The theme behind the cover artwork is as follows: “He recently lost his job as a computer programmer and now he won’t be able to buy that new car or that lap-top. But so what? He still has his health and what can be more important than that? He just finished a picnic lunch of fried chicken, a fresh tomato, some potato salad, washed down with an ice cold soda and topped off with a slice of apple pie. And now he’s ready for that re-
freshing dip in the surf!”

There has been much discussion, both positive and negative, about the cover of this CD, largely centered around two basic criticisms: (1) that the cover theme is irrelevant as far as “Americana” is concerned, and (2) that the explanation on the back of the cover is depressing. Let me make the following personal observations:

(1) The ultimate purpose of this CD is not necessarily to portray patriotism (despite the fact that the colors are “red, white and blue”). The word “Americana”, in this particular context, is meant to apply specifically to the wide variety of the music included in this project...with the intent, hopefully, of reaching people of all ages.

(2) The story line, if one stops to think about it, does reflect the current events in today’s world. It relates to job loss, unemployment due to downsizing, outsourcing, etc. (“He recently lost his job as a computer programmer...”) And don’t forget...his picnic lunch is typically “Americana”, consisting, in part, of fried chicken and apple pie...and what could be more “Americana” than that? Health and exercise are very much in evidence in today’s television, radio, newspaper and magazine advertising (“He still has his health and what can be more important than that...and now he’s getting ready for that refreshing dip in the surf”). Is all this considered depressing?

(3) Painting the beach scene, to me, was a labor of love. I miss the ocean, living here in the Midwest as I do. I have flown over the Pacific Ocean...I have sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, bathed in the Dead Sea...also sailed in the Mediterranean. This painting (three-dimensional) included a rock and pieces of wood (simulating drift wood) picked up in my neighborhood while walking my dog. The “picket fence” consisted of broken popsicle sticks, painted red. The plants were also picked during my daily walks with my schnauzer, JR. I also wanted to include a reference to my “alma mater”, TWA...notice those letters on the airplane flying over the ocean! And...in memory of our honeymoon voyage to England on the Queen Mary...I purposely included a cruise ship on the horizon!

That said, I hope that the above dispels any thoughts of “irrelevance” and “depression”.