In Arizona, Jim Corbett - a philosopher, ecologist and Sanctuary activist - used to take folks into the desert for a retreat. He called it “goat walking” because the little group would take only a bedroll and a few goats to supply them with milk, their only food. For the first few days the city folk would be depressed and desolate. They’d see nothing except bleached out colors and the absence of life. But, about the fourth day they would get “desert eyes.” They would begin to recognize life in the desert - flowers, lichens, animals, the full spectrum of color by day and wondrous stars by night. They’d begin to understand that even in the most desperate of times - even in times of great evil and death - there is still life and hope. Desert Eyes: Songs of Justice and Spirit is a reflection on our current reality and a yearning for a more just and healed world. This is a CD of 20 original songs built on a folk foundation with diverse musical architectures - there are anthems, laments, protests, and children's songs with styles influenced by gospel, salsa, Celtic and jazz. Music that kindles reflection, but still invites everyone to sing (including a six-part liturgical setting). Bob Carty’s compositions include: · Desert Eyes, a post 9/11 reflection and anthem on seeing hope and beauty in desert times (“We were looking for water, thirsting for water, wandering so far from home; then You revealed that we are the water – prophets of futures unknown.”) · On the River of My Life – a children’s song, but also accompaniment for paddling a canoe,– connecting the beauty of nature with awareness of self, the other, the spirit. · How Many Loaves explores the miracle of a boy who would give up his loaves and fishes so that others could eat (“how can we pray with bread upon the table, and not remember those who are not fed?”) · You Washed Our Feet is a meditation on those who serve – the unnoticed ones (“you clean the flesh I cannot feel, you tend the wounds that never heal”) and the heroes of certain moments (“You spoke the truth in Salvador, you spoke of God to the dogs of war. You looked into their lying eyes, you lift the host before you die.”) · We Are Love – a community tune asserting there is life, and hope and love in our families, in our communities, and in all of humanity … (Peace for the empty heart, When the world is torn part, When the guns and cannons ring, Give us strength so we can sing … Peace…) · There are also bible-based hymns: God's Love is Everlasting (Psalm 118), Praise the Lord, O My Soul (Psalm 146), Let Justice Roll (Amos 5:24) and many more. "Bob's music captures a new liturgical spirit of hunger and hope! These are lean, desert-like times, and there is a need to both accept its desolation and see the seeds of new growth that need to be nourished. Bob has captured the songs that speak clearly to both dimensions of our time. - Sr. Rosalie Bertell "The great upsurge of social movements marking the last 5 decades has inspired new spiritualities, new music, and new politics around the world. Bob has long been contributing to them with his profoundly moving lyrics, guitar and voice, and wonderful ability to get others to sing along. What a gift in challenging times of great transition–deep spirituality, politics of vision, and great music!” Lee Cormie - Professor of Theology, Toronto RADIO BOB Bob Carty is an Ottawa-based documentary radio producer for The Sunday Edition and The Current on CBC Radio One. Prior to entering journalism he spent a decade working on human rights and international development in Latin America. In 1981 he joined CBC Radio as a producer (later foreign editor and senior producer) for the national programme Sunday Morning. In the late 1980s, Bob spent five years in Central America covering military conflicts, human rights and ecological issues throughout Latin America for the CBC, The Globe & Mail and National Public Radio. Returning to Canada in 1993, Bob resumed work for the CBC on feature documentaries. Bob’s work has won numerous awards including a Peabody and a Gabriel, several New York International Radio Festival Awards, and multiple investigative journalism prizes. Bob is active in freedom of expression issues as a member of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), and as a founder of the International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX). MUSICAL BOB Bob started writing songs in the late sixties, a time of social protest, with early influences including Woody Guthrie, Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton, Pete Seeger, and John Prine. His musical skills were honed at coffee houses, protests, grape boycott pickets, “folk masses,” and coffee houses. Working for Youth Corps, a faith and social justice experience for young people, he performed several times at Toronto’s famous Massey Hall for events with Jean Vanier, Mother Teresa and Cesar Chavez. In the eighties, Bob teamed up with Paula Kriwoy and David Graham for a decade of wonderful musical experiences and the production of two live recordings. These days Bob performs at solidarity events for projects such as housing in Central America and water pipes in Africa. And he composes hymns and anthems for a local parish that supports music for the spirit, for the heart and for a more just world. This CD was co-produced by sound engineer and musician James Stephens, who added his musical skills on fiddle, mandolin and bass to many tracks. Featured artists include alto Paula Kriwoy, blues singer Lorraine Fontaine, young and upcoming vocalist Daniella Gunn-Doerge, and tenor Michael Carty (yes, Bob’s son). Bill Lamont’s piano playing (on a lovely Steinway grand) is a pillar of the CD’s sound. Toronto musician Darrell O’Dea added bass, vocal, and keyboard tracks. Rob Graves gave a percussive punch with everything from drum kit to Djembe to Udu. Margot Lange added violin parts while Nicole Lance brought her flute. Lindsey Wellman improvised on soprano sax and flute, Jonathan Werk was the oboe player, and Greg Weeks was our cellist. All songs © Bob Carty 2008, SOCAN, except Half A World Away by Bob Carty and David Graham and You Are the Person I Love by David Light (additional lyrics by Bob Carty). Desert Eyes Credits: Produced by: Bob Carty and James Stephens Recorded by: James Stephens, Stove Sound, Chelsea, QC Mixed by: James Stephens and David Bignell, Heat of Sound, Ottawa, On Mastered by: David Cain, Soundmaster, Ottawa, On CD and Website Design: Chris MacLean, Chelsea, QC Photography: Franziska Heinze, Wakefield, QC