Bodden Town CD

Bodden Town was my first solo effort for a long time, and I must say ... I'm still very excited about it!

While living in the Caribbean, I have met some very interesting people. Some, native islanders and some transplants like me. I have spent much of my time in Bodden Town, which is the original capital of the Cayman Islands.

Founded some two hundred years ago, the capital was eventually moved 14 miles east to Georgetown. History records that the capital was moved because Bodden Bay was too shallow to receive the larger ships being built. Good news for preservationists as the town has retained a good bit of its original charm with many historic homes and a unique charm all its own.

Today, Bodden Town is a sleepy little village of about 1500 inhabitants."

The story behind the songs...

1) Bodden Town - Bodden Town was written while living in Bodden Town on the seaside where from my hammock between two coconut trees, I watch the sunrise, the surfers, the exotic bird life, play my guitar and generally soak up the incredible ambience of the Caribbean.(Ya gotta love it!!!)

2) Little Darlin' - Written about Catherine... the love of my life!

3) Missing You (Chelsea's Song) - Chelsea  was our english sheepdog who lived to the grand old age of 17 yrs. She was the only sheepdog in the Cayman Islands and always created a stir, especially when riding with me in our '53 MG convertible. Chelsea was the dog you always dreamed you would have. Feisty, yet gentle, loyal, brave and true. She went everywhere with us on land, sea and air. She loved music and would lie on the floor in the recording studio\rehearsal rooms with her head right next to the speakers. Despite her large size and masses of hair, she never once knocked over a guitar or amp. 

4) Magnolia - Magnolia was written by my brother Tom, whose songs I have recorded in the past. Tom and his wife lived in Mississippi for several years and were inspired by its lush charms. 

5) This Boy - This classic Beatle gem gets the treatment by me with PEACE. Ken Marvin handles the lead vocal.  For those of you unfamiliar with PEACE this will give you an idea of our sound. 

6) Amarillo - The parallels between musicians on the road and long-distance truckers inspired this country-flavored tune.  We've all spent many a lonely night in AMARILLO. The song was originally titled "Another Lonely Night With An Armadillo" but I changed it after receiving threatening letters from PETA. 

7) Heartland - A nod to Neil Young on this tale of pathos and pain. I think I detect a whiff of mid-life crisis here.

8) The Last Tear - My better-half and I had a big blow-up about the timing of a sailing trip. She sailed and I stayed home... simmered and wrote. It's not the heat, it's the humidity. 

9) Pure And Lovely - The beat of the islands takes over as I grope to get my mind right,,,re: the silly argument that inspired "The Last Tear". The good book spells it out. Keep your mind on the good things and you'll be much happier. 

10) Wailing Wall - Just like Israel, we all hit the wall and are surrounded by enemies from time to time, but GOD takes care of his own. PEACE joins in the festivities on this one. 

11) What It Means - Penned by Brian Gentry with Ken Marvin of PEACE, you know what it means.  PEACE/DAN PEEK plays and sings again on this tune.  Brian handles the lead vocal. 

12) Everywhere I Go - CAUTION: This is a song of faith. Those who have ears, let them hear. 

An additional note...

Mavis Powell and "Sunshine Bodden" were two native Bodden Towners who welcomed my wife and me to the island with open arms and treated us with great kindness. Not many years ago, these islands were extremely poor and called "the islands that time forgot". Once during the era of sail power, the Caymans were an essential stop for ships en route between the New and Old Worlds, but in the age of steam power they were totally bypassed. As a result, the inhabitants had a very meagre hand to mouth existence and came to rely on their own honest hard work and frugal habits to just survive. Both of these ladies personified these traits. Mavis used to bring huge platters of fried fish, plantain and rice and peas, breadfruits and mangoes to us just to show her love. Sadly, both of these dear ladies passed away not long ago and in many ways marked the passing of an era. 

The inspiration for most of the music on this CD came from living on the island and many of the songs were written there. At the same time I still have strong ties to the mainland, in particular, the Heartland of America.