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Tyre Tracks & Broken Hearts

by Donna Dean

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1.
Verse Born in a circus tent mother held me to her breast tried to keep me warm fighting for a chance to survive circumstance never letting go Chorus Oh deep inside the bones Oh circus is the only life I know Verse Eighteen seen the world no keeps a circus girl distracted for long tyre tracks and broken hearts nothing but an empty park when the tent is gone Chorus Oh deep inside the bones Oh circus is the only life I know Verse Ticket stand at fifty five don’t complain done my time on swings and tightropes have a daughter and a son work the big top neither one I can tell has high hopes Chorus Oh deep inside the bones Oh circus is the only life I know
2.
Twister 03:11
he looked up from her body put his hand to his head saw the blood on his fingers I knew that she was dead she was lying on a pillow of butter yellow lace her golden hair all crimson crushed across her face why’d you do it John take her life like that she was all I had you knew that why’d you do it John take her life like that she was all I had I want my mother back she was kind and simple he was cold and sad he’d rage like a twister when me and my mother laughed when he started drinking he’d call my mother names then when he got fired he said she was to blame
3.
Banjo Mac 03:17
life was simple when I was a kid I played in a big back yard I’d wake up in the morning to my mama’s smile got to sleep to the sound of her guitar You could almost hit a home run to my grand-daddy’s house we’d all gather there our little family band grand-daddy played the banjo and an old lap steel that he made out of wood with his hands time keeps moving nothing stays the same and I know there’s no going back but I still miss the sound of my mama’s guitar and the songs of Banjo Mac they called him Banjo Mac I heard all the stories ‘bout when he was a sailor he’d bring all the boys back home they’d drink a lot rum pick late into the night fill the kitchen with old sailing songs
4.
Crossroads 04:06
I was rollin' I was flyin' high cards were fallin' from out of the sky I was way up on top of the game I could see like an eagle hold my hand in the flame I knew I had it the moment was mine it was all so clear so frozen in time I was about to lay it down was about to let it fly when from across the room somebody caught my eye now you can find a crossroads make you a deal take a chance spin the wheel strike a bargain for what you think you need but you’re gonna get cut and you’re gonna bleed I got a little nervous I hedged my bet I started thinkin' bout things that hadn't happened yet I saw the instant I lost my edge tryin' to balance out on the ledge he slid on in slipped me a name it didn't mean nothin' but I knew just the same he had what I wanted he made it sound right said I knew where to meet him just before midnight now I know some people who sold their souls to the devil and they don't sound nothin' like Robert Johnson
5.
I still wanna go down to Texas do you still wanna go said lack of money wouldn't affect us but it's really taken its toll got this ring my sister gave me I could get a little cash when we make some money down in Houston we could come buy it back put on your boots we're goin' to Texas you know it's hot down there put out your thumb we're goin' to Texas things didn't work out here but how about Texas we could drive around in a Chevy pick-up listen to the radio sing-a-long to Bob and the Texas playboys Rose of San Antone let's not wait another minute there's nothin' here for us I'll trade this little diamond while you pack things up
6.
his eyesight is fading his hearing is short his knees give him trouble whenever he walks the one that he lived for has been gone a year he hopes every morning soon he’ll follow there It isn’t a trophy or win he remembers but the hand that he held one sweet, warm September his heart was lost with the very first kiss he never imagined the ending like this long time gone all that worked for the years that he spent a crumbling body is all there is left except for a longing so deep and strong to be with the one made his life a song
7.
heard Robeeta was leavin' I heard it all before I never thought she would ever be free from under the spell of that boy he took her there at 16 years old out where rattle snakes slide to a lonely hilltop cabin where he buried two other brides oh Robeeta keep runnin' don't look back as you go one little hesitation you'll be laid down low he took his gun and his shovel drove along the back road certain that he would find her nobody, nowhere would know she heard his wheels turnin' saw the dust rising high tightly her hands held together Robeeta looked up towards the sky Robeeta's heart was a big bass drum pounding in her chest as she struggled to break free pretty buttons flew from her dress he caught sight of her green eyes raised his pistol to fire out of nowhere a rattler took him down in his stride
8.
If there’s a hole you’ll find me in it I have always been a sinner don’t go fallin’ at my feet If there’s a rule that can be broke find me swingin’ on that rope don’t go fallin’ at my feet I am broken but not bad a little crazy a little sad don’t go fallin’ at my feet coz I’ll do all kinds of things you will never comprehend don’t go fallin’ at my feet find somebody else to give your lovin’ to you’ll be disappointed in the things I do If there’s a hole you’ll find me in it I take advice and bend it don’t go fallin’ at my feet you know a fire starts where friction makes a spark don’t go fallin’ at my feet If there’s a hole you’ll find me in it I have always been a sinner don’t go fallin’ at my feet If there’s a rule that can be broke find me swingin’ on that rope don’t go fallin’ don’t go fallin’ please don’t go fallin’ don’t go fallin’ at my feet
9.
there’s a breeze in the air and a bird on the wing and she carries your heart in her song the years have rolled by like the clouds in the sky now it looks like the rain’s comin’ on puppy love shines from above and it waits for you when you get old stays by your side just along for the ride when all you want is a friend’s hand to hold so sing a lullaby don’t let your poor heart break down and cry no matter how you try it’s so hard to say goodbye So close your sad eyes and think about good things and don’t be too hard on your heart. ‘cause when hard times surround you there’ll be love all around you and we’ll never be too far apart
10.
Shelter 02:26
he was drinking tequila and talkin' bout God I was trying to forget someone I left behind the music was playin' we danced for a while there on the dance floor got lost in his eyes I knew what he meant when he said that he stumbled through life sounds a lot like me I let go to the longing in his smile we all need shelter on a dark night I woke in the morning he wasn't there I guess there was something someone waiting somewhere he never told me I never asked we knew it was one night it wouldn't last
11.
down the hall staring at an old magazine Henry waits for the shower nurse to get him clean it's been a long, long time since he ran along the beach or through a girls’ hair with his hand on the wall pictures of his children and grandchildren they say they come visit when they're not busy it's been a long, long time since he ran the printing press out at the old abandoned factory who will come by today who will go away Henry sees the hands on the clock moving round little yellow pills help to drown it out it's been a long, long time since he ran his check account now it's all in attorney's hands down the hall flippin’ through an old magazine Mary waits, waits
12.
It'd be easy to get stoned while my baby's waiting at home take your hand swing a little more get real close on the dance floor now hard would it be looking my baby in the eye it already feels like I got somethin' to hide you're as sweet as Krispy Kreme but I know when it's time to leave don't get out much like before I got kids, I barely sleep at all when I get a little time out it's easy to forget myself

about

Working on “Tyre Tracks & Broken Hearts”

It’s not often you get the chance to work with an artist like Donna Dean. She’s every producer’s dream, with singing and songwriting chops, a keen sense of performance, and an undeniable ability to touch people. Add in a strong work ethic, and the fact that she’s a lovely person, and your job as producer is mostly done for you.

We recorded without high tech gimmicks; Donna simply sat down in the studio with Marcel Rodeka, John Dodd, and me (a few pickers) (rhythm section) and played the songs, one by one. For you engineer wireheads, the tracks were recorded with only 7 or 8 microphones, total; drums and all. Her reference vocals are what you hear. No overdubs there; she just sang the songs and played her guitar, and we kept those takes.

Add to these tracks the brilliant work of musicians from around the world, such as Albert Lee, Amos Garrett, Redd Volkaert, Gurf Morlix, Jane Clark, Rob Bird-Robinson; combine them with a bunch of excellent New Zealand musicians, and you really can’t go wrong. Your job as producer becomes one of facilitator, instead.

Donna Dean is a true New Zealand hidden treasure, a bounty that’s about to be discovered by the rest of the world. Her songs are little pictures that live in between the cracks, in those small places we all recognize as part of ourselves. They take us down the backroads of our lives, away from the crowded highways of mainstream music.

This is Kiwiana at its best.

John Egenes
December, 2012

credits

released December 10, 2012

Donna Dean Song Credits:
AG: Acoustic Guitar
EG: Electric Guitar
Man: Mandolin
Dob: Dobro
PS: Pedal Steel
HV: Harmony Vocal

Marcel Rodeka: drums
John Dodd: bass

Banjo Mac:
Marcel Rodeka: drums
John Dodd: bass Donna Dean: AG, Voc
John Egenes: AG, Man, Dob
Gunther Flutney: HV
Rob Bird-Robinson: EG
Mike Moroney: HV

Crossroads
Marcel Rodeka: drums
John Dodd: bass
Donna Dean: AG, Voc
John Egenes: AG, Man, Dob
Gurf Morlix: EG, Voc

Don’t Go Fallin’
Marcel Rodeka: drums
John Dodd: bass
Donna Dean: AG, Voc
John Egenes: Fingerpick Guit, Man, Dob
Jane Clark: Fiddle
Lynn Vare: HV
Dave Coleclough: HV

Long Time Gone
Marcel Rodeka: drums
John Dodd: bass
Donna Dean Voc
John Egenes: AG, Man, PS
Gunther Flutney: Banjo
Jane Clark: Violins
Amos Garrett: EG

Pretty Buttons
Marcel Rodeka: drums
John Dodd: bass
Donna Dean: AG, Voc
John Egenes: AG, Man, Weissenborn, HV
Gunther Flutney: Accordion
Jane Clark: Fiddle
Lynn Vare: HV



Shelter
Marcel Rodeka: drums
John Dodd: bass
Donna Dean: AG, Voc
John Egenes: AG, Man, PS
Gunther Flutney: HV
Jane Clark: Fiddle
Rob Bird-Robinson: EG
Dave Coleclough: HV

Sing A Lullaby
Marcel Rodeka: drums
John Dodd: bass
Donna Dean: Voc
John Egenes: AG
Gunther Flutney: HV
Jane Clark: Fiddle
Amos Garrett: EG
Lynn Vare: HV

Long Long Time
Marcel Rodeka: drums
John Dodd: bass
Donna Dean: AG, Voc
John Egenes: Man, PS
Jane Clark: Fiddle
Albert Lee: EG

Twister
Marcel Rodeka: drums
John Dodd: bass
Donna Dean: AG, Voc
John Egenes: AG, Man, PS, HV
Gunther Flutney: Banjo
Lynn Vare: HV

When It’s Time To Leave
Marcel Rodeka: drums
John Dodd: bass
Donna Dean: Voc
John Egenes: AG, PS
Gunther Flutney: Accordion
Anna Bowen: Fiddles
Redd Volkaert: EG
Dave Coleclough: HV
Read Hudson: HV

Tyre Tracks
Marcel Rodeka: drums
John Dodd: bass
Donna Dean: Voc
John Egenes: PS, Man,
Gunther Flutney: Hi Strung AG
Jane Clark: Fiddle
Albert Lee: EG
Read Hudson: HV
Dave Coleclough: HV

How About Texas
Marcel Rodeka: drums
John Dodd: bass
Donna Dean: AG, Voc
John Egenes: 12 Str AG, PS, HV
Gunther Flutney: Accordion
Jane Clark: Fiddle
Redd Volkaert: EG
Lynn Vare: HV
Read Hudson: HV


Recorded by Mike Holland and Danny Buchanan
at Albany St. Studios, University of Otago, Dunedin, NZ between 18th and 22nd June 2012.

Additional Recording:
Albert Lee was recorded by JT Thomas at Johnny’s Room, Reseda, California USA
Rob Bird-Robinson was recorded by Jerry Pike at Pikefish Studio, Santa Barbara, California USA
Redd Volkaert was recorded by Joe Carroll at TreeHouse Productions, Austin, Texas USA
Jane Clark was recorded by Jane Clark at Honey Badger Studio, Copenhagen, Denmark
Gurf Morlix was recorded by Gurf Morlix at Rootball Studio, Austin, Texas USA
Amos Garret was recorded by Keith Smith, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Produced by John Egenes in association with New Zealand Music Industry Centre (NZMiC)

Mixed by John Egenes at Albany St. Studios, Dunedin. Additional editing done at Red Planet Studio, Port Chalmers, NZ
Mastering by David Glasser at Airshow Mastering, Boulder, Colorado USA

All songs written by Donna Dean JAYMAC Publishing/APRA/AMCOS except -
Sing A Lullaby by John Egenes, Delta Vee Music, BMI
Crossroads by Gurf Morlix. Crankbait Music/SESAC/Administered by Bug Music
Banjo Mac by Bill Chambers & Donna Dean Mushroom Music Publishing

Photography and cover art by Alberto Ovalle @ Luna Park & Valley Lake, Melbourne. Vic. Australia.
www.albertoovalle.com

Thanks:
I’m continually grateful for the amazing opportunities in my life. I’ve been fortunate to have had support from some wonderful people during the making of this album. It was made with the generosity of good friends who believed in the songs and me.
John Egenes’ faith in me, his guidance and direction made it easy to give my best to each track. He set up the former radio broadcasting studio with just a few mics, comfy sofas, rugs and lighting, creating the perfect atmosphere for recording the rhythm tracks live, and there we introduced the songs to John Dodd and Marcel Rodeka. This was by far the most satisfying and fun recording experience I’ve had yet.

Special thanks to Gurf Morlix, Albert Lee, Redd Volkaert and Amos Garrett for bringing your unique styles and signature to the songs.

Thanks to John Egenes for giving your all to this album, educating me on how well ambience and art can complement one another, for your unwavering enthusiasm and, to my great joy, bringing Gurf Morlix to the mix.
Special thanks also to Reinhard Potschinski for introducing me to Albert Lee, Redd Volkaert and Amos Garrett. I’m honoured to have these musical heroes of mine on this album together with outstanding performances from John Egenes, John Dodd, Marcel Rodeka, Jane Clark, Rob Bird-Robinson, Mike Moroney, Read Hudson, Gunther Flutney, Lynn Vare and Anna Bowen.
Thanks to Mike Holland and Danny Buchanan for capturing it all with true sincerity.

And a big thank you to those who gave their support in other ways. Brett Osborn, Kathryn Olcott, Erika Pearson, Alberto Ovalle, Les Thomas, Lena Days, Graham Downes, Simon Burt and Glenda & Phil Rogers. Your friendship and kindness sustain me the way only true generosity can.

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Donna Dean Auckland, New Zealand

Donna wrote the title track of 2010 Grammy nominated Bluegrass album 'Destination Life' recorded by America's Rhonda Vincent. Her last 2 albums won N.Z 'Best Of'' industry awards. She has worked alongside America's song writing and music legends Don McLean, Dan Penn, Spooner Oldham, The Amazing Rhythm Aces, Albert Lee, Willie Nelson, Burt Jansch, Amos Garrett, Gurf Morlix & Redd Volkaert. ... more

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