released November 19, 2018

Credits:
Samer Nassif: Acoustic/electro-acoustic mandolin and octave mandolin, mandola, bass, tongue drum
Nidal Abou Samra (on tracks 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12): Soprano and tenor saxophones, Rhodes piano
Fouad Boulos: Album and artist profile art


Special Thanks To:
Fouad Boulos, for his feedback on producing the tunes, support, and beautiful art!
Nidal Abou Samra, for his generosity, friendship, and fantastic playing!
Sara Kouzi (Nidal's wife), for being cool with me hanging around long hours with Nidal, in their home, to complete this work.
The many musicians who have inspired me throughout the years, those who continue to inspire me to this day, and those who have become my friends and teachers.

This work is dedicated to my darling wife Rachel, my well of good ideas, my guide in the land of shells, my co-pilot to outer space. Yup, she's that awesome.


1. A Well of Ideas part 1
This tune started with a simple four-note line that was then played different ways throughout the track, each way to its own effect. Four notes that truly are a "well of ideas".


2. After the Rain
This title refers to one particular distressing period that lasted a few days, then ended on a rainy Sunday morning. And then the rain stopped.


3. Aida
Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy. Wordless music helps.


4. Big Heart
This tune is dedicated to a man with the same name, with thanks to his unending support, kindness, and patience.


5. The Outer Shape of Space
To boldly go where no man-dolin has gone before.


6. Land of Shells
...that stretches for miles and miles. The tanpuras were added digitally.


7. The Turtle, the Cardinal, the Fox, and the Wind
Wild creatures my wife and I encountered during our last trip to her hometown. There were also some unpredictable winds, just before a passing storm.


8. Mandofoog
A little "mad scientist" experiment. A fugue(ish) for two mandolins and three mandolas.


9. Jigs: The Good Brew/The Cobbler/Rachel’s Jig
Celtic music has been a huge influence on my playing. I try to pay homage to it with three jigs of mine. The cobbler refers to the Ben Arthur mountain in the Trossachs, Scotland.


10. The Bacon Blues
I can’t really explain it. It’s bacon.


11. A Day in the Funk
An impromptu jam session with Nidal led to this tune. The drum tracks were digitally added.


12. A Well of Ideas part 2
More ideas hidden in that well.


13. When All Is Said and Done
…and there’s nothing left. Until she arrives.