Words, Music, Guitar and Vocals by Stephen Price
Produced and Recorded by Jarrett Nicolay at Mixtape Studios.**
11.15.24
American Life
Words, Music and Vocals: Stephen Price
Inspired by close engagement, respect and admiration for the many workers in our society whose toil literally supports our daily lives, both on and off the job; and whose dedication and commitment allows these workers to simultaneously support their own lives and families and communities. One of the greatest joys of my career has been to support and lead just such a workforce through the daily challenges that never end…I see something uniquely American in how we live and work to hold onto our American lives.
(Production Note: Love the subtle reed back-fabric Jarrett weaved into American Life. I know many workers at WG who are looking forward to this recording…and will appreciate how the reed enhances the listener’s ability to focus on the story of American Life.)
Change Coming On
Words, Music and Vocals: Stephen Price
I love the promise that change holds, despite the disruption of it. With all change there is a moment when we first feel the shifting, the possibilities, the uncertainty of which direction we might take. And if the change involves love…well, that can be a magical moment…apparent in a glance, a touch, a laugh…it can be truly lovely to feel a change coming on.
(Production Note: “Change” features Jarrett’s diverse musical talents, from drums, to piano, to background reed and organ, all bringing out the song’s upbeat positivity and hope that all change can potentially bring.)
We Do What We Must
Words, Music and Vocals: Stephen Price
Inspired by time spent with our dear friends from Northern Ireland, Mattie, Kenney and tales of Kenney’s Mom (Christopher’s “Gran”-pictured below). We have heard many wonderful stories of Gran over the years, and of Kenney’s upbringing in N. Ireland. The Trainors are just absolutely salt-of-the-earth people, whose friendship we have cherished over many years. After a visit with them, I wrote this song- a story really- to capture that special quality that they have. Many of us are blessed to have such friends and family…those who are always there for you and others, through thick and thin, no matter the personal sacrifice involved. They manage life’s challenges stoically, even joyfully, never begrudgingly... they celebrate and treasure life’s many joys blissfully and appreciatively. They have a connection with one another that is forged powerfully by those shared qualities.
Robin’s Mom, Mims, heard this song for the first time on the morning of services for my father-in-law, Arthur. She asked me to play it, later that day at the service…Arthur and Mims had that special kind of relationship and approach to others…they lived their lives that way, generously and selflessly. If we are lucky, we will all find the same type of relationship.
(Production Note: Featuring Jarrett’s understated piano…nice; and Stephen on harmonies.)
Different Places Than You
Words, Music and Vocals: Stephen Price
Empathy and understanding is what is called for when we encounter others who take different paths than we do. I came across a wonderful human being while travelling, who presented in such visible stereotype (in my mind), that I wrote him off on appearance alone…until he actually spoke his first words to me, which were nothing but graciousness, generosity and consideration of me and my family. Rarely do we get the opportunity to be judged so immediately and powerfully wrong about others…”Out on that trail, you will find you some friends…”. This song arose from that moment.
(Production Note: Featuring Jarrett on reed organ.)
Bowl of Flowers
Words, Music , Guitar and Vocals: Stephen Price
Organ, Percussions, Guitar and Special Effects: Jarrett Nicolay
A true story of a real horse, of real bets never made and a potential love never found. If a young Ed Price had made the bet on Bowl of Flowers, he might have won enough cash to single handedly fund the Cincinnati family trip he took with his Mother and Father, to see his younger brother Jim (my Dad), and his sister-in-law, Joan (my Mom), and their growing family; on that same trip, and unbeknownst to Ed, Jim and Joan were considering introducing Ed to one of their girlfriends. If Joan and Jim had taken the risk to introduce Ed to their single friend, perhaps Ed would have fallen in love and lived a very different life. But neither of these bets were ever made, risks never taken. When asked, “Why didn't you place the bet, Uncle Ed?”, Ed simply said with an air of superior wisdom, “I might have lost the money I had.”; and when my Dad was asked "Why didn't you introduce them, Dad?", Jim simply said with a touch of regret, “It might not have worked out.”
(Production Note: This song written and originally played purely acoustically, is transformed into a fun day-at-the races tale with accompaniment of the “band”, drums and organ, performed by Jarrett.)
Missing Dylan
Words, Music, Guitar and Vocals by Stephen Price
This song was inspired by a short film that Robin worked on with some of her friends called “Hide and Seek” about a talented musician who forestalled a budding rock and roll career (with Dylan-like aspirations) to raise the surprise arrival of his beautiful daughter…who in this song is aptly named Dylan, after his idol. A tale of choices made, trading one life-joy for another. We often question such choices, but if we are lucky and we follow the love in our hearts, our regrets are few and our rewards are many...and there is no doubt we would “do it all again the same.”
(Production Note: featuring Stephen on harmonica and harmonies.)
Can't Change the Wind
Words, Music and Vocals: Stephen Price
Written during a time of life-challenge, this speaks to what we can control and what we cannot. Though written decades ago, I enjoy the reality of this song to this day…not only of the “winds” we cannot change and the challenges we must individually face, but of the equally real hope that is within each of us to see, feel, pursue and find…through the “dream in your heart, and a piece of a song”...our truest path forward.
(Production Note: Featuring Jarrett on background “Nashville guitar” and piano.)
Wilderness
Words, Music, Piano and Vocals: Stephen Price
Electric Guitar: Kevin O'Reagan
Two soldiers, a single battle, a timeless tale. When my father first heard this song (auditioned to him for its first playing), he simply said, “So true, Steve.” With that I knew I had the story right. But the song that you hear is more than the song my Dad first heard…it is the result of wonderful imaginings of acoustic guitar and piano, and the electric guitar composition, creativity and musical talent at the hands of my dear friend Kevin O’Reagan.... and the very able hand of my producer, Jarrett Nicolay…both committed to honoring the spirit and austerity of the tale. Together, I feel like we placed that story on a wonderful musical pedestal…where I hope it will be appreciated by many others, as my Dad first appreciated it, as being… “So true.”
(Production Note: Featuring Kevin O’Reagan on electric guitar and Stephen on piano.)
Might Need a String
Words, Music and Vocals: Stephen Price
Slide Guitar : Jarrett Nicolay
A song conceived from the intersection of a nephew’s musical beginnings, a niece’s pawn shop guitar-find and the return of Jim Price (Pop) as a muse for my musical storytelling---he would have loved this one. My sister called one day to let me know that my nephew had picked up an old guitar in their house and was beginning to play it…but she thought that the guitar “might need a string.” Coincidentally, I had very recently purchased an old guitar from a pawn shop for my niece…that had great sound. Jenny’s phrase "it might need a string" stuck in my head immediately as unintentionally revealing a life-truth about many of us…we are all pretty nice instruments, but just might need a string, to reach our potential. This tells the story of the experienced things in life that yet have tales to tell, things to say…value, creativity, beauty…even though they are no longer the shiniest thing on the shelf.
(Production Note: Many thanks to Jarrett for the beautiful slide guitar work featured on this one!)
I Got You
Words and Music: Stephen Price
Vocals: Clarence Chan and Kelsey Price Chan
Kelsey and Clarence (Johnny and June!) do a wonderful duet on this song written for them and about them. I performed this (as a solo and surprise) for the first time at their beautiful wedding ceremony in Dana Point, CA. But I wrote it as a duet, and had always hoped they would be inclined to record it one day. And what a day it was, with all of us in the studio! So glad you two have each other…and now we have “I Got You”!
(Production Note: Working on the production of this duet was a joy. Jarrett is featured on drums, and both electric and bass guitar…so good and so fun! Kels and Clarence only had a short window to record…and Jarrett’s touch created an immediately comfortable environment to bring everyone together…this song just brings a smile to my face every time I hear it.)
Wildflower
Words, Music and Vocals: Stephen Price
Harmonies: Kelsey Price Chan
Peggy was a true wildflower whose musical talent, adventurous spirit and love of family and community resulted in an amazing life journey from Kansas, to New York City, to a small suburban community life in Springfield, VA…where many of our family and friends had the joy of knowing her, and ”her lifesong, what a beautiful sound.” I will never forget the evening playing tunes on Deena and Fran’s porch, with Peggy (Deena's Mom) enjoying the tunes, when during one break she leaned over and said…”Could you write a song for me?” So sweet and inspiring. I was able to capture a small piece of her in this song, and then had the supreme joy of playing it for her in person!
(Production Note: Thanks to Kelsey for bringing such a sweet harmony to this paean to Peggy!)
All the Little Things
Words, Music and Vocals: Stephen Price
In an era where we have experienced so many seemingly world impacting, existential events-real or imagined; this song focuses on a human truth that has shaped us since we took our first steps…the little connections and moments between us remain the most significant, unique source of joy, of love…of how we experience our best selves, despite the existential issues and events swirling around us. In the end…it is the little things that matter most, that reflect our truest selves, and that will be remembered most.
(Production Note: Featuring Jarrett’s wonderful guitar transitions between verses. And featuring Stephen on harmonies.)
Perfect Day
(Love and Joy)
Words, Music and Vocals: Stephen Price
Featuring the Vocals of Namazzi Shea and Harper Shea
A simple song that imagines a day with no troubles. We all have them, now and again…and how wonderful they are! This song was written on the porch of my Mom’s apartment during one of those days when we all were in a bit of need of “a perfect day.” What cannot be missed on this recording though, is the arrival of two young up-and-coming recording stars…who embody joy and love as they sing together and beautifully, to make “Perfect Day”….perfect! Thanks Harper and Namazzi! The smile on Nana’s face, and open delighted laughter, when she heard this recording, with her sweet great grandchildren, was absolutely radiant and unforgettable.
(Production Note: And the subtitle, "Love and Joy" is not found on the album jacket, because this alternate song title was only coined after production...by none other than Liam Shea, Namazzi's younger brother, who, during a camping trip and guitar playing session, urgently asked, "Uncle Stephen...Can we play Love and Joy??!!, Can we Uncle Stephen, play Love and Joy??!!" I love both song titles!)
Proceeds Support
