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Travelers Code (1999)

by Darryl Purpose

/
1.
Mr Schwinn 04:31
Mr Schwinn was as thin as a pelican's grin And I took him my bike when the wheel wouldn't spin When the wheel wouldn't spin and the gear wouldn't shift For fixing a bike, the man had a gift They were stashed in the back of his waterfront shack His and her bikes, perfectly matched Perfectly matched like a groom and a bride waiting to take their honeymoon ride CHORUS: He said, "One of these bikes is more than a twin" As he pumped up the tires and polished the rim I'm savin' it for my Mrs Schwinn Yes the wires and the tires filled me with desire And the sprockets and streamers were truly admired Were truly admired by all kinds of folks Who watched as he carefully tightened the spokes Yes the chrome really shone but if truth be known At the end of the day he went home alone Yes he went home alone by way of the pier And he watched the tide turn and the sun disappear CHORUS: (Polished the rim) Instrumental Verse CHORUS: (Tested the Brakes) Yesterday was the day that I heard someone say That the man at the bicycle shop passed away Mr Schwinn passed away and my wife and I cried 'Cause he never did take that honeymoon ride 'Twas with grim discipline that the town buried him And the gravestone revealed that his name wasn't Schwinn But I'll tell you with pride He gave me the groom and my wife, the bride
2.
The past came knocking at my door With the winnings of a card game long ago There gift-wrapped in a pink dress and bow Stood the 4 year old child I thought I'd never know She looked at me this red head child of mine And she stared then turned her gaze away I reached out, touched her on the arm Say, why do you look from me that way She said you're not the papa of my prayers You're not the king of hearts across the sea You are big and scary and almost never home You're just not the father I thought you would be A little girl was never in my plans You see I make my way with a serenade I can show my heart round the queen of spades But a Child of Hearts makes me afraid I don't mean to let you down It's just I'm not the kind to have and hold Some day you'll need me and I'll be around But right now I'm gonna sing you this song of the road She said you're not the papa of my prayers You're not the king of hearts across the sea You are big and scary and almost never home You're just not the father I thought you would be BRIDGE: Now a friend with some advice to give She said just do better than your dad did That's a game that even I can win You see I never even met the man Now is life what happens in between All these things we plan so carefully Now a Child of Hearts is in front of me So please little girl don't give up on me She said your not the papa of my prayers You're not the King of Hearts across the sea You are big and scary and almost never home But please mr stranger don't give up on me
3.
I awoke from my sleep 'Twas the first day of livin' And a fresh dew lay light o'er the land I put on my shirt and pulled up my sleeve And look, there's a ring on my hand CHORUS Where before both my arms had been wildly flailing For the want of worthy command They now hung by my side, both steady and sure Cantcha see, there's a ring on my hand CHORUS So I walked to the table And I took my seat For it seemed that the feast was prepared And the loviest person that I'd ever known Sat in the opposite chair Well I've lived alone and the silence was deafening Out of ear of the ancients bold plan Now I feel my heart beat in the breast of another And look, there's a ring on her hand BRIDGE This Ring surrounds our doubt Breaks it down, kicks it out Leaving two words spoke in this circle unbroken Imagine all that we can do with someone to keep you and love you forever Now I hear my heart beat in the breast of another And look, there's a ring on my hand
4.
It was Friday, December 31st, 1999 All those New Years that came and went, but I was gonna make it special this time. So I walked on down to Venice beach and I found her apartment there Knocked on the door and she looked kinda surprised She said hey what are you doing here? I said I've noticed you looking at me and lately I've been thinking about you quite a lot Sometimes we let these things slip through our fingers and sometimes not I don't know if it was what I said or how I said it, and I don't know that I care Cause we walked on down to the Santa Monica Pier And I figured we'd be part of some fireworks there And the moon shone bright and rolled off her hair And the crabs nipped our feet in the salty air And the time flew by as I looked at my watch And whoa, come on baby here we go It was the Last Great Kiss of the 20th Century No time to think about the millions before me Took her in my arms and the rest was history When it was over she said hey that was really something this thing we've done And I don't mean to disappoint you but you know, new century doesn't start until 2001 When the confusion cleared and I scratched my head I said you're not as dumb as I look And I look for reasons to take chances cause it makes me feel good I don't often know what I am doing next month, much less next year But if you wanna meet me same time, same place, you know I'll be here And the moon'll shine bright, roll off your hair And the crabs'll nip our feet in the salty air And the time will fly as I look at my watch And whoa, come on baby here we go It'll be the Last Great Kiss of the 20th century No time to think about the millions before me I'll take you in my arms and the rest will be history I've always been afraid of leaving this world without making my mark But I know that all my good intentions will fail, if love don't play a part So the next year I was walking down to the pier, but I was not alone There was a woman walking beside me and I had my arm draped round her shoulder And we were pushing a stroller, that's right, a baby stroller And on the occasion of little Millie's three month birthday we thought we'd take her down and show her where it all began And the moon shone bright but she didn't have any hair And the fireworks roared and the baby was scared I picked up that baby and I lifted her high, and I kissed that child said baby don't you cry It was the Last Great Kiss of the 20th Century No time to think about the millions before me I took her in my arms and the rest was history It was the Last Great Kiss It was the Last Great Kiss It was the Last Great Kiss of the 20th Century
5.
I stand before you Naked before you No clothing over me To cover what I was, before you My skin is falling From me it's falling Don't try to catch it let it hit the ground lets see what matters My bones are shining Bright but not broken You can hold onto them Climb up to the sky on them My heart is beating Look how it's beating Open and messy Strong and correct like water True as the River I stand before you Naked before you True as the River
6.
Annieland 03:12
I like the curves around and below her strong back As she slips into the swimming hole, tells me don't look But I could no more look away than feel good about leaving here today Would you light a candle for me, Annie? And if that flame burns hot as your wood stove Some day I will finish this endless road and be right back here in Annieland Some say a man's like a shooting star, hot and fast And a woman like the constant moon She's built to last But I will stoke this fire in me Become the sun and the wind and the sea I would do all this to reach you Annie I see me somewhere on that long hard ride And I get that phone call when you decide I come right back here to Annieland Here to Annieland Here to Annieland Annie dreams with her bedroom door open I walk by, I do not look in She don't know how she makes my head spin Here, Here in Annieland Here in Annieland Here in Annieland I will stoke this fire in me Become the sun and the wind and the sea I would do all this to reach you Annie And if that flame burns hot as your wood stove She day I will finish this endless road and be Right back Here in Annieland Here in Annieland Here in Annieland
7.
instrumental
8.
Mary she dealt cards in South Lake Tahoe I was finished playing, something bout her caught my eye Before we knew what happened we were moving in together It sure seemed to me to be the right thing at the time But she thought I meant forever I left and couldn't take her CHORUS: I've lived my whole life for the story Did it all for a song Took my chances, didn't worry 'Bout eventual outcomes And I let some people down along the way like a dreamer sometimes does But you know that I tried to do the right thing Near as I could tell what that was Barbara she was restless, so we took off to Aruba She knew she couldn't hold me, told me she was searching too If we'd come close to finding what we were after We might still be taking in that Caribbean view Why she slowed down I'm not sure Along the way I lost her REPEAT CHORUS You may find me traveling through your home town Plying my song on your radio There between the lines anther chapter is unfolding My heart an open book, and music my way home REPEAT CHORUS
9.
Sunny smiled in eiderdown, mother natures daughter Sleeping under southern skies, drinking crystal water She awoke in Calico, among the wild flowers God gave her a secret code, to spark her super-powers To see the engine of the earth, the spirit of the horses The hands that turn the seasons 'round, And other unseen forces And the Stars All Live At Sunny's House And they shine through Sunny's skylight They show up when the sun goes down and they vanish with the twilight Her father was a fisherman, the seventh son of seven A twister took him from the sea, up to the gates of heaven So Sunny she was sent away, to the sisters of St Mary A gospel plow was given there, and a cross to carry They showed her this - the road is rough, And always getting rougher And only Jesus understands, the reasons why we suffer And the Stars All Live At Sunny's House And they shine through Sunny's skylight They show up when the sun goes down and they vanish with the twilight Sunny lives alone now, In a house that was her mothers The voices on the radio leave her no need for others Sometimes they sit beneath the stars, and count the constellations A billion souls across the sky, Across the generations Sometimes she sees the earth explode, into a thousand pieces Sometimes she prays for Christ to come and finally release us And the Stars All Live At Sunny's House And they shine through Sunny's skylight They show up when the sun goes down and they vanish with the twilight And the Stars All Live At Sunny's House And they shine through Sunny's skylight They show up when the sun goes down and they vanish with the twilight
10.
The Circle 04:51
Creeping toward the ritual sing Hidden in the shadow's dark I watched as each initiate joined the ring And held my breath As each offering was blessed By the gray haired patriarch CHORUS: And the light shone on the faces in the circle As the voices flamed and smoldered And the old man took a toke upon the song pipe passing it over his shoulder Young girl dancing in the throng Kept her eyes close as she swayed Riding high on the crest of the swell of the song Moving to and fro as she danced in the glow of the fire the music made REPEAT CHORUS Where the world is slick and the prophets quick To point out that we're so flawed There's a corner where there is magic there And the music is like god To that circle I'd return Cradled like a babe in arms When the world crashes in I would go there again All our voices are one as the moon burns to sun Turning the circle goes on REPEAT CHORUS passing it over his shoulder passing it over his shoulder
11.
(F)As you (G) leave this place (C), (F)you may (G)feel a(C)fraid (F)And the dreams (G) you (Em)offer this weary world(Am), may fall by the (G)road (C/G) (F)And who knows (G) where we'll be(C), (F) in a (G)week or three (F) So I'll hoist (G) my (Em)heart and I'll give myself (Am) to this travelers' (G)code (C/G G7) CHORUS Follow the (F)light, (Gsus G) when the woods become (C)thick (Am7) Follow the (F) light (G) when your eyes show you (C) tricks Follow the (F)light, when the waters are (G)rough Follow the light, (Am)follow the (Dm) light, (G) cause that light is (C)love Comes the time to go, our heads may hang low But you and I forever will know that we're a part of this tribe And I will own my pain, you will do the same In the end, we're beholden to this law, to which we ascribe CHORUS Follow the light, when the woods become thick Follow the light when your eyes show you tricks Follow the light, when the waters are rough Follow the light, follow the light, cause that light is love BRIDGE: (F)You will close (G)your (Em)eyes to (Am)sleep (F) In my (G)heart you'll smile(Em) I'll keep(Am) (F)And the (G)troubles of (Em) our days Will (Dm) fade like (Dm7) falling (F)counted (G)sheep And who knows where we'll be, in a week or three So I'll hoist my heart and I'll give myself to this travelers code CHORUS Follow the light, when the woods become thick Follow the light when your eyes show you tricks Follow the light, when the waters are rough Follow the light, follow the light, cause that light is love

about

Darryl Purpose was a late arrival to the folk explosion of the 1990s. By the time he became a full-time folk singer in 1996, the competition among acoustic troubadours scrambling to find a place in the wake left by monster success stories like Tracy Chapman, Shawn Colvin, and the Indigo Girls was intense and daunting. But folk music is, after all, a storytelling genre. And when Purpose did finally hit the folk scene, he came with an unusually eclectic resume that provided him with a wealth of compelling stories to tell. His songs, which have drawn liberally from his experiences as a highly regarded professional blackjack player and a well-traveled peace activist, garnered considerable attention from the outset of his career. After the 1996 release of his debut album, Right Side of Zero, Purpose began an impressive prize-inning run in songwriting contests around the country. His sophomore effort, a one-take acoustic recording with violinist Daryl S., was released in December of 1997 with the title darryl PURPOSE; it was later reissued as Same River Twice. By the time he recorded his third album, Traveler's Code in 1999, Purpose had made enough of an impact in American folk circles to score guest appearances from well-established artists like Ellis Paul, David Miner, and Lucy Kaplansky. The confident, rich Crooked Line appeared in summer 2001, followed by the Christmas release Gift of the Magi in 2002. ~ Evan Cater

Travelers' Code is as colourful as the man himself. Darryl was once recognized as one of the world's best blackjack players and is an avid peace activist. Darryl's peace march took him across the U.S. in 9 months and on to Russia for a historic walk across the Russian heartland which culminated in the first-ever, outdoor stadium rock concert in the former Soviet Union which featured Bonnie Raitt, Santana, James Taylor and Darryl's band, Collective Vision.

Travelers' Code becomes part of you, the baritone voice and smoothly proficient finger-style guitar gently shines through on every track.

Mr Schwinn is a perfect example of this, simply crafted with the sadness of an unfulfilled love.

Child of Hearts is a traveling song, which packs a heavy emotional punch. " The past came knocking at my door - with the winnings of a card game long ago - there gift wrapped in pink dress and bow - stood the four-year-old child I thought I'd never know "

CHORUS she said " you're not the papa of my prayers - you're not the king of hearts across the sea - you are big and scary and almost never home - you're just not the father I thought you would be "

Lucy Kaplansky joins Darryl for Ring on My Hand, a vocal marriage with a really nice waltz feel. Will it last? Statistically no, but musically the dance is eternal.

The Last Great Kiss of the 20th Century. A great idea for a song with an ending that will restore your faith in humanity.

True As The River will cleanse your spirit and Annieland will rock you.

Smoke & Mirrors is an inspired instrumental, well constructed where guitar and violin play off each other beautifully.

For The Story " I live my whole life for the Story - did it all for a song - took my chances, didn't worry - about eventual outcomes - and I let some people down along the way - like a dreamer sometimes does "

The Stars All Live at Sunny's House and The Circle shine with the ancient art of story telling and Travelers' Code is the light at the end of the tunnel.

What makes this album so special is the fusion between songwriter/ storyteller and finger guitar style. It is one of the strongest albums I've heard for a long time.

Travelers' Code is Darryl's third CD.

Darryl Purpose demonstrated brilliantly his ability to survive solo acoustic recording with his one-take gem Same River Twice. His 1999 follow up takes up the challenge of denser production with mixed results. Of course, much of the burden in such an approach rests with the artist's collaborators.Purpose is fortunate in this regard; he has obviously made some valuable friends in his first few years as a folk performer. Traveler's Code is produced by David Miner, a folk-rock veteran who has worked with artists like Leo Kottke, Elvis Costello and Pierce Pettis. The album also features guest performances by high profile vocalists Lucy Kaplansky, who makes a beautifully tender duet of "Ring On My Hand," and Ellis Paul, who lends his powerful tenor to the catchy "Child of Hearts." Those songs, as well as a sensitively reworked full band treatment of the excellent "Mr. Schwinn," get the album off to a crackling start in its opening tracks. And the record ends on a strong note with the lovely title track. But much of the material in between goes too far in a folk-pop direction that fails to utilize Purpose's greatest strengths. His remarkably detailed fingerstyle guitar work is often either buried or replaced with less challenging strumming patterns. (The intricate instrumental "Smoke and Mirrors" is a laudable exception.) And his vocals, so masterful and multifaceted on Same River Twice, seem overly thin and nasal in some of the faster songs. But even without the consistency of its remarkable predecessor, Traveler's Code has more than enough bright moments to maintain Purpose's place as one of the most promising new artists in American folk.

A former professional blackjack player, Darryl Purpose is also a skilled finger-style guitarist and lyrical songwriter. He shares a bit of Ellis Paul's naive charm and sensitivity.. He has written at least one exceptional song, "The Right Side of Zero," Purpose's strongest work injects a gambler's risk-taking urge into themes of love, desire, and travel. The musical foundations lie in his dreamy, intricate acoustic guitar playing, with some unobtrusive violin and bass. Purpose finds his element when his imagination and melodies speak for themselves, as on the benedictory title track and the searing and spare "True as the River."

Based on liner notes hinting at his blackjack career, activism in the peace movement and a weekend in jail, Darryl Purpose's life has dealt him a myriad of potential songwriting experiences. Showing the storytelling influence of Harry Chapin with a bit of Bob Dylan thrown in, Purpose's third CD, Traveler's Code, revels in emotional nakedness, smoothly weaving images of love, fear, loneliness and regrets through its 11 tracks.

The album opens with "Mr. Schwinn," a song which initially elicits cringes at forced rhymes like "Mr. Schwinn was as thin as a pelican's grin," but as the story progresses telling of the Schwinn's enduring hope for love and his influence on those around him, the rhyming complements the message. Purpose won the National Songwriting Competition in January 1998 with this ballad.

The poignant "Child of Hearts" also combines pain and hope revealing the honesty of a 4-year old in meeting her father, "You're not the papa of my prayers, you're not the king of hearts across the sea, you're big and scary and almost never home...." Ellis Paul contributes harmony to Purpose's hard-edged vocals.

"Ring on My Hand," a countrified duet with Lucy Kaplansky, celebrates a couple's realization of commitment, with "Look there's a ring on my hand." While, the gravelly baritone of Purpose and sweet clear soprano of Kaplansky combine beautifully, the lyrics don't evoke the raw emotional power of most of the other tracks on this album. This song feels like Purpose and co-writer Robert Morgan Fisher (who also shared credits on "Mr. Schwinn" and "Travelers' Code") set out to write a wedding song.

"The Last Great Kiss of the 20th Century" is an intelligent romp. In this ballad, a single guy takes a chance, seeking out an acquaintance on December 31, 1999. The two take a walk on the Santa Monica pier and at the last moment of the year, culminate their affections in the "last great kiss of the 20th Century, no time to think about the millions before." She's impressed but points out that the century doesn't really end for another full year. The spoken ending to the story is a little corny, but fun.

The remaining songs continue the themes with powerfully sung lyrics. The solo acoustic guitar behind "True as the River" enhances its simple message of looking beneath the surface. "Annieland" exposes a yearning to stop running away from love coupled with a sweet melody.

The only instrumental cut, "Smoke and Mirrors," showcases Purpose's proficiency on guitar, complimented beautifully by Daryl S. on the violin. The combination is mesmerizing and all too brief. "For the Story" returns Purpose to the folk vocals he does so well, this time sliding into melancholy, leaving loves for a life constantly searching for stories and songs.

"The Stars All Live at Sunny's House," boasting a most humable melody, shows a woman living in isolation in this prayerful ballad that that pulls in elements of folklore spirituality and Catholicism. In contrast, "The Circle" creates vivid images of fire and smoking and dancing as initiates are welcomed to a pagan ceremony.

With "Travelers' Code (Follow the Light)," Purpose returns to the combined hope and yearning for love that began the journey of this album. Kate Miner, Hannah Dwinell and Olivia Miner contribute beautiful harmonies to this slow, spiritual farewell.

Travelers' Code is a diverse and emotionally charged effort from a fine songwriter and musician. by Julie Bowerman Rambles.net


You meet the most interesting people on a Darryl Purpose CD. Traveler's Code is his "produced" follow-up to his "one take," live-in-the-studio CD from 1997, Darryl Purpose. In fact a couple of the songs from DP show up in a slightly reworked fashion on Traveler's Code. Produced by David Minor, Traveler's Code introduces us to a variety of characters, all of whom we have no trouble believing are people that have drifted in and out of Purpose's life over the years. In the opening song, Mr. Schwinn, we meet An old man who fixes bicycles for the local children and builds his "perfectly-matched" his and her bikes that he is saving for his own "Mrs. Schwinn," whenever he may find her. Of course, he never does meet Mrs. Schwinn, and therein lies the story.

Another memorable character that Purpose introduces us to is the little red-haired four-year-old child that "I thought I'd never know." She has a gambler father who is never home, and both father and daughter are somewhat disappointed with their lot in life. The daughter would prefer a father who is home, and the father would prefer to not hear about what a lousy father he knows he is. On this song, Child of Hearts, we are brought into their world. As adults and parents, we sometimes need to be reminded that we're responsible for these little people who look up to us. They inconvenience us sometimes, and we certainly disappoint them, but it all comes down to needing each other and doing the best we can. No excuses. Ellis Paul does a fine job with backup harmonies on this one, and helps to make it one of the most moving songs on the CD. Harry Chapin would be proud.

On The Last Great Kiss of the 20th Century, Purpose reworks a song that he recorded on his Darryl Purpose CD from a couple of years ago. This song introduces us to two people who are going to ring the century out in style with the "last great kiss of the 20th century." Of course, all educated people know that the century doesn't really end until 2001, and this is the basis for his reworking the ending to this song. It's clever, witty, touching, and will leave you smiling.

There are many other great characters on this CD: Sunny, Annie, Mary, and Barbara, to name a few, but the most enduring character is Purpose himself. He has done a wonderful job creating the persona of a traveling man who is looking for something; his next card game, his next song, or his next love. In the song For The Story he sings:
I've lived my whole life for the story
Did it all for a song.
Took my chances, didn't worry
About eventual outcomes.
And I let some people down along the way,
Like a dreamer sometimes does.
But you know that I tried to do the right thing,
Near as I could tell what that was.
Traveler's Code will speak to all those that are looking for something. His stories are little romantic novels set to music, with an undercurrent of melancholy. They will linger with you long after the music ends.

In addition to Ellis Paul helping out on vocals, there is also Lucy Kaplansky, who once again shows that she is one of the most talented singers out there today. Other musicians who help out include: Darryl S., Bob Malone, David Minor, Walter Rodriguez, Ron Aniello, Kate Minor, Hannah Dwinell, and Olivia Minor. ~Rick Russell acoustic music.com





This review is written by Kevin McCarthy, 12/99
"Kevin and Maxine’s Celtic & Folk Music CD Reviews"
www.kevindmccarthy.com/music/index.html
send me an email message

Darryl Purpose, aka Sentimental Traveler, is back with a new release reprising a couple of his best songs, "Mr. Schwinn" and "The Last Great Kiss of the 20th Century," and presenting a new set of compositions. Why the nickname you ask? Because the nomadic Purpose is at his best when presenting heartfelt tales and spinning traveling tunes--sometimes separately, sometimes together, in one song.

Early on, Purpose works the more sentimental side as in the aforementioned "Mr. Schwinn" and "The Last Great Kiss of the 20th Century." Plus "Child of Hearts" and "Ring On My Hand" will also have you scurrying for tissue.

"Mr. Schwinn" is about a bachelor bicycle repairer who keeps a special set of his-and-her "honeymoon" bicycles around the back of his shop. Alas, he passes away, having never married, thus unfortunately never realizing the opportunity to use the special pair of bicycles.

Certainly fitting for the coming of a new millennium, "The Last Great Kiss of the 20th Century," has been re-fitted with a new ending. The narrator closes out the year 2000 in the same manner as 1999, but with an added delightful and surprising twist.

Building the tempo of its verses into a rocking chorus, "Child of Hearts" begins with a four-year-old daughter showing up unannounced on her father's doorstep. The daughter speaks the chorus:

"...she said, you're not the papa of my prayers
you're not the king of hearts across the sea
you are big and scary and almost never home
you're just not the father I thought you would be..."
The narrator, amidst the awkwardness, finally says in reconciliation:
"is life what happens in between
all these things we plan so carefully
now a child of hearts is in front of me
so please, little girl, don't give up on me..."
The little girl repeats the chorus but replaces the last line with "but please mr. stranger give up on me."
Purpose trades solos and duets with Lucy Kaplansky on "Ring On My Hand," a tune many couples may soon be incorporating as part of their marriage ceremonies. It goes:

"I awoke from my sleep
twas the first day of living
and a fresh dew lay light o'er the land
I put on my shirt
pulled up my sleeve
and look...there's a ring...on my hand
where before both my arms had been wildly flailing
for the want of a worthy command
they now hung by my side
both steady and sure
can't you see...there's a ring...on my hand

so I walked to the table
and I took my seat
for it seemed that the feast was prepared
and the loveliest person
that I've ever known
sat in the opposite chair

I've lived alone and the silence was deafening
out of ear of the ancients' bold plan
now I hear my heart beat
in the breast of another
and look...there's a ring...on her hand

this ring surrounds our doubt
breaks it down, kicks it out
leaving words spoke in this circle unbroken
imagine all that we can do with someone to
keep you and love you forever
now I hear my heart beat
in the breast of another

and look...there's a ring...on my hand"

"For The Story" is a quintessential Darryl Purpose traveling tune. Unable to settle down and stay attached to someone but unsure of what he is looking for, he sings:
"...I've lived my whole life for the story
did it all for a song
took my chances, didn't worry
about eventual outcomes
and I let some people down along the way
like a dreamer sometimes does
but you know that I tried to do the right thing
near as I could tell what that was..."
He closes out the song with:
..."you may find me traveling through your hometown
or playing my song on your radio
there between the lines
another chapter is unfolding
my heart is an open book and music my way home..."
The tender and sweet "Travelers' Code (Follow The Light)" closes out the release. Appropriate as a homily for funeral or remembrance ceremonies, or just in speaking one's creed, it goes:
"As you leave this place
you may feel afraid
and the dreams you offer this weary world may fall by the road
who knows where we'll be in a week or three?
so I'll hoist my heart and I'll give myself to this travelers code
follow the light
when the woods become thick
follow the light
when your eyes show you tricks
follow the light
when the waters are rough
follow the light
follow the light
cause that light is love

comes the hour to go
our heads may hang low
but you and I forever will know that we're part of this tribe
I will own my pain, you will do the same
and in the end we're beholden to this law to which we ascribe

follow the light
when the woods become thick
follow the light
when your eyes show you tricks
follow the light
when the waters are rough
follow the light
follow the light
cause that light is love..."

This former (present?) professional gambler has made an impressive foray into the singer-songwriter world in a very short period of time. His musical performances, whether subtle or forceful, command attention. Give him yours.
Purpose, on acoustic guitar and vocals, is backed by Daryl S. on violin and viola; Bob Malone on hammond organ, David Miner on bass, harmonium, glockenspeil, harpsichord, accordion, mandolin, piano and harmony vocals; Walter Rodriguez on drums and percussion; Ron Aniello on electric guitar, acoustic guitar and 8-string ukulele; Kate Miner on harmony vocals; Hannah Miner on harmony vocals; Olivia Miner on harmony vocals; Ellis Paul on harmony vocals; and Lucy Kaplansky on vocals.

Track List:

Mr. Schwinn (4:40) Darryl Purpose and Robert Morgan Fisher
Child of Hearts (3:40) Darryl Purpose and Elizabeth Fairchild
Ring On My Hand (3:08) Darryl Purpose and Robert Morgan Fisher
Last Great Kiss of the 20th Century (5:17) Darryl Purpose
True As The River (1:54) Darryl Purpose
Annieland (3:08) Darryl Purpose
Smoke and Mirrors (3:18) Darryl Purpose
For the Story (4:35) Darryl Purpose, Ed Berghoff and Kilty Reeves
The Stars All Live at Sunny's House (4:48) Darryl Purpose and Paul Zollo
The Circle (4:44) Darryl Purpose, Lisa Aschman and Elizabeth Fairchild
Traveler's Code (4:40) Darryl Purpose and Robert Morgan Fisher

Copyright © 1998-2015 Kevin & Maxine’s Celtic & Folk Music CD Reviews. All rights reserved.

credits

released June 1, 1999

• David Miner - Producer

• Darryl Purpose - Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Harmony Vocals
• Daryl S - Violin, Viola
• Bob Malone - Hammond
• Lucy Kaplansky - duet vocal on 'Ring On My Hand'
• Ellis Paul - Harmony vocal on 'Child Of Hearts'
• Walter Rodriguez - Drums
• Ron Aniello - Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar and 8 string Ukelele on 'Ring On My Hand'
• David Miner - Bass, Harmonium, Glockenspiel, Harpsichord, Accordion, Mandolin, Harmony Vocals, Piano
• Kate Minor - Harmony Vocal on 'Annieland' & 'Travelers Code'

• Engineered by Jim Wirt, David Miner
• Assistant Engineered by Donat Kazarinoff, C.J. Eriksson
• Mixed by Tom Lillo at 4th St Recording, Santa Monica CA and Fun House, Woodland Hills CA
• 'True As The River' recorded by Adrian Burd with Gary Varner assisting
• 'Smoke and Mirrors' recorded by Neale Eckstein at Fox Run Studios

license

all rights reserved

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about

Darryl Purpose Portland, Oregon

Darryl went to Las Vegas at 19 and became a professional blackjack player, which he still calls the 'only real job I've ever had'. He is a member of the Blackjack Hall of Fame.
Since 1996, he has toured extensively and released 8 albums of original music.
Darryl's last two albums spent weeks at #1 on the RMR radio charts. Next Time Around and Still The Birds
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