Inspired by Native American flutists, who often paint musical images of their natural surroundings, Doug Metzger has created this collection of his favorite images of one of Arizona treasures – the Mogollon Rim – a forested haven of trees, flora, birds, and other creatures. His anglo influence creeps back in, as he also includes his interpretations of some traditional “anglo” music and even a Chopin work. Sit back, turn down the lights, and enjoy the journey. Images from the Mogollon Rim: 1. Call to the Mogollon Rim. As you drive up the hill into Payson on the Beeline Highway, the Mogollon Rim rises majestically behind the city. 2. Under the Willow. Sit down by the stream under the willow tree, and watch the world of nature slowly go by. 3. The Song of the Juniper. Half way up the Rim above Boy Scout Camp Geronimo there’s a grand old alligator juniper tree that’s been there for hundreds of years. It has witnessed many peoples and many happenings. If the tree could sing its song, it might sound like this. 4. Good Morning to the Raven. A conversation between a raven and a flute, one clear morning in the forest. 5. After the Rain. After a rain, the forest’s colors are intensified. And the sunlight glistens off the water droplets on the pine needles and the ferns. 6. The Nuthatches. The little pigmy nuthatches, only three to four inches long, scamper head first down and up the tree trunks, pecking at the bark for bugs. 7. Chevelon Canyon at Dusk. The drainage from Willow Springs and Woods Canyon Lakes come together to form Chevelon Canyon – remote, rich, and forested. The stream, 700 feet below, flows year round. 8. Into the Night. The sun has gone down, and there’s no moon – only stars. The darkness seems to penetrate into the forest forever. 9. Midnight Meditation. It’s midnight. It’s dark. It’s time to meditate – on the day, on the forest, on the possibilities of tomorrow. 10. Sunlight through the Pines. After dawn, as before dusk, the sunlight is clear, and the sunbeams are almost horizontal. They are reflected and filtered by the branches and needles of the ponderosa pines. 11. Good Morning to the Raven, Reprise. This is the same conversation as with the Raven – but with a higher pitched flute, we’re now talking to the smaller birds. Images from a Few Other Places: 12. Puget Sound. On a trip to Puget Sound, I wondered about the original inhabitants, and marveled at the calmness of the water in the sound that evening. 13. *Theme from Etude, Op. 10, No. 3, by Frederic Chopin. The masters of the white man’s classical music were also heavily influenced by nature, as evidenced here. 14. *There is a Ship.** A grand old story with a message about love and life. “The water is wide, I cannot cross o’r. Neither have I the wings to fly. Give me a boat that can carry two – and both shall row, my love and I.” 15. *Amazing Grace, by John Newton, 1779. Another beautiful old piece. Interpreted, and reinterpreted by many. 16. Jazzy’s Lullaby. One night, pondering sleep after a long day, my dog Jasmine and I had a discussion. It went something like this. 17. Forest Dreams. In the city now, dreams turn back to the forest. 18. Endeavor. This song was born of health struggles within family and friends. Through such a journey, we must endeavor to be true – to ourselves, and to our family. 19. *Danny Boy. A traditional old Irish song about a father’s love, and the beauty of the Emerald Ile. 20. Back Home, Ohio.** On a recent trip to my home state of Ohio, visiting family and friends, I was impressed by the gentle rolling farmlands of central Ohio. And the beautiful people who live there. *These songs are traditional – adapted and arranged by Doug Metzger. All others are written and arranged by Doug Metzger. **Guitar accompaniment by Doug Metzger Digitally recorded, mixed, and edited by Tom Volhein at Volhein Studios, Phoenix, Arizona. Produced by Doug Metzger. © 2013 Douglas P.Metzger. All Rights Reserved. email: dmetzgermusic@gmail.com Net Proceeds from sale of this CD are donated to Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC) based in Chicago, and Desert Mission Community Services in Phoenix, AZ.