The Present (2006)

Acoustic Vision Productions – Catalog number AV003

With nine new originals from Wayne and three cover tunes, this collection features the fantastic talents of Peter Ostroushko, Matthew Fox, Clint Hoover, Joe Juliano and Vicky Emerson, among others.

The title song was co-written with Nashville favorite Marc-Alan Barnette. “Lovin’ It” was co-written with Bill Rost, and “I Know” was co-written with Harry Rhett.

Recorded and mixed at Natural Sound Studio, St. Paul, MN
Mastered at Lighthouse Records, Plymouth, MN

Zip file size: 63 MB
321 Downloads

Notes from the Songwriter

The exceptional Jason Kapel plays bass on all tracks except “Gettysburg.”

Lovin’ It
No matter how busy life gets, you gotta take time to love life and love each other — if you’re loving one, you’re probably loving both. Co-written with Bill Rost, who plays guitar on this track, the tune features the legendary Peter Ostroushko on fiddle.

Sixty One
Dylan and others have written songs about this famous north-south US highway, but most of them are set at the Delta end of the road. This story is about the other end – the end that runs by “America’s Fourth Coast” on the way to Canada. Roy Holdren plays drums, and Michael Loonan plays lead guitar.

Same Old Song
This is a cover of an old Holland-Dozier-Holland song, but this ain’t The Four Tops. This is a unique tribute to a soul band from college years called “The Glad Hand.” It includes some beautiful Beach-Boys-style backup harmonies, arranged and performed by Bill Scherer.

Nothin’ To Do With Me
Inspired by laid-back, swingin’ Blues themes, this is a story about waking up to the fact that you never really have control where love is concerned. Featuring Blues great Joe Juliano on guitar and Roy Holdren on drums.

Gettysburg
Told from a Union soldier’s point of view, this story’s central female character, Jennie Wade, was the only civilian to die during the battle in July of 1863. Her death occurred just a few weeks after her 20th birthday. The song features Matthew Fox on guitar, Michael Loonan on cello, Josh Misner on fiddle and Matthew Richards on snare drum.

Mary Virginia “Jennie” Wade

Love at the Five and Dime
This is a cover of a fine Nanci Griffith tune about Rita, who met her musician-boyfriend Eddie when she worked in a Woolworth’s store (remember those?). The song chronicles their lives together, which began as they waltzed down the aisles of the store at closing time. Featuring Vicky Emerson with vocal harmony and Matthew Fox on dobro.

I Know
This is an upbeat, swingin’ look at love. If “Ol’ Blue Eyes” were still around, this tune would be perfect for him — a real finger snapper. Featuring my favorite harmonicist, Clint Hoover, and Dave Hanzel on congas.

Stuff
A funny little story about a Honeydew Saturday, (“Honeydew this, Honeydew that…”), and the “stuff” we all accumulate. Featuring Joe Juliano on guitar.

Second In Line
No collection would be complete without a story about a guy who refuses to give up on his pursuit of a particular woman, who in turn seems to have no particular interest in being pursued. Featuring the great fiddle sound of Peter Ostroushko and Roy Holdren on drums.

Mama’s Music
A tribute to all mothers (mine in particular) who support the artistic ambitions of their children. This song is an attempt to recapture the sound and style of a very special rock band from high school days named “The Tor-Kays.” This track features Walter Chancellor’s great tenor sax, David Methner on backup saxes, Roy Holdren on drums and doo-wop vocals/handclaps from The Hamiltones.

Whatshername
A story of lost love, with the feel of a jazzy ballad. Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul & Mary wrote this rarely covered tune with Dave Dixon and Richard Kniss. This intentionally sparse arrangement features superior guitar work by Dave Barry and a bass solo by the incomparable Jason Kapel.

The Present
Co-written with Marc-Alan Barnette, a terrific Nashville songwriter, this tune centers on living for today instead of focusing on the past or the future. The chorus, taken from a speech by Eleanor Roosevelt, tells it all: “The past is history, the future is a mystery, today is a gift – that’s why they call it the present.”