"Calls from the Wood" is a phrase that came to me with a few different layers of meaning: First there is the call out to the forest, to dance in the wild under the stars. On second thought - many musical instruments are made of wood, including the drums which I play throughout this EP, so the "calls" can be thought of as the voices of these instruments. Then there are the qualities of wood itself as a material: solid, organic, rooted in the earth, taking a long time to grow to maturity. I hope you enjoy my latest foray into traditional melodies and rhythmic explorations!

On this EP I explore six melodies from Scotland and England, some dating back to the Renaissance, expanding upon them with framedrum and tamborine rhythms, deep analog bass, and winding melodic solo passages. The music is a chronicle of my latest musical journeys and an offering for dance and celebration.

The Music : In this album I explore nine melodies of old times and interpret them as a drummer and instrumentalist, offering them to present-day dancers to inspire movement and play. Tunes from Scotland, Ireland, England and medieval Germany ride on the rhythmic energy of frame drums, tamborines, and deep bass. It is my most organic and “earthy” music to date, and contains nothing sampled or remixed - all sounds herein are my own work with acoustic and virtual instruments.

The Cover and Title : Inspired by the runes Beorc (Berkano, birch tree) and Ing (Ingwaz, Frey) the cover has nine birch leaves around interlaced branches. In the center is a fusion of the two runes, both symbols of new life, creation, and rebirth. The title comes from the (highly recommended) “Runes” app by Kari Tauring; in describing the birch-tree rune she writes: “If you climb nine branches high, you can talk to the spirits”

May all beings have their renewal and rebirth - blessed be.