Nelson Graham | Graham & Company

"Grassroots music" here means original creation, independently produced, a variety of styles and content. Down to earth. Not to mention, just plain fun.

Recorded LIVE at Randy's Recording in Cottage Grove, this collection of original and standard songs stands out as a "LIVE" recording. In relatively few sessions, the musicians met in the studio to record in one or two "takes," some high quality entertainment.

The new album features the title song, "You Look Like Your Dog" and classic country standards like, "He'll Have to Go" and "Make the World Go Away" mad famous by Jim Reeves in the 1950's.

"The Auction" is a haunting tune inspired by a local Wisconsin dairy farm auction of cows and heifers in the spring of 2003 and has brought tears to the eyes of many listeners...... "Camaguey" is a song introducing people to the people and scenes of Madison, Wisconsin's Sister City, Camaguey, Cuba where Graham has travelled several times. 
"I've got a home" is an original in an old gospel style about hope and challenge. Remakes of "Vincent" and "Let that Pony Run" are messages about this artist's life, along with "Midnight Ramblin" about well-intentioned resolutions to live a better life.

Other tunes tell plenty about the artist's life like, "Too Many T-Shirts," referring to inability to throw away the precious shirts, "The Shoe", an observation in the life of a country worker and "He Sings for His Lover" a favorite about the inspiration recieved from a backyard cardinal in the spring.

The artwork and photography on the jewel case are an important part of the entire project, emphasizing the original artistic emphasis of the album, and the unique contributions of all people to our lives.

THE MUSICIANS:
Johnny Widdecombe, well-known in the Madison area for his versitile string bass and voice ability. Johnny has played with Piper Road for many years. Johnny sings "Curly Road," which he learned from an old-timer named, Shorty, in Chicago years ago.
Tom Dehlinger, also accomplished dobro and acoustic guitarist is also a long-time Madison favorite highly regarded lead guitarist, with a reputation for excellent guitar skills and sterling intrepretations of classic guitar solos.
Lind Christensen adds her accordion to "Loch Lomond" a traditional Scottish tune from around 1745.
Anne Conzemius and Jaime Zimmerman add well-trained and delivered voices to "Camaguey" and "Henry My Son."

THE VISUAL ARTISTS:
Front cover art by Linda Leighton, Higher Fire Clay Studio, Madison, Wisconsin.
Sketch drawings by Jan Neudeck, Madison, WI
Photographs of Morna Foy & Emily Dog and nephew, Quinn by Colleen Foy Sterling.
Acrylic design on guitar by Brogan Graham, used to record, "The Auction"
Wood sculpture of black bear by George D. Graham