Claire, the magic in this world, is it evenly spread? It could be hidden in easter eggs, or carefree like dandelions when scattered. I hope it looks after us from time to time. I’m in the cloudforest of Monteverde, nursing a heartbreak that should have been gone by now. I think it will become a part of me, because we’re friends and we’re stubborn. A stalled romance can’t stop her or me. I can keep the hurt inside, and no one will know, unless they cut me open, and read my tree rings.

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This song comes from being severed from the source.

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If hearing this song evokes for you any memories, or fantasies, or other stories, I would love to know -- just message me here, or at eric@travelpoems.com. The live Travel Poems show features immersive storytelling, so it may be possible to weave your story into the musical experience.

“Travel Poems . Chapter 1 . Secret towns” also featured in two longform interviews:

* JAZZIZ Magazine: https://www.jazziz.com/qa-eric-pan-travel-poems/
* National radio on PRI’s The World: https://www.pri.org/stories/2020-08-31/travel-takes-new-meaning-jazz-pianist-s-latest-album

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Solo piano by Eric Pan, recorded in Liberia, Costa Rica.
Production and mix with Brian Trahan.
Mastering by Ruairi O’Flaherty.

Scored with found sounds — credited to these curators:
reinsamba (Karlsruhe) freesound.org/people/reinsamba/sounds/120829/
JonathanTremblay freesound.org/people/JonathanTremblay/sounds/254799/
elliotrambach (Detroit, MI) freesound.org/people/elliotrambach/sounds/341809/

Hamstrung

Eric Pan