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We were on our way to a fly fishing destination in Nebraska on rural back roads when I wrote this song. I rarely have time to practice, so I take advantage of opportunities like this. With my wife Sandy driving, and me on my flamenco guitar, I chose to improvise rather than work on technique. Every once in a while an artist is lucky enough to have a song write itself. The majority of this song just happened as I played to entertain us while gazing at the countryside moving past our truck window.
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I`ve always found inspiration in the ethnic song structures of Middle Eastern and Balkan cultures. Having traveled there as an artist, I`ve enjoyed the passion and complexity of their live performances. This song is my personal mixture of Balkan, flamenco and a healthy dab of rock `n roll. I always look forward to performing this piece live and I`ve tried to capture that energy in this recording.
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Sitting and preparing for a taped cable television performance, I realized I was about to perform this song...and it had no title. A quick glance through some books and magazines in the control room remedied the situation, but I have found in the years since a meaning within this song and its spontaneous title.
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A guitar student of mine once brought me a tape that he had recorded with some of the latest music from Van Halen. When I got around to putting it on, I had accidentally popped in the B side, not the side my student had intended. What I heard was Carlos Montoya`s performance of Malaguena. That was all the inspiration I needed to begin my studies of flamenco guitar. This is my version of Carlos Montoya`s rendition of this great traditional melody and my tribute to the rich culture of flamenco.
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True gypsy flamenco guitar possesses a proud and intense energy. It breathes the passion of the people who know it best, the Spanish gypsies. I had the privilege of studying with one of the best, an authentic gypsy flamenco virtuoso, Rene Heredia. This is one of the songs he has written and being my good friend, he has allowed me to record my interpretation of this great tune.
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My father was a strong force in my musical upbringing. When I was three, I`d stand beside the piano and sing while he played. He lovingly pushed me to constantly learn more and grow my musical talents. Dad loved jazz and this was his favorite of my original songs. He was a friend and an inspiration. He recently passed away and this song will always be my dedication to him and the love of music he nurtured in me.
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This song is a tribute to Rose Maez, the aunt of one of my good friends. I used to visit her and play guitar in the hopes of easing her suffering due to a terminal and disfiguring condition. Her faith in God gave me the impression of being in the company of royalty. Those of us who knew her will continue to benefit from her unwavering dedication to Him who loves us most.
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To many, Joy is my defining song and it`s my most requested piece during live performances. I`ve performed this piece in the context of ear-splitting rock sets with Fourth Estate to quiet acoustic coffee houses. I felt this collection would not be complete without it. Thanks for allowing me to share the acoustic version with you.
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A woman who had heard this song without knowing the title later told me that for her, the song seemed like a prayer. That couldn`t have been a more gratifying thing to hear since that is the expression of my heart in this song. I value the sincerity and honesty of a single heartfelt prayer that can come from anyone at anytime. (Philippians 4:4-9)
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