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Written by: Jeff Oxenford, 2004

Performed by: Jeff Oxenford (guitar),
Julie O'Brian (vocals), Mary Ann Amari (vocals)

Inspiration

We had just returned from a 3 day river trip on the Colorado River sponsored by Swallow Hill Music Association and led by Centennial Canoe Company. This trip included a variety of excellent musicians including the duo Small Potatoes (see them if you get the chance!!). After 3 days of playing, singing and listening to amazing music, it was easy to write this song.  

Process

I had just taken a class on chords beyond the first position taught by Jeff Klein at Swallow Hill. The class focused on using triads (three note chords) on the B, G and D strings. Playing around with these chords, a number of melodies emerged, including this one. I added a few extra notes on top of the triads for melody.

I had also been inspired one of Small Potatoes’ songs. The song had at least four distinctive parts, two types of verses, a chorus, and a bridge. The second set of verses was what interested me (sometimes referred to as a pre-chorus). It changed chords and repeated some lines but it wasn't exactly the same like a chorus.  For example, the first two lines in my second verses (V2) are:

V2 (1)                                      V2 (2)

Peace in the Canyon                 Peace on the river

Music all around                       Music all around

The overall pattern of the song is:

Intro

V, V, V2, C

V, V2, C

B, C, C

Outro

(V= verse, V2 second verse form, C chorus, B bridge)

When I sing this it’s quieter and more soulful. With Julie and Mary Ann singing (the version I attached here), the energy level went way up and took on a new character. It really shows how a song can change with quality vocalists.

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