I wrote this tune late ’95/early ’96: I don’t remember exactly when, but it was during my brief stay in Cincinnati, OH. It arose from playing the first two notes harmonized with minor triads (G min – F min), while imagining John Scofield’s growly tone. At the time, I had his group with Joe Lovano, Bill Stewart and Dennis Erwin very much in my head, so perhaps it has a bit of that spirit (though I feel it’s a bit less so on the bridge).

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I think this is one of my more lyrical melodies, but my muse has always excused itself whenever I’ve attempted to put words to it. I welcome any songwriters, budding or experienced, to make a try. Remember that this is licensed under Creative Commons 3.0; so just mention me as the composer, if you have occasion to, and otherwise have at it! If it helps – or more likely doesn’t help! – I’ve always imagined the last 3 notes of the 2nd A section going with “not a-gain”; and whenever I think of the first 4 notes of the first A, I still reflexively think “It’s not ea-sy” (which feels a bit awkward to sing; but maybe that’s a good thing). That’s about all I got.