SHAWN KIRCHNER: Meet Me on the Mountain

Shawn Kirchner

Meet Me on the Mountain

© 2008 Shawn Kirchner Publishing (796873016070)

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Brilliant bluegrass and soulful country/folk come together in this album of original songs inspired by the film "Brokeback Mountain" and performed by top LA musicians.

notes

MEET ME ON THE MOUNTAIN is the latest link in a chain of inspiration that began with Annie Proulx’s brilliant short story "Brokeback Mountain." Adapted by Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry into an Oscar-winning screenplay, the story was brought to the screen by director Ang Lee and into the hearts of millions through the deeply affecting performances he coaxed from the film’s stellar cast – most notably Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Williams, and Anne Hathaway.

Says songwriter Shawn Kirchner: “'Brokeback Mountain' made a huge impact on me, both personally and artistically. I’ve heard many people say they felt similarly to me: for days afterward I couldn’t shake the feeling the film left me with. I felt like I wanted to respond, but out of respect, I didn’t want to touch it – since the film was such a complete expression in itself. So I started writing lyrics to Gustavo Santaolalla’s beautiful main theme of the soundtrack.

“A wise friend said ‘You know, you’re going to have to write your own music.’ So, impulsively I wrote the phrase ‘meet me on the mountain’ at the top of the lyrics page I was working on. The next day, I set that paper on the piano, and before I knew it, I had the chorus. The verses came soon after. On a road trip a few days later, I found all kinds of ideas for other ‘Brokeback’ songs coming to me – I’d drive and sing to myself until I had enough to write down. Then I’d stop at a rest area, get it down on paper, and keep driving. After several months of intense work and inspiration, most of the songs for the album were complete. Ironically, one of the last songs I wrote was ‘Last Stand,’ which uses the ideas from the very first lyrics I was going to set to Santaolalla’s theme.”

The songs – a mix of bluegrass, country, and folk – are performed by some of LA's top players: George Doering on guitar, Gabe Witcher on violin (who also performed on the film's soundtrack), the legendary Tommy Morgan on harmonica, and Dave Stone on bass, with Kirchner on piano. The album also features mandolinist Jacob Henry Jolliff, one of bluegrass music's most talented young players. An array of versatile LA singers gives voice to the songs. Ryan Harrison lends his flawless vocalism to the male leads, while Alice Murray’s warm depth and Karen Harper’s tender poignancy bring the female leads to life. Bobbi Page, Janelle Flory Schrock, Dick Wells, and Shawn Kirchner provide backing vocals.

MEET ME ON THE MOUNTAIN was produced by Michael Geiger and Shawn Kirchner, recorded and mixed by Adam Olmsted (Sonora Recorders, Citrus Studios, and Glenwood Place Studios), and mastered by Doug Sax, with Sangwook “Sunny” Nam, at the Mastering Labs (Ojai, CA).

MEET ME ON THE MOUNTAIN is Shawn Kirchner’s “break-out” project as a songwriter, although he has been writing and performing folk and gospel songs for years. He is otherwise occupied with a successful career as a choral composer/arranger and a singer/pianist in the classical music circles of Los Angeles. Since this project, he has been busily writing songs, including a set of soon-to-be-recorded jazz tunes.

For more information, visit ShawnKirchner.com or MeetMeOnTheMountain.com

reviews

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  • The entire album...
    author: Robert Gregory

    The entire album stirred and reawakened feelings felt when I first saw the movie, Brokeback Mountain. It changed my life, the movie did, profoundly. Is a part of my daily life, literally. Your lyrics, the music and the voices of the artists singing brought life back to those first memories! Thank you so much for completing the story, Shawn!

  • Meet Me on the Mountain

    Expressive vocals combine with stong instrumentals for beuatiful, expressive music. Lyrics and music are wedded together to create a strong, insightful set of songs.

  • Nailed it, and how...
    author: Corbin Smith

    Thoughtful, serious, sometimes joyful music and lyrics that capture personality and soul in a way that might not have seemed possible or could have been trite. This is far from trite - and the performances are awesome. Great job guys!

  • Meet Me on the Mountain
    author: Alice Gardner

    Any fan of Brokeback Mountain will fall in love with this music which Shawn so brilliantly coordinated with the characters and their emotions. I love it and play it all the time. It completes the original soundtrack and goes the extra mile by incorporating lines that bring the beautiful story of Brokeback Mountain to mind. Kudos

  • Meet Me On The Mountain
    author: Mathew Howard-Houston

    The Music and Lyrics are brilliant It captures the essence of the Movie and more. Inspired and moving. 'I'll Be on My Way' is a wonderful finale - I want it played at my Transition Celebration (funeral) when I am on my way. I just have to order a couple more copies for friends.

  • Loved it!
    author: Natasha M.

    Thank you Shawn for making this CD. All the wongs are wonderful and directly related to the movie I love: Brokeback Mountain. The lyrics are meaningful and the music very moving.

  • Meet Me On The Mountain
    author: Nathan

    The track, "Meet Me on the Mountain", the line, "The open sky was always on our side, it never asked us why." Is so perfect. This line is Brokeback Mountain all summed up in one line. From the track, "I Wouldn't Be Bitter", the line, "How can a man of such few words be a poet?” What a perfect line describing Ennis Del Mar. This album is spot on. Those who have been affect by Brokeback Mountain will truly get the full affects of these songs. Thank you. Thank you for making this album.

  • The album is simply amazing- music that sticks with me throughout the day, yet still moves me every time I listen to it.

  • Meet Me on the Mountain
    author: Doris H. Dunham

    This album combines the best of the best: Shawn's talent as a musician, the beautiful singing of Ryan,Alice, Karen, Janelle, Bobbi, Dick, and, of course, Shawn himself. It also beautifully portrays the moods of the film which is its inspiration. The lyrics are open and affirming of lifestyles which are not always acceptable but which exist in our society and are often loving, beautiful, partnerships. Even my 15 year old granddaughter loves this cd, so it crosses generations in its appeal musically and in its messages. Thanks, Shawn, and all of the musicians for sharing your gifts with us. This is a masterpiece!

  • author
    author: Daniel J. McRoberts

    What great words and what great music. I have heard Shawn and Ryan perform in person and they have what it takes to become great artists. They have a wonderful message for the marginalized people of the world. The music justs flows. I have given a CD to several friends and need to get somemore to share. Thanks for sharing your deep feelings about life.

  • MEET ME ON THE MOUNTAIN
    author: Sandy Bosserman

    This masterful music speaks with us and for us in many ways and on many levels, some of which we are able, as cultures and as families, to own, and some we do not. I have shared it with family and friends and continue to hope that it helps to guide us to new, authentic, and honest days and years. Thanks to Shawn for his sharing the enormous gift he possesses, within and without!

  • Inspired and inspiring
    author: Ken Gould

    I don't usually go for "country music", but these texts are so powerful and the melodies so singable, I find myself listening again and again. Kirchner has a finely tuned harmonic intuition and applies it with incredible finesse. The musicians are all top-notch, and their joy making this music is audible and palpable. It's a special feeling to have heard this before it hits the charts, since I have no doubt that this will make it BIG!

  • Mr.
    author: Jon Flory Schrock

    "Haunting" has a little bit of a negative connotation to be, but the I find myself humming the tunes even days later and love the lyrics' messages. The songs can be very meaningful to people who have seen or aren't familiar with "Broke Back Mountain".

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