Songbird by Scott Ibex

Artist’s Note - Songbird

The songs on this album pay tribute to different times and emotions in my life. They were painted with my heart, using techniques of fingerstyle guitar which I have honed over the last decade. Here's the story behind the music!

'Songbird' is an homage to early 70s folk guitar inspired by the great performers featured on Takoma records. It was kissed, with a twist, by some brilliant electric guitar and bass licks from Antoine Dufour featuring myself on drums, bass, and acoustic guitar. In the end, it turned into a beauty of a collaboration that had us both happily humming the tune in the studio during mix down.

'Gunnison' was the first song I ever wrote in an alternate tuning. On my first national tour in 2006, I was given an open D guitar by another artist before a show in St. Louis. I was so taken with it that, when I found myself in Gunnison, Colorado with some downtime, the song leapt right out of the guitar.

'A Kiss to the World' was inspired by the beautiful spirit of Dailey Haren. She makes me glow and became my muse one night in 2014 after we met for sushi. I feel as though she treats the world and everyone in it with the kiss of her company, and so the music speaks volumes to honor her heart that beats just so.

When my first niece, Carly, was born I was overcome with love and joy. These feelings came straight through my heart and into my fingers. 'As Carly Dreams' is a prayer that she live a happy and healthy life, in which all her little dreams may come true. Dream on little angel and dream big and dream sweet.

If it weren't for my childhood friend Scott Tabicman, I may not have become a musician. When I was about 13 years old he picked up an electric guitar, played Metallica note for note, my jaw dropped, my heart said "that's the coolest thing I've ever seen", and I knew I wanted to play guitar. 'How'd you make the cat talk?', was a short story he penned in fourth grade with a precocious cliff hanger ending. I never forgot it, and I never forgot him. We are friends to this day.

Sometimes I like to have a good long think about theoretical possibilities, whether they be physics and the law of gravity, the impact of geo-political environmental initiatives, or perhaps, like a jazz cat, about those notes between the notes that are space. Are they notes? Can the notes not played be imaginary notes that really make the tune go to a higher level of musicality? Well this 'Ode' is the result of those musings. It was written in the mountains of Western Utah, under a starlight sky, where I was the only soul within a good 50 miles of anyone else. Quite a place to find some music!

'Journey of the Magi' was the first 12-string piece I wrote after purchasing my breedlove in January of 2013. It leapt right out of the guitar as if it was waiting to unveil itself to me as soon as I got home. I imagine the song to be a soundtrack for the life of a great magi, wandering through eastern lands, curing and helping people with his or her wisdom along the way. What does it make you imagine? Something beautiful I hope.

'Pale Diamonds of Sky' is dedicated to the stars. The stars are beautiful. The stars are something to reach for. The stars represent the stillness of the world in silence. To me that stillness has always brought clarity when I am in a peaceful state. This is a song and prayer for peace, tranquility, serenity, and a love hymn for all the dreamers out there. Dream in peace and live with love.

'L’Ange Gardien' is for my guardian angels, those who guide and protect me throughout life. It's also the street name that leads to the neighborhood of my dedicated friend and engineer that has made 3 of my last 4 albums, Antoine Dufour. Antoine, thank you. Mark Freezer, who graciously assisted with post-production on this album, thank you. Angels, thank you. Friends, count your blessings, live with gratitude, and exist with love, never violence. Be a positive change in the world. Your angels will see you through. - S. Ibex

Scott Ibex's album "At Love's New Dawn" (2006) offers insights into how one may walk the path to personal freedom to help promote a peaceful transition towards harmony with nature. The guiding principle of this path seeks to awake the spirit of love within us all, not just for ourselves but for the sake of our children.

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