Flashback: That's The Way (Part 2)

Epilogue

Sometime in the late 90's, my song writing had taken a different turn. I started approaching the process of writing music and lyrics in an entirely new way - also began writing music almost exclusively on piano. Rather than run from my influences, I started to embrace them and found a whole new path open. "That's The Way" is one of those transition songs and it accurately reflects everything from my world at that time.

Writing while on the road has always worked well for me, so when I returned to the States in August of 2001, I had over 20 new songs. Unfortunately, the events of September 2001 prompted me to find the missing words to "That's The Way" (which if you listen closely, the middle instrumental part is nicked from a Bach fugue).

While it's mostly optimistic in nature, there is a lugubrious side to it which is amplified by the Mellotron violins that I play . The song was recorded in late 2001 and mixed in early 2002. It's always a crowning achievement to get your creations on tape and this is one that came out better than expected and says everything it needs to say.

Listen to That's The Way.

(eyeneer music publishing ©2002/2006)

Flashback: That's The Way (Part 1)

Prelude

Journal excerpt:
Sikkim, India - April 18, 2001

Spent another morning at the chaat house down the road eating masala dosa and chatting with the proprietor, Sonam. I have a bit of altitude cough and he hands me a big bag of cloves, telling me to suck on a small pinch 3 to 4 times per day. Sonam's an ayurvedic healer in his spare time and seems to have encyclopedic knowledge on the subject. It's only been half a day and my cough is under control and getting better!

I have a great view of the Eastern Himalaya range. Mount Kanchenjunga, which stands at 8534 metres, doubles as a Sikkimese protective deity. She stares at me every morning in stern mastery with all of her majestic beauty, demanding my attention and rightly so.

Enjoying Sikkim thoroughly - it's yet another jewel in India's rich and diverse tapesty. Security is tight due to this being a very sensitive boder area (Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan), so I have to renew my visa every 7 days and carry papers with me at all times. The people are kind and very soulful.

Playing a lot of music here and working on a new song in my room. A young girl, Dawa, approaches me in front of my guest house with a big smile to tell me that her family has enjoyed listening to me play music. She tells me that her parents actually dance and that it makes everyone in her family happy when I play. Perhaps one of the most incredible complements I could ever hope to receive...

It must be the altitude, but I am playing this tune over and over. I can't get it out of my head:

That's the way
Baby that's the way of the world now
Yes it is
That's the way it is

It ain't no game
We're living it every day now
Win or lose
Either way
It's the way it is today

Still trying to sort out the words and have to craft a middle part to tie it all together. This place has given me faith in how cool humanity can ultimately be. From the moment I stepped foot into town, I have been bowled over.

Decided to head over to Dharamsala next week to see Dan, Zoe & Tashi. Dan & I have been in contact via email since I arrived in India a month ago and now I get to see those guys for the first time since we met up in London about 10 months ago... mi Madre de dios!!