This album is filled with the lullabies that I heard when I was a child. The 5th of 7 children, I wasn't always sure just where I fit in. But at bedtime, my Mom or Dad would sit on the bed and sing to us, and that was very calming and reassuring to me. Beautiful music has a way of lifting our spirits to a place of peace. Some of these lullabies are ones that I have learned since having my own babies, and some are ones that I have learned even since my children have grown up. Many of the tune/lyric combinations have proven to be completely unknown to most people that I've talked to. This lack of familiarity that I encountered is what originally spurred me on to produce such an album, so that these sweet songs would live on and be shared by more Moms and Dads with their children. When my own children were little, I made up songs at the bedside sometimes, just for variety from the usual lullabies. One of them stuck with me long enough to get it all written down, and it became "Beloved Lullaby." It has stood the test of time. One of the songs, "Singing" is from the lyrics of a Robert Louis Stevenson poem. My daughter at age 9 made up a tune for it, and I wrote the notes down and stuck them in a piano bench, to re-surface all these years later to be a track on this album. Another song - "Tree Shadows" - is from a book of lullabies that our children received as a gift, with the lullabies sung by Judy Collins. She actually simply recited the words to this poem, translated from traditional Japanese. I could never find the author to the lyrics, and there wasn't a melody, so I just made one up. Many of the melodies are ones that I remember completely from when I was little, but it's very difficult to find the origin of a tune sometimes. In some ways, that is what makes a song special. You only know it because you know it. That's all. Several years ago when I was involved in helping to plan a folk music festival in Shawano, Wisconsin, I was just beginning to contemplate the importance of preserving these lullabies, and suggested we hold a workshop on lullabies. The committee agreed wholeheartedly, and the sessions were popular. People brought their favorites, and I taught several new ones. Everyone loves to watch a baby go to sleep - it's one of the most peaceful things we can ever do. Tunes and lyrics are passed down from one generation to the next, with changes made as suits each individual situation. There are many versions of "Hush Little Baby" and not even complete agreement as to who wrote it. Matt and I created our own playful version of it on this CD. Another motivating factor in getting this CD of lullabies out has been the birth of my first granddaughter! While waiting for her imminent arrival at the house of my oldest daughter, I researched licensing and public domain status for every single track on this CD. When I was done with that process, Kailey arrived. She is pictured on the album cover, 20 minutes old, looking into her Mommy's eyes as if to say "Hi Mommy!" How can you not sing to a little bird like that? I wanted these songs to be communicated simply, not in a popular or over-orchestrated style. I suppose that could have meant that I would deliver them a cappella, as though I was just sitting on the bed, singing to a sleepy little one. However, I do believe that the guitar, ukulele, piano, cello, melodica and various other instruments, one or 2 at a time, help to quietly underscore the sweetness of these particular songs. They bring out harmonies that are otherwise hidden, but they do not overcome the simplicity and sincerity of the human voice. I'm very grateful to Matt Turner of Appleton, WI, for his beautiful interpretations of the 10 tracks that he plays on. I simply told him what I had in mind, and let him create the beauty. As usual for him, he just let the notes fly, and they soared. Barely any practice needed. I am also grateful to Marc Golde, the recording wizard in his glory in his new studio in Appleton WI using the soundboard of his dreams from Malibu, CA. He knows what he is doing with all the sounds, and he makes this album of lullabies sound amazing! I am deeply grateful to David Zerbe for helping me to bring 4 beautiful babies into the world, and for being a really great Daddy to them. Thank you to my 4 beautiful babies, Erica, Stephen, Anita and Julia, who really have brought out the music in me. I love them with all my heart and owe much to them for giving my life so much meaning. Deep and heartfelt thanks to my Mom, Joann and my Dad, Chris, for all the hours they sat and sang to me and filled me with so much music. It is because of them that I play the piano and because of their influence that I have such an electic appreciation for various styles and genres of music. My sister Peggy deserves a big thank you for introducing me to the guitar and to the wide array of folk music from the 60's and beyond. She took her own turn sitting on my bed at night when I was in high school, getting over a break-up, playing her guitar and singing me to sleep. There are so many people to thank - dear friends who have consistently encouraged me to record and produce this album of lullabies, who have helped inspire me in the artwork, and who have just continued to love me in spite of all my flaws. I deeply appreciate all of you and love you immensely! I hope that all of you who listen to "Sweetly 'Neath the Moon" truly enjoy it!