocal: Mike Ford, mandolin: Geoff Somers. Written for Liz halfway through a month-long tour out west on February 13th. I emailed it to her the next day in lieu of roses. Priceless...
Good Old Dog - banjo & lead vocal: Craig Werth, harmony vocal: David Matheson, fiddle: Geoff Somers, shruti box: Craig Werth. For dogs and those who love them.
I Had To Get Here - banjo & lead vocal: Craig Werth, cello: Christina “Zippy” Zaenker. Written just after a teaching and performing experience at ArtsWells Fest in B.C. For me, it’s about the tidal pull between folks at home and those we meet up with on the road.
Pidey Eyes - ukulele, shruti box & lead vocal: Craig Werth; harmony vocals: Mike Ford; and The International Pidey Eyed Chorus (Allison Lupton, Geoff Somers, Liz Werth, Mike Ford, Guy Capecelatro III, Annabel Hawkins, & Ann McGarvie). Written while on tour in Australia. “Pidey Eyes” is a term from Ann’s childhood (anxiously scanning for spiders).
My Way Or The Highway - bouzouki & lead vocal: Craig Werth, harmony vocal: David Francey, cajon drum: Shane Simpson. A reminder to all of us who are, at times, intolerant of dissenting opinion.
Ugly Fish - guitar, shruti box & lead vocal: Craig Werth; harmony vocal: Ben Werth; harmonica: Mike Stevens. Initially inspired by a talk on deep sea life at a seakayakers’ conference in Maine and, later, by all the rest of what scares us.
Baby, You Were Right And I Was... - ukulele & vocal: Craig Werth. I‘ve been known to resemble these remarks at times.
Youth Always Runs - guitar & vocal: Craig Werth; cello: Christina “Zippy” Zaenker. Composed many years ago during a wave of nostalgia in the wee hours.
Kate’s Not So Easily Moved - guitar & vocal: Craig Werth; mandolin: Geoff Somers. Inspired by Katharine Hepburn. Sent it to her many years ago. (Think she was moved?)
Spinning Gold - guitar & lead vocal: Craig Werth; harmony vocal: David Francey; cello: Christina “Zippy” Zaenker. Long before I ever dreamed of touring with him, I wrote this at 2 AM after watching David Francey and Beth Girdler at a show in New Hampshire. Gave it to them the next night at the Kennebunk Coffeehouse in Maine.
Draggin’ My Feet - ukulele & lead vocal: Craig Werth; harmony vocal: David Francey. Co-written with Liz in an afternoon of reflection about the uncomfortably fast passage of time. We sang it that night for our friend Meleta’s birthday.
I Need You Now - bouzouki, piano & vocal: Craig Werth. Liz came up with the general concept and gave me an unsolicited suggestion that I write a song about it. I gave a luke warm response, then... of course... wrote this an hour later. It’s for her (and you).
(In honor of greenness, stay tuned for my secret recipe for “Zucchini Surprise”)
Credits
and Thanks
First, thank you to the volunteers and other staff who keep the lights
burning on radio, and at venues and festivals. We couldn’t get
anywhere without you. Same to all who listen in your cars, homes, show
seats -- paying kind attention in this busy, noisy world. My teammates
for this project have been enormously generous and supportive: Corwin
Fox did incredible work recording all my initial tracks with warmth and
brilliance. He recorded Zippy’s dazzling cello work, too.
Zippy... just listen to what she did. Both worked well above and beyond
for me and also sang on track 2. Corwin and Kirsten took me into their
home and made the recording process a highlight of my life. Handoff
to... David Matheson... who teamed with me for mixing, recording
others, and putting all the pieces together over several days.
He’s another master and the perfect harmony voice for track 4.
Geoff Somers, Francey sideman brother, sang and poured his string magic
in key places. Allison Lupton sang so sweetly and, along with Geoff,
lent home, heart and mind as well. Mike Ford put some of his velvet
highs on three songs -- just what I heard in my head all along. Shane
Simpson, another fellow Francey guitarman, switched it up to play the
cajon drum for track 7. Mike Stevens used his huge heart and harmonica
from far away and transformed two tracks. David Francey brought me
around the world and gave me grand encouragement. He sings in here
thrice, too. Ben Werth shines brightly, as he has since he was born.
Guy Capecelatro III was a constant cheerleader as well as a choral
singer. Liz Werth makes her co-writing debut and sings with sweet gusto
on two other tracks. Ron Skinner mastered with a very sensitive and
skillful ear and gave this project just the touch I wanted. Carl R.
Adler gave me his best critical listen and longstanding friendship at
key moments. Peter Welch -- so kind, generous, skilled with his
painting. Thanks to all the Salmon Falls River Friends of Music, WITR
Star Islanders, The Browne Center, Joanne Connolly and all of Con
Tutti, and all my songwriting students and classmates. To the Aussie
Angels from Shower Studios. To my beloved family. Brother Charlie gets
the above-and-beyond attendance award, but all have been great
supporters since the beginning. To the Westover family -- what a
legacy. To Bill Cuff. To Larry and Waysmeet. Nods of rememberance to
Wes, N.O.G., Kevin, Chris, Brian, Kathy, and Tempest. And Lizzie...
thank you for your unwavering, courageous love and support, and your
behind-the-scenes championship.
