THE SOUND OF THE WORD

The Sound of The Word
Liner Notes

The first tracks of The Sound of the Word were recorded in 2022. I had just set up a home recording studio and was enjoying being able to take my time learning the ropes. I had never aspired to be in the “chair,” but there I was, going to school, geeking out on microphones, memorizing frequencies, learning to hear compression and manipulate reverbs. During the pandemic I got back into actively listening to loads of great music every day, and now it was filtering out through my own new, original works. (scroll down for track credits)

Over the last 30 years I had made a dozen albums working with some incredible engineers and producers. I often worked with the ghost of Bil Vorndick at my side. Bil, who produced and engineered The Trade (1999), had huge ears—metaphorically and literally! I often leaned back in my chair, as Bil would, and opened my ears to hear as much detail as I possibly could. I knew the theory on how to make a record, but now it was up to me to manifest it from scratch.

Mitch Barron

Recording, by nature, is expensive work. Every session I had ever paid for previously was spent with one eye on the clock. Now, as I was laying down tracks, that burden was tangibly lifted. I could slow down, do as many takes as I wanted, and be patient to realize the music I was hearing in my head. And so the album evolved.

Ezra Oklan

I’d say the single biggest influence on the album’s direction came through working with Burlington, Vermont-based drummer, Ezra Oklan. Each session with Ezra was like walking through the playground gate and finding fresh fun every time. He had a way of opening up dimensions in my songs that I hadn’t even considered. As much as my guitar playing, the drums dictated what other instrumentation would be included in the arrangements. With Ezra as the sonic foundation I felt confident that the album would find its way.

Jeremy Mendicino, engineer at Lane Gibson Studio

And, what does “The Sound of the Word” mean?

The Sound of The Word refers to the practice of listening. It means that what we say and how we say it carries intrinsic power and has real effect in people’s lives. The Sound of the Word is about awareness of intentionality: was something said unconsciously, or with purpose? Was it said passively or with every fibre of one’s being? It means listening to ourselves and to each other in the most quiet and nonjudgmental way possible. There is an existential element to the song. I think that reflects our times when so much seems at stake—when our thoughts, words and actions matter more now than ever.

Michael Hartigan

I recognize that the music on The Sound of the Word doesn’t represent the sound of my live performances. It wasn’t meant to. Rather, it’s a piece of art, or a work of craft. It was an experience to make and it continues to be a journey. It’s not a perfect recording, nor was it expected to be. Critics may cringe, but I don’t care. I learned so much. It was my perfect next step. The recording studio is a wondrous playground that provides the opportunity for creating sonic worlds and relationships with fellow musicians. In the studio my imagination can run wild… and then get edited. The whole process is wicked fun. It is my wish that it brings you pleasure as well!

Yours truly camping near North Adams, MA (2022) during the Solid Sound Festival.

All of my instrumental and vocal tracks, Sue’s piano on Stepping Stone, plus Patti and Sue’s vocals were recorded and mixed at Schoolhouse Studio in Cabot, VT.

Ezra, Mitch, Michael’s tracks were recorded at Lane Gibson Studio in Charlotte, Vermont by Jeremy Mendicino. Daiki’s drum tracks were recorded at Jug Brook Studio in Cabot, VT by Robert O’Dea. Ezra’s drums on Billy in the Lowground were recorded at the Vermont Music LAB in Essex Junction, VT by Calvin Winzler-Lane.

Lane Gibson mastered the album at the Vermont Music LAB.

1. The Farmer is the Man That Feeds Us All (traditional)

Listen now / Read The Farmer is the Man That Feeds Us All Substack essay

Dana: Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Fiddle, Vocals

Ezra Oklan: Drums and drum machine

Mitch Barron: Bass

2. Raspberry Cane

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Dana: Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Bass, Fiddle, Banjo, Harmonica, Vocals

Ezra Oklan: Drums

3. The Sound of the Word

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