The genesis of this album began in the aftermath of a deeply divisive political event – the election of Donald Trump. For many, including myself as a father, this period felt like a descent into darkness. The ideals we hope to instill in our children – fairness, justice, and the eventual triumph of good – seemed challenged. This sense of unease spurred a need to create, to articulate the anxieties of the time through music, resulting in what could be described as a collection of “Red Songs,” not in color, but in sentiment – songs charged with the raw emotion and urgent concerns of a nation grappling with its identity.
Each track on this album delves into a specific issue prevalent in that era. “The Faded Red and Blue” serves as a poignant commentary on immigration, a topic heavily debated and often inflamed during that political climate. In the wake of tragic mass shootings in Parkland and Las Vegas, “Throw Down a Line” emerged as a direct response to the pressing issue of gun control, channeling the collective grief and demand for change into a musical form. “Ash to Ash” probes deeper into the societal divisions, attempting to understand the fears and motivations that underpinned support for a figure like Trump, dissecting the anxieties that fueled the political landscape.
However, the creative journey didn’t remain solely in the realm of anger and confrontation. Seeking a path towards reconciliation and unity, the songwriting process evolved. The desire to transcend the negativity led to an attempt to craft a “political love song,” one that could bridge divides rather than exacerbate them. This shift in perspective involved consciously focusing on positive affirmations, compiling lists of cherished values instead of dwelling on grievances. This introspective process gradually distilled into “This Be Dear to Me.” More than just a song, it became a prayer, a heartfelt appeal to prioritize shared humanity and to look beyond the issues that fragment us. This track, considered a personal best, embodies a musical and thematic journey, navigating through key changes before returning to its foundational sentiment.
The visual representation of “This Be Dear to Me” further enhanced its message, with a video incorporating the evocative artwork of Stan Berning and the personal touch of handwriting by my son Noah. This collaborative effort underscores the theme of unity and shared expression that the song, and indeed the album, ultimately strives to convey, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the turbulent currents of the time, transforming “red songs” of anger into anthems of reconciliation.
