-- 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.
