a neil project

The project that became "Words" began in the late fall of 2018. Larry's former band, Great Caesar's Ghost, which he founded in 2004, was slowing it's fourteen year and nine album run. It was the passing of long time collaborator, Allman Brothers Band founding member Butch Trucks, that brought the band to it's ultimate ending.
After taking some time off, Larry returned to the studio and began tinkering with more country and folk oriented songs. A long standing appreciation of all things Neil Young led to a few random covers; 'Powderfinger' followed by 'Out On The Weekend'.
Coincidentally, GE Smith (SNL, Hall and Oates, Dylan, Bowie, Jagger) was working at Larry's Applewild Farm studio on his newest record, "Stony Hill" with LeRoy Bell. In a short time, a few more Neil covers were on tape. GE, who played bass on Roger Waters' "The Wall" tour, was helping on bass, and what would later become a random collection of Neil Young covers was in it's infancy.
Joining the group of contributors were original Great Caesar's Ghost members; Ed DiCapua on drums and percussion and Keith Hill on Keyboards and Synths.
It was good to see old band mates and songs like 'Down By The River' and 'Cowgirl In The Sand' were perfect excuses to get together to play music, reconnect, and, for Larry, to mix after everyone had gone home.
Then came Covid 19.
The world had ground to a screeching halt and the rhythmic pace of life was now quiet and faint. Stuck at home with little going on besides the dogs and horses, Larry began reviewing past sessions, mixing, and laying down overdubs. Soon he realized. "Hey, we have a project here!"
During the months that followed; March - August of 2020, "Words" was slowly put together.
Technically, Larry's first exposure to Neil came at the age of ten when he was given 'Harvest', Neil Young's seminal album, as a Christmas present. Tucked in between 'The New Christy Minstrels, The Beatles, and Marty Robbins records, 'Harvest' was deep and brooding. Songs like 'There's A World' and 'Words' hinted at the thought of something more than a "sing-along" record with darker lyrics and ideas, as well as a different feel with foriegn time signatures.
If 'Harvest' was the introduction, then 'Decade' was the handshake that sealed the relationship. The soundtrack for Junior year in high school, authority was questioned and the experimental stage of young adult life was begun. First girlfriend, first break up, first puff, first.....you get the idea. Neil's music was the interesting and quirky side street that had to be explored.
So, here we are. A collection of songs written by 'Uncle Neil' (and one by Stephen Stills), who is appreciated and loved. Hopefully the message gets through.
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