posted May 22, 2001 02:59 AM         

As a poet, I was disappointed to know I wasn't going to connect with you on Phantom Moon.

What a pleasant surprise to listen to Phantom Moon, and appreciate the incredible resonance in your voice, and the depth of talent you possess as a musician.

You gave me the gift of a new perspective,and that is priceless.

I enjoy Steven Saters lyrics, but miss the connecton I feel when you write. You are a talented poet, as well as an amazing musician and gifted singer.

Please don't stop writing. Your words are food for the soul.

A devoted fan,

posted May 22, 2001 10:51 AM            

I think one thing that an artist such as Duncan must do is to develop good storytelling skills. I feel this is essential for any singer. When they sing a song, no matter if they wrote it, co-wrote it, or didnt have anything to do with its development, that they sing it as if they were experiencing the song for themselves. If I see that they believe it, then I believe it, and then I get to experience the song for myself.

But also realize that when duncan writes a song, they are probably not 100% autobiographical. He might have written a particular love torn ballad when he wasnt in a relationship at the time. He could have just had an emotion in his heart, created a hypothetical illusive girlfriend, and wrote about her. The song came from a true place inside he wished to share. How can I ask for a gift greater than that?

Steven did a fantastic job with lyrics. I could sing his praises for days. Realize that he had to write songs within the boundries of play. He had to incorporate emotions and voices of characters, who are also not 100% autobiographical.

I wonder why you feel that you can only have that connection with a singer who signs his name to the bottom of songs. Would you have known Duncan did not write this album if he didnt state Steven's involvement from the very beginning?

posted May 22, 2001 03:35 PM         

Thank you for your insightful reply. Yes I realize that when an artist creates, the experience isn't always autobiographical. I understand that the thought or feeling comes, and then the artist uses his experience, whether it is a reality or takes place in the mind only.

I must admit, I was told Duncan did not write the lyrics, before I listened to Phantom Moon. I just listened to Phantom Moon after you posed the question of whether I would have known that Duncan did not write the lyrics, by just listening. I was able to have an open mind this time, and I would not have been able to distinguish his writing from Steven Saters.

Thank you for opening my mind, and allowing me a new perspective. I believe music is so important in life. Music creates moods, moods make moments, and moments are all we have.

Thanks for the gift,

posted May 22, 2001 06:18 PM            

I must admit I was worried when I learned that Duncan would not be singing his own lyrics for PM, because I wasnt sure how he could sing another person's words with that same liquid pleasure I have come to love. But within one listen of the album, I was plesantly suprised. I felt that he translated Steven's words into music beautifully. Most importantly with style and grace that I have yet to see with Duncan's past recordings. He just nailed it.

posted July 06, 2001 05:05 PM            

I never knew how hard it was to sing "Phantom Moon" until I sang it.

These are some very complex lyrics you have there; very deep thoughts and pictures.

Where will you take us next?

Truly yours.