The simple two-chord motif in 13/8 came to me while I was leaning against a rock by the ocean in Sayulita, Mexico, gazing at the Milky Way while playing a Baby Taylor guitar. A paradoxical sense of impermanence and timelessness (along with images of carved figurines of spirits dancing on old tombstones in a jungle graveyard) inspired the lyrics. Besides featuring Harry Manx’s soulful vocals and Deborah Holland’s haunting accompaniment, “Stars” showcases the Moog Guitar’s string-, reed-, and woodwind-mimicking abilities.
lyrics
There was a time
I loved you dearly
All those many years ago
Memories, memories
Now faint and fading
All that I have to show
Somewhere inside
A clock is ticking
Only one day to unwind
Forever, forever
An end to dreaming
When its time for me to die
But under the stars of Sayulita
Moonlight plays upon the waves
Far away, far away
From woe and worry
Spirits dance upon their graves
Even the stars
Can’t last forever
Flicker and fade into night
Galaxies, galaxies
In time collapsing
Drawn to the limitless light
But under the stars of Sayulita
A warm breeze blows upon the sand
I’m a million a million miles away
Here’s where I long to stay
credits
from Hologramatron,
released May 27, 2010
Harry Manx: vocals
Deborah Holland: vocals
Robert Powell: pedal-steel guitar, lap-steel guitar
Michael Manring: bass
Celso Alberti: drums, shaker
Rick Walker: congas
Barry Cleveland: electric and acoustic guitar, electric and acoustic 12-string guitar, Moog Guitar
supported by 49 fans who also own “Stars of Sayulita”
Mark Wingfield is always recommended listening for fans of Jazz or Fusion guitar (among the names usually dropped you'll find Alan Holdsworth, Terje Rypdal, Pat Metheny). Nevertheless, this isn't just pure Jazz. I seem to hear more traces of progressive rock than in his other recordings, but probably that's just an early impression... Carsten Pieper
A killer live experimental rock LP from Chris Forsyth with the rhythm section of Sunwatchers, full of blistering energy. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 30, 2021