In March 2020 here in California we slid into quarantine like so much of the world. At first it just meant more binge watching and cooking at home, but after a couple of weeks of that I decided to use some of the time to compose something. Solitaire was that first piece. It’s a stylistic change from other music I’ve been writing recently, calmer and more transparent. As difficult and tragic as this lock down has been for so many, there is also a sense of peace and reflection in stepping out of the rat race for a while. I’m fortunate to be at a stage in life where inspiration and letting-go hover more or less in balance. And that’s good enough for now.
This is dedicated to my wife Roberta who’s strength, humor and goodness is there always, in good times and in bad. I’m grateful for the opportunity to make music, which can relieve and purify out of nowhere, and not do any harm at all.
Solitaire is really just a homemade folk song. It’s simple, though not exactly easy. The harmonics require care both in the left hand and the right. They’re sweet when it comes out right.
This is dedicated to my wife Roberta who’s strength, humor and goodness is there always, in good times and in bad. I’m grateful for the opportunity to make music, which can relieve and purify out of nowhere, and not do any harm at all.
Solitaire is really just a homemade folk song. It’s simple, though not exactly easy. The harmonics require care both in the left hand and the right. They’re sweet when it comes out right.
Kenny Hill
May, 2020
