Runaway Daughter

This song, told from the father’s point of view, is about a terrible situation that I’ve come to learn happens all too often.  

Strung Out And Hammered

When Eric and Helen were trying to come up with a name for their band, a friend suggested this.  They didn’t use it for their band but Eric thought it was too good to waste!

Bungi Chord

This was Eric’s first attempt at writing a “fiddle-tune” type instrumental. It’s a bit jazzy for that genre, but works well on its own terms.

Music to Charm Snakes By

When the Beatles came back from India, introducing sitars to Rock ‘n Roll music, I started working on this, adding bits here and there.  The version here is the result of those many years and revisions.

Varnell Road

The title song of the collection is a love song, written by Eric to the farm in eastern North Carolina where he grew up.  You may have a place you feel like this for.

Play My Guitar

This song is basically a love letter from a guy to his girl friend, from whom he’s been physically separated from for some time.  Not an uncommon situation.

Sunrise

The opening tune on this collection starts off with a bouncy, happy feel.  Sunrise feels like getting up happy on a beautiful, spring morning!

Cicada Spring/Brokedown Breakdown

Both of these tunes were written during a recent emergency of the 17 year cicadas.  The last tune is slower than a normal breakdown, hence, it’s a “brokedown” breakdown.  Get it?

Planxty Paul Hayman

This tune was “commissioned” by Paul’s wife on the occasion of his 58th birthday.  Paul was a dear friend and accomplished fellow musician.  Wish you could hear this, Paul.

The Road Ahead

This lively instrumental was inspired by the many phenomenal acoustic guitarists Eric has enjoyed over the years.  It’s his homage to traditional acoustic guitar music.

Hole In The World

Eric wrote this tune shortly after his father died.  It tells a bit of their story.

Star Light

Eric had a tough time naming this piece.  But it reminded his wife of the ritual on Star Island, NH where, every night, people file up to the chapel, holding candle-lit hurricane lamps.  Great image.  Great tune!

Baucis and Philemon

This song re-tells an ancient greek myth with Eric’s on twist.  It’s his wife, Helen’s favorite myth. Eric’s, too!  The message evoke feelings that are probably common to every loving couple.

Stand In The Fire

This song was inspired by Eric having seen a young woman sitting in the window of the chapel on Star Island, NH.  Not knowing her story, he let is imagination fill in the details.