Songs from the Deep North Owen James, classical guitar and composer Jay Sumner, electric bass Although the pieces on this album were composed over a wide span of time—about 1995 to 2016—they are each markers along the same path. The very titles themselves suggest, or explicitly name, journeys, vessels, destinations. Even the less obvious examples, “Maybe Someday,” “Just One More Thing” and “Sometimes in August,” carry travel connotations, if only in my mind. Even more, most of these pieces were written for the benefit of specific collaborators—fine musicians and kindred spirits I have encountered in different times and places. The songs accompany me on my journey and remind me of these precious connections, and of this fleeting time. In all of my work, I seek to create a platform for melody-driven composition and jazz-oriented improvisation. Despite the sparse instrumentation--mostly guitar and bass duets with the occasional solo guitar foray--I feel the music is full of energy, life and a sense exploration. In appreciation for their inspiration, creativity and encouragement, this album is dedicated to Jason Ferris, David Fiore, Anna Schaum, Tim Van Every, Shao Way Wu, and especially, Maya Story