Listen Now
“Songs and Stories”, the full-length studio album from Chad Summervill is now available on CD, Digital Download and streaming.
Liner Notes
1. Freight
(Chad Summervill / Alan Heathcock / John Newton)
Based on the short story, “The Staying Freight” by Alan Heathcock in the book, VOLT: Stories. This is the story of Winslow, a father walking away from life as he carries the heavy burden of guilt and grief due to the tragic death of his son. I encourage you to find this book and delve into the writings of Alan Heathcock. This story was deeply touching from the opening lines and it translated immediately into music for me.
2. Oh, Molly
(Chad Summervill)
We’ve all been there; five years old and ready to break out and hit the road. I have known a few 5-year olds like this and I bet you know one, too. Here’s to all the Molly’s out there ready to break free and feel the wind on their face. Thanks to my friend Duncan for encouraging this song to take flight.
3. Gospel According to Luke
4. Lazarus / Hallelujah (feat. Alan Heathcock)
(Chad Summervill / Alan Heathcock)
Based on the story, “Lazarus” by Alan Heathcock in the book, VOLT: Stories. This is the story of Vernon Hamby, a preacher struggling to ignite the fire within and come back to life, emerging from doubt, grief and loss. You’ll hear Alan giving voice to the Vernon Hamby in this recording. Thanks to Alan for sharing these stories with us all.
5. September '92
(Chad Summervill)
This is a true story. I met Vashti Stevens at Mesa State College in September 1992 and I knew. As I passed under a tree on campus, I had a vision of us being together many years in the future and scared me to death. I wrote this in 1998 and I thought this song needed to be revived to honor the 29 years we’ve been together.
6. Fight No More Forever
(Music by Chad Summervill / Lyrics adapted from the writings of Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Tribe, 1840 – 1904)
A true story. In 1877, Chief Joseph led 700 Nez Perce people over 1,400 miles through Idaho and Montana, chased by the US Army. I wish I had learned this story when I was young and was taught about the injustices of the past and present against Native Americans. I hope you will take the time to learn more about the Nez Perce people at NezPerce.org. Half of all proceeds from this song go to the Nez Perce Tribe.
7. A Little Bit of Everything
(Taylor Goldsmith)
Some songs strike a chord with you and make you visualize the story while you listen. This is one of those songs for me. I can vividly see each vignette in this piece in my mind as I sing or hear this song.
8. I Wish for You Good
(Chad Summervill, Jaydn Summervill)
This song is based on a card my daughter Jaydn wrote to our sister church in Columbia when she was young. It doesn’t require many words to tell someone that you wish them well. The rest of the song came to me on a bike ride through the mountains of McCall, Idaho and I sang it all the way home so I wouldn’t forget it.
9. Song for a Winter's Night
(Gordon Lightfoot)
Maybe you know this song and have a memory from when you first heard it. Maybe today is your first time hearing it. I hope this makes a lovely memory for you. I first heard this song as I drove through the Blue Mountains of Oregon on my way to see my daughter in Portland, then I played it again, and again.
10. Small Things
(Vashti Summervill, Lyrics based on the writings of Mother Teresa and Rumi)
When things are overwhelming, this song reminds us that we can focus on the small things and move through the hard times. We’re able to find healing in helping others during their dark times by continuing to do the simple and small things.
11. Nothing More
(Eric Donnely, Timothy Warren)
A powerful call to action to treat everyone with dignity and respect, because at the end of the day, we are how we treat each other and nothing more.
12. The Parting Glass
(Traditional)
But since it falls unto my lot that I should rise and you should not, I will gently rise and softly call “Good night and joy be to you all”
Credits
Rob Hill, Bass
Jason Beek, Drums
Dave Manion, Guitars and Dobro
Bernie Reilly, Guitars
Alan Heathchock, Voice over on Lazarus / Hallelujah
Vashti Summervill, Vocals on Nothing More
Chad Summervill, Guitars, Mandolin, Keyboard, Backing Vocals and String Arrangements
Recorded at the Audio Lab Recording Studio in Boise, Idaho, except 5, 7, 12 recorded at my house with my dog Lucy.
Mixed and Mastered by Steve Fulton at the Audio Lab Recording Studio in Boise, Idaho.
Produced by Chad Summervill
Album art by Tahirih Cahill.
Photos by Randy Stepon.