Sometime in 2016 James invited me to record a CD of songs that I had written over the past dozen years or so. He has a studio and a log home in Brookfield, Nova Scotia, Canada on a four-acre wood lot with a pond and a guest cottage; it’s a delightful place to make music.

I jumped at the opportunity because for a guy in his seventies you don’t get a lot of chances to record your stuff... if any! James is not only a multi-talented musician, he is a son of whom I'm immensely proud; wise beyond his years, compassionate, loving, supportive in every way, and extraordinary in more ways than I can relate. I was thrilled that he would ask me.

May 5-11, 2017 saw us in the studio for the first time laying down tracks that would make up The Brookfield Sessions. However, given our various commitments, it would take another year to complete the project (November 10-18, 2018). I was led gently by James into the digital world of recording techniques, mixing, and other wizardry unheard of in my day. Any ability I had as a musician (never much) had grown raggedy over the years but, thankfully, my voice held up (sort of) and it was a joy to collaborate with James and evolve a motley collection of songs into...well, something! James' creativity and musicianship was central to the whole endeavour and his tasteful, artistic mind is stamped all over the CD.

This album is my gift to you because at some time, somewhere, somehow, you have been a part of my life and I humbly thank you for being so. If there's something here that you can relate to, that evokes a memory, or maybe there's something you'd like to share with others, that would make my day. I'm sure it would make James' day too. Enjoy.

Special thanks to James, Anne & Alder for their hospitality and kindness and to Barbara and Julia for their support and encouragement in bringing the project to completion.

Barry Hill, November 2018