I’ve been a fan of Simon and Garfunkel since I was a child. To me, listening to songs like “The Boxer” is one of the most relaxing experiences in the world. Paul Simon seems to have a way of writing and singing songs that really touch something deep in your soul. Probably the reason he was picked to sing “Bridge Over Troubled Water” on national T.V. after America had been attacked on 9/11. It felt to me like getting a big reassuring hug, as I’m sure it did for everyone else who saw and heard that performance.
“Bright Silver Moon” was originally just a songwriting exercise. I had spent quite a bit of time writing songs in the typical radio friendly verse, chorus, verse form, and wanted to try something a bit different. This particular song is written in a AAA form, meaning it uses the same melody is used on each verse, but the lyrics change each time. This is especially ideal for telling a story in a song. There is a repeated line, called a refrain at the end of each verse.
In addition to Simon and Garfunkel, I’m a big fan of some of the great old folk songs. I love songs like “Red River Valley,” “Oh Shenandoah,” etc. These are songs that really have stood the test of time because they’re great songs, and easy to sing. “Bright Silver Moon” is my attempt to write an old time cowboy folk song.
I never really intended to perform the song for anyone, or record it. I found though, that when I did start performing it live, it got a very enthusiastic response. Therefore, I finally decided to record it and make it available to the public.
I haven’t decided whether it’s really done yet, but here it is in its current state of creation.