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Family Tree (2004–2007), Original Songs Played With Family
All music and lyrics by Joel Hill unless otherwise noted
Viaticus
I wrote Viaticus at the request of my step-daughter Emily for her wedding. The term Viaticus is Latin for “pertaining to a journey” and as such draws on Emily’s Catholic heritage. The two notes representing souls that begin the piece separately are entwined throughout the various stages of their journey together. The first stage, courting, is light and upbeat and is followed by their commitment to each other as expressed through the vows they gave on their wedding day. The final stage, ascension, blends the souls that began the journey separately, for eternity.
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Move On
My mother, Martha Hasseltine DeHart Hill Goins, has left us, but she will be back. Upon her deathbed, she challenged me to meet her on the steps of the Virginia State Capitol Building, which was designed by her former husband Thomas Jefferson, after she passed away to prove her point of view. She reminded me that I have not complied with her wishes. I am sure she's ready to "Move On." I, as the song suggests, have cheated death at least three times. So perhaps, I am not ready my self to "Move On."
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Silvertone
My sister, brother and I grew up in a bi-polar musical environment. Our mother was a classical pianist and our father enjoyed the old Appalachian folk tunes. We’d frequently wake up on any given morning to our mother’s unique interpretation of a Chopin Sonata on the baby grand and be lulled asleep that very same night to Dad’s cultural counter attack on the old Sears Silvertone to tunes like “Here Rattler Here,” “The Wreck of the Ol’ 97” and “Father Dear Father.” “Silvertone” was written as a tribute to Dad and his Silvertone and was presented to him at the celebration of his 80th birthday.
*(Guitar/Drums - Joel Hill, Bass - Greg Cavinder)
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Hammerhead
Hammerhead is a term of endearment that I use to reference my two boys, Thomas & Kevin who, along with their cousins, exemplify the spirit of the “hammerhead.” Hammerheaded behaviors and activities can’t be fully explained except through the phrase, “What the Hell were they thinking?”
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Big Sister
Ellie
Eloise, an Airedale, is a beloved family pet and the sister of Rude Rudy – bless his heart. I feel like the tempo and bounce of the song captures Eloise’s spirit and demeanor thus the name. “Eloise” is my first attempt at writing and recording a traditional bluegrass tune.
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Rudy
Rudolph, Eloise's little brother, became a household family member around Christmas and was named after the famous reindeer. There were only two speeds that Rudy knew; on & off. On one of his more infamous "on" days, Rudolph (Rudy) managed to knock over my brand new Gibson ES-335 electric guitar and broke the neck completely in two. Having survived the incident, Rude Rudy Records was born.
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