All of my music is heavily influenced by music from the 19th century and before. Home by the Sea is a collection of my favorite traditional songs and a couple of songs which I've written in specific traditional styles. It's one of four collections to be available on this website.
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Home by the Sea

I've always loved sea chanteys, so I decided to write this homage to the great clipper ships. This was one of my earliest songs and it's still one of my favorites to sing.

The Lord's My Shepherd

I discovered this setting by accident while preparing special music for a service. The 23rd Psalm (King James version) set to the tune of "Amazing Grace". With a little bit of re-write, it became a song that fits when no other song will.

Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes

One of those melodies you probably heard as a child, but only faintly remember. The lyrics: Ben Jonson's 1616 poem, "To Celia"; The melody is 18th century, source unknown. Too beautiful to pass by, I tucked it in between King David and Stephen Foster.

Hard Times Come Again No More

Stephen Foster was the first great American Songwriter. I've included three of my favorite Fosters in this collection. To me, this song is the missing link between the folk songs of the British Isles and the protest songs of the 1960s. It is not his only song of social conscience, but it is probably the best-known.

I Dream of Jeanie With the Light Brown Hair

This is probably Foster's best-known ballad. He wrote it during a year when his wife, Jane, and daughter, Marion, lived apart from him to avoid his self-destructive behavior.

Beautiful Dreamer

First published after his death in 1864, this was one of the last songs Foster wrote. Its haunting melody was made popular again by the 1949 (and 1998) movie, "Mighty Joe Young". I completely rewrote the second verse, but if Foster minded, he never mentioned it.

Old Cowboys Never Die

I love cowboy songs as much as I love sea chanteys. After beginning this collection in surf, it seems completely appropriate to finish with turf. I put four of my favorites: Home on the Range, When the Work's All Done This Fall, Green Grow the Lilacs and Red River Valley together. I'm hoping you'll sing along with me on this.