Name: Hammerhead by Joel Hill
Duration: 2 min 43 s
Description: Hammerhead is a term of endearment that I use to reference my two boys, Thomas & Kevin who, along with their cousins, exemplify the spirit of the “hammerhead.” Hammerheaded behaviors and activities can’t be fully explained except through the phrase, “What the Hell were you thinking?”

Sequel

Bull Frog

My sister, brother and I grew up in a bi-polar musical environment. Our mother was a classical pianist and our father enjoyed the old Appalachian folk tunes. We’d frequently wake up on any given morning to our mother’s unique interpretation of a Chopin Sonata on the baby grand and be lulled asleep that very same night to Dad’s cultural counter attack on the old Sears Silvertone to tunes like “Here Rattler Here,” “The Wreck of the Ol’ 97” and “Father Dear Father.” “Silvertone” was written as a tribute to Dad and his Silvertone and was presented to him at the celebration of his 80th birthday.  
*(Guitar/Drums - Joel Hill, Bass - Greg Cavinder)

Silvertone

Hammerhead is a term of endearment that I use to reference my two boys, Thomas & Kevin who, along with their cousins, exemplify the spirit of the “hammerhead.” Hammerheaded behaviors and activities can’t be fully explained except through the phrase, “What the Hell were you thinking?”

Hammerhead

Hobo Moon

Guitar and banjo duet.  I wrote this as a 20th year anniversary gift for my wife.  The day-lily being the 20 year anniversary flower.  

Daylily's Duet

I wrote "Sequel" for Hillary (step-daughter) and Jordan's wedding (August 1, 2015) where it was used as the wedding party processional. "Sequel" represents the the next phase in Hillary & Jordan's life and is also the sequel to the music I wrote for Hillary's Senior Choreography at ASFA. 

His name is Jesse Franklin Goins III.  We called him "Ted" and his father called him "Herman" because he didn't know prior to birth whether Ted was going to be a "her" or a "man."  

Simple living in a complicated world and deceiving agile in life, love and on the racquetball court.  Ted's default in life is to what's right or in someone else best interest, love and to a commitment.  On the racquetball court, he's humble but viscous.  

Unlike Ted, the song "Herman" has a humble beginning, which is followed by a more complex structure and rhythm.  After his introduction, Ted (the trombone) layers in a simple melody in the first chorus then shares it with friends & family (the trumpet section) to have fun with in the second chorus.  But, in the end, Ted gets the last word.

Herman

The guitar sequence in this tune was written sometime around 1978, hence the title. I recorded it, along with the new "string" movement and drums, later.  It sort of sounds like Yanni playing Bolero!

Circa '78

I wrote Viaticus at the request of my step-daughter Emily for her wedding. The term Viaticus is Latin for “pertaining to a journey” and as such draws on Emily’s Catholic heritage. The two notes representing souls that begin the piece separately are entwined throughout the various stages of their journey together. The first stage, courting, is light and upbeat and is followed by their commitment to each other as expressed through the vows they gave on their wedding day. The final stage, ascension, blends the souls that began the journey separately, for eternity.

Family Tree

Viaticus

Carmel-By-The-Sea is a romantic little seaside village on the central California coast. I wrote “Carmel” as a tribute to my wife and for the memories I hold dear of our visits there.

Carmel

I had been playing the acoustic guitar for over 30 years when my son Thomas announced that he wanted to learn how to play the electric guitar.  That was music to my ears so I bought him a brand new green Fender Stratocaster, which he took an immediate liking to.  Then, after a few short months and to my utter suprise, he started getting better than me with licks and leads which I found to be unacceptable given my 30 years of experience.  So like any other self-respecting father, I took lessons.  Thomas' mentor was Metallica.  My mentor was B. B. King.  

"Dirty Corner" was written in the style of B. B. King and in the classic 12 measure, someone done somebody wrong blues genre.  I'm sure Thomas will nail this one too.

Hammerhead

Joel Hill

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