BACKCOUNTRY BALLADS

These songs were all inspired by — and mostly written in — the outdoors. Backcountry skiing, paddling, riding, hiking, floating, and exploring wild places in nature has been a central part of my life and my creative process. Powered by the body, relying on oneself and one’s companions, reading the landscape, finding the routes, sharing sustenance, stories, struggles, and satisfaction with good friends. All of this deepens my awareness of and appreciation for nature, both inner and outer. This album is a map and a history of a lifetime of the joys and challenges I have found in the wilderness.

1. Ride Written at the Opus Hut (CO) at the end of 4 days of primo skiing. (more)

2. One More Run Written with James Marienthal at Opus Hut (CO) as our pain-gain equation starts to change. (more)

3. Don’t Take the Road Written at the Fowler-Hilliard Hut (CO) while snowmobiles buzzed by us pulling skiers as we climbed toward previously untouched slopes. (more)

4. Bill Stewart’s Guitar Written at Fowler-Hilliard Hut (CO). (more)

5. Cramps Written at Janet’s Cabin (CO) in intense pain while my “friends” laughed at my St. Vitus dance. (more)

6. Grunt Factor Written at the Eiseman Hut (CO) after an epic ski into the hut in a blizzard.(more)

7. To the Top. Written at Selkirk Mountain Experience (British Columbia, Canada). (more)

8. Gentle Arms of Eden Written by Dave Carter — one of the best environmental songs ever. (more).

9. Hut Trip Lullaby Written at Janet’s Cabin (CO) after some long nights of very little sleep.(more)

10. Geezer in the Weeds Written at Lake Durant in the Adirondacks (NY). (more)