Recordings....
Learn how to get a studio quality recording with a laptop
Visit www.MyLaptopStudio.com
Gardens of Spain
A Santa Fe Christmas
Dancing Shadows
La Vida Breve
Hector Garcia
To Order without Pay Pal or credit card by mail:
Send check or cash to:
Bill Baker
601 E. Ivy Ln.
Arl. Hts.,IL
60004
Dancing Shadows
Side one
Originally titled in Spanish "El Picaflor." the Hummingbird captures the delicate nature of this tiny bird as it darts from flower to flower in search of nectar. Inspired by the many hummingbirds that visited the beautiful orange-flowered trumpet vines in his parent's garden. Dedicated to the eminent guitarist/composer Emilo Pujol (1886 - 1980)
Lament -- Born out of sadness at the all too early death of a close friend, Lament expresses the melancholy feeling apparent in a tear.
Dancing Shadows -- This piece is based on two different aspects of classical music. The Spanish seguirillas dance rhythm is blended with the harmonic feeling of the French impressionistic composers Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) and Claude Debussy (1862-1918). Dedicated to Linda Baker.
Recuerdos De Espana -- This piece is based on memories of Baker's trip to Spain, where he studied guitar at the International Guitar Lute and Vihuela Classes of Emilio Pujol in Cervera. The introduction signifies the journey. The ensuing melody hauntingly captures the essence of old Spain. Inspiration for the next segment came from the hypnotic pulsation of a beachside carnival juxtaposed with the waves of the nearby Mediterranean Sea, glimmering beneath a full moon. The end of the piece evolved in Blanes, where the piercing cries of seagulls could be heard from the edge of a cliff on an inlet. Dedicated to the distinguished Southwestern Artist Manuel Cia.
Cancion Cubano -- Played with the fierce tenderness and sensitivity of a true virtuoso, this song is dedicated to Cuban born guitarist Hector Garcia, Baker's professor at the University of New Mexico. It's patterned after the syncopated (off beat) rhythms and bold melodies developed by the Latin culture.
Side two
Summer Thundershowers -- A very visual piece that lets the listeners "see" thunderheads rolling over the mountains, bringing raindrops in a symphony of sounds and melodies.
The Children's Song -- Written for the child spirit in us all, this timeless piece tells the story of the cycle of life--from conception and youth through advanced years. It's poignant melodies carry a strong message of everlasting youthfulness we never outgrow.
Sunrise -- This short but beautiful melody was written on an Easter morning. It conveys all the thoughtful serenity and majesty of the day.
1994 -- This futuristic-sounding piece is based on modernistic sounding harmonies. It's harp like arpeggiated chords gracefully capture the excitement and anticipation of what lies ahead.
Endless afternoon -- Written on a sunny fall afternoon amid golden leaves that pirouette to the ground, this magical song conveys the essence of inner peace with an underlying spark of energy.
Space Train -- The guitar is a vehicle that can transport listeners through time and space. This song wisks them away on a joyous ride to the stars, capturing the essence of wonderment and freedom.