According to Terry’s liner notes, the songs on his second album to be recorded at Merel Bregante’s Cribworks Studio in North Austin, are a mix of ‘torch songs, blue jazz and country laments’ all of which take their inspiration from sightings of the moon.
The only change in the line-up of support players, relative to the team
that produced ‘Lucky’ is that Kenny Grimes (guitar) replaces Jesse ‘Guitar’
Taylor. The remaing players of the quintet are Merel Bregante aka Mr ‘never
misses a beat’ Moonlight (drums/percussion), Champ Hood (guitar/fiddle),
Lisa Mednick (piano/accordion) and David Heath (bass). Although he had
never worked with him, Terry was much affected by the passing of Walter
Hyatt in May of 96. Of course, there’s an indelible connection with Hyatt
on this recording - Hood having been a member of Uncle Walt’s Band. Champ
also contributed to Hyatt’s subsequent solo work. ‘The Messenger’ is Clarke’s
rhythmically dreamy and heartfelt tribute to Walter.
The moon has possessed a dream like fascination for mankind since the
dawn of time, and there are numerous hints that a lunar magic spell has
been cast upon the contents of this album - even on the more upbeat tunes.
The word languid keeps coming to mind. This is another literate winner
from one of our best homegrown song poets.
The Kerrville Kronikle 2001
