CD: WE HAVE TODAY

This recording is the result of many events, twists, and turns. Bob and Lynda want to share with you some of where they’ve been, where they are today, and where they might be going someday soon.

The Scarlet Tide – © 2003: Elvis Costello and T-Bone Burnett

This poignant song from the 2003 movie “Cold Mountain” was nominated for an Oscar. Alison Krauss performed it with Sting on the Academy Awards show.

We Have Today – © 2001: Robert D. Grappel

Bob wrote the first two verses of this song while in college; the third verse was added recently. Try as they might; they can never control time. They should simply enjoy what it brings.

Ozark Hills – © 2000: Ron Wall

Bob and Lynda learned this song from Ron’s workshop at the MLAG in 2003. Bob’s new Fladmark diatonic autoharp arrived just in time for us to record this beautiful song.

Solo – © 1998: John Schindler

Bob and Lynda learned this song at an open stage performance by John Schindler at the Acton Jazz Café. Bob’s “day job” involves designing aviation equipment, so a song that combines flying and a longing for independence suits them both.

Fishing With John – © 1994: Bill Gallaher and Mike Jones

This song tells the true story of John Daly, a salmon fisherman from the west coast of Canada. Knowing that he had cancer, John invited his friend, Edith Iglauer, to go fishing with him on his trawler. They ended up getting married and spending the next seven years fishing together until John died. Edith wrote the book that inspired this wonderful song. Bob accompanies this one on the baritone autoharp.

Music of the Night – © 1986: Andrew Lloyd Weber

This autoharp instrumental was recorded live at the 2003 MLAG contest. Bob has since learned to play it without tapping his foot on the microphone stand!

Crab Canapé – © 1982: Lou and Peter Berryman

This is one of our favorite Berryman songs. Lynda sings about gourmet treats while Bob sings about junk food (true type casting). They get it together by the third verse.

Dimming of the Day – © 1975: Richard Thompson

Bob and Lynda learned this song from the singing of “Fishken and Groves.” Later, they had the chance to hear Richard himself sing it at the Boston Folk Festival. It’s a song about how time changes feelings.

This song was a big hit for Linda Ronstadt. Lynda suggested that we try it, and it has become a favorite autoharp instrumental for Bob. Here is their version with Lynda’s vocals.

This autoharp instrumental was recorded live at the 2004 MLAG contest. (“Now performing… number 5. Judges, number 5…”).

Simon and Garfunkel’s music was significant in both Bob and Lynda’s musical backgrounds. The beautiful harmonies they created have attracted them to this song.

Going to the West - traditional

Bob and Lynda learned this traditional song from Adam Miller and Laura Lind during a workshop addressing the issues of couples performing together. The workshop and this song got them back to performing together. The song speaks of feminism and self-determination, which shows that these ideas have been around for a very long time.