Combinations describes our human world of colors, textures, beauty.

Track 07 Combinations

Combinations

This song is written to John (Joseph) Merrick, known as The Elephant Man. Having seen the movie in 1980 three times, then reading a book about his life, I wrote this song. Arranged by Danny Deardorf.

A Gift For John

For my concert, Gretchen's Heart, (1995)I wrote a song in my woods to bring attention and honor to the first people of this land. I was going to perform with guitar. Just before I started, a string broke. I knew right away that was a good thing. I used my stomping and hands to create drumming.These are the quotes:
Chief Seattle: We are a part of the earth, and the earth is part of us.
Cherokee Song: O, listen! Hear! Sing with me, for I am joy!
Ten Bears: I know every stream and every wood.. Like my fathers before me, I live happily.
Powhatan: Why do you take by force what you can obtain by love?
Cherokee Prayer: May your way be blessed with life by the unifying force of the Great Holy Spirit.
Chief Joseph: We were content to let things remain as the Great Spirit has made them.
Santana: When I make peace, it is a long and lasting one. There is no end to it.

Words From The People

Silkie w/ guitar

Silkie

In my song-writing life I have rarely experienced a song come so dramatically to me. It was the Tuesday after the passing of Princess Diana. I was washing dishes and watching the coverage of it all. When I saw the mounds of flowers that were brought I kept hearing in my head, "Add To The Flowers" over and over again. Finally I stopped everything and sat down with a blank paper and wrote down the thoughts pouring through. Then went to the left brain that quickly formed three verses. Then to the piano. Immediately the music came. Here the song was recorded in Dehner Franks' recording studio. Dehner also produced it. I play piano.

Add To The Flowers

ExultateJubilate- 12_19_24, 8.50 PM

Symphony Of Brotherhood, honoring Dr M.L. King
This performance was performed with The Lynnwood High School Choir in 1996, directed by my dear friend, Sandra Krause. Dehner Franks brought his astoundingly beautiful piano playing to this evening.

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