A Line Nearly Broken
I have never been one to write if I felt like I had nothing to say and I suppose this alone explains my lack of artistic output in the years leading up to the release of this album. I don't regret the silence. There are too many artists who produce work that is uninspired or, even worse, formulaic and cliché. I didn't want to be guilty of stating the obvious, of representing human emotions over-simply or of pretending to have it all figured out. Trust me, I'm as clueless as most people.
They say that blues music is the sound of a good man feeling bad and I think there is a lot of truth to that statement (this isn't a blues CD, btw). In fact, I would suggest that the great majority of earnest, honest art is a reflection of life's difficulties. I promise the listener this much: If nothing else, the songs on this album are earnest and honest and that they were borne from life's trials and triumphs.
With the exception of "Forever" (which I composed in 1990, as a naïve 22 year-old), all the songs on "A Line Nearly Broken" were written over a twelve- to eighteen-month period in 2005/2006. I use the 3rd person perspective intentionally here because the artistic process is strangely that way for me, kind of like an out-of-body experience. I know I wrote the songs, but I wonder from where they came (and I sense the answer is God, but that is another topic altogether and one I shall presently circumnavigate). In any case, it might be more accurate to say the songs "happened" during that time.
I really didn't have a plan for the work when the collection was finished. I did feel like I had touched on some interesting musical ideas and had succeeded in veering away from my normal tendencies as a composer on some of the new tunes. I also felt I had done some of my best work to date with lyric writing.
I had worked with Chad Sauerwein in the late 90's on the composition of a series of rock songs inspired by Tom Robbins' novel, "Still Life With Woodpecker" and I always trusted his musical sensibilities. With no intention in mind other than to gather the observations of a musically-trained colleague, I contacted Chad and asked if he was willing to suffer through a hearing of my new material. He graciously accepted.
The rest, as they say, is history. I am happy to report that Chad liked the material (I hope he still does) and that he expressed a strong desire to see the songs fully realized. Most importantly, he indicated his willingness to contribute to the recording of the material. The CD project got underway shortly thereafter, with Chad providing bass guitar and percussion arrangements and contributing in myriad other ways in the studio. If this music has a heartbeat, it is because Chad put it there.
"A Line Nearly Broken" is the result of nine months of tough work in the studio. It is a testament to what two guys can do with enough technology, enough persistence, the support of loved ones and a large dose of luck.
I hope you enjoy it, but more than anything I hope you find it to be earnest.
"A Line Nearly Broken" is the result of the combined talents of the following:
MARK ADAM TRIMPEY – lead and backing vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards, orchestrations
CHAD SAUERWEIN – backing vocals, bass guitar, percussion sequencing, rhythm section arrangements
All songs © 2010 Mark Adam Trimpey (BMI)
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What Listeners Are Saying
"A lovely pop voice and slick, sophisticated arrangements shine on this album by Mark Adam Trimpey. Still, over acoustic strums or arty funk, Trimpey's lyrics rarely veer from earnest introspection..."
"Deep, emotional, soulful and melancholy... "
"...Trimpey speaks to an aspect of human experience that many of us will live through, in a way that is both poignant and painful..."
"...far-ranging in style and mood...just when you think you know what this CD is all about it turns you around 180 degrees...certainly full of intrigue..."
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