In July, 2024, Gina and I traveled to Minnesota for the first time. The occasion was a special event called The Everything Conference, and it drew artistic and creative people – who happen to be multi-potentialites – from around the world. The attendees were also the content presenters, providing unique perspectives and implementable strategies for a large variety of topics (close to everything!), as varied as the personalities and backgrounds of the folks who attended. It was a sweet week, and many new friends were made. (A few of them will likely read this blog!)
I had brought my Fender AcoustaSonic Telecaster and a small Fender travel amp that we’d purchased on the way out of Nashville with me. With my cognitive challenges, I have to reteach myself parts of my own songs if I haven’t practiced in two days, let alone a week. So Gina insisted I bring a guitar but refused to schlep my larger amp.
The first evening in Minneapolis I began messing around with the major melodic theme of this song, and then diligently worked on it every day we were in that fine and welcoming town. By the end of the week it told a whole story, as in, it had a beginning, a middle, and an end. It was also at that point the longest lead I’d ever composed – and recorded – after telling myself for over 50 years that I was not a lead guitarist. (The stories we tell ourselves for decades because somebody said something critical, but seminal, at some time can be so brutal and inhibiting.)
I’m really pleased with how this turned out. I’m proud of that lead, folks. Big kudos to Fett and Ron for coming up with some wonderful parts, and to Bernie and Gina for transforming these songs into movies.
I hope this song resonates with you, and maybe reminds you of a place that felt like home, even for a short while. If it does, please leave a comment.
Thanks for listening!
Ned Andrew
Minnesota Muse
Music copyright 2024, Ned Andrew Solomon
Recorded at: Azalea Studios, Nashville, TN
Recording, Engineering, & Production: Fett
Acoustic & Electric Guitars: Ned Andrew Solomon
Bass & Percussion: Fett
Drums: Ron Krazinski
Videography: Bernie Lynette
Executive & Video Production: Gina Lynette
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