Releases

“A Moment”

“A Moment” is a collection of 9 songs recorded over many years by Tim Lake and a very talented cast of musical friends. Showcasing Lake’s breadth as a songwriter, 4 & 5-string banjo player and guitarist, this album portrays lives as diverse as a successful person who is uneasy among his peers (“The Achiever’s Ball”) to a perfectionist who can’t make peace with himself (“A Perfectionist”). The title song, “A Moment,” describes an artist who rises early trying to catch the majesty and magic of the moment when the sunrise expands the horizon and ‘kisses the land hoping for his understanding to expand.’ Recorded live in the studio, this duet offers the sparse instrumentation of Lake’s guitar and vocal bolstered by the piano virtuosity of Jay Flippin creating the perfect musical foil to convey the painter’s story. “Sailing Again” offers a glimpse into a late night jazz club as the torch singer pines for a lost love hoping someday to go sailing again. The final song, “The Me Generation” is an sociological a Capella exploration of the lack of harmony created when eight different voices all insist on singing in their own key because each person thinks that they are the ‘truth and the light.’ This album is a poignant portrayal of the lives and feelings that are universal to us all conveyed through Lake’s fine songwriting and outstanding musical performances by him and his supporting cast. Padraig Records, LLC is proud to add it to our catalog.

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“Portraits Of Japan”

“Portraits Of Japan” is a collection of 13 songs recorded over many years by Tim Lake and a very talented cast of Kentucky and Japanese friends. Showcasing Lake’s breadth as a 5-string banjo player and songwriter, this album covers many Japanese classics along with Lake’s compositions inspired by his many wonderful sojourns through Japan. Serving as the centerpiece of the project, the introductory tune “Rokudan Breakdown” is Lake’s original 5-string banjo composition complimented and brought to life by the outstanding performance of his friend and one of Japan’s greatest shakuhachi players Kuniyoshi Sugawara. Lake’s “Home In Hokkaido” examines the unlikely life of a Kentucky girl who finds her true destiny in Hokkaido, Japan while his “At The Foot Of Mt. Fuji” communicates the spellbinding effect Mount Fuji has on all who are lucky enough to visit. Jay Flippin adds his piano magic to these two songs. Showcasing 5-string banjo duets with koto (Tomoko Yonenaga) on “Oedo Nihonbashi” and shamisen (Ben Botiller) on “Yaoya Oshichi,” Lake is also joined by taiko drums (Takumi Kato) to provide performances by a full complement of Japanese traditional instruments. This album is not only an exceptional musical achievement, but it more importantly serves as a multicultural musical collaboration between outstanding world musicians and Padraig Records, LLC is proud to add it to our catalog.

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“Banjo Sonata”

This “Banjo Sonata” project explores two themes. First, a sonata is a classical music form that has three-movements and is often performed by a solo instrument. Movement I is in Sonata-Allegro form. Second, the word sonata means ‘to sound,’ so I decided to use the banjos that I have accumulated over the years and play (and sometimes sing) a tune reminiscent of the music from that banjo and its era. This album demonstrates the greater meaning of the term Banjo Sonata by showcasing a variety banjos and banjo sounds. There are many different types of music and banjo styles throughout this project encompassing original compositions, traditional tunes, classical pieces, and popular songs.

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“We All Need Heroes”

The purpose of this singer-songwriter/banjo recording project is twofold. First, I wanted to create a collection of original songs that would address the spiritual issues that we all confront daily during these turbulent times. Therefore, there are four songs that are inspired by the events of what is now referred to as “9/11.”

The series begins with “We All Need Heroes” (Track 4) and ends with “If Only I Was A Praying Man” (Track 7). The second objective of this recording is to explore the role of the banjo in American popular music. “It’s You” employees the four-string plectrum banjo in an early twentieth century style while unique five-string banjo accompaniments are juxtaposed with inventive solos such as the raucous banjo solo on “Who’s The Lord Get To Talk To?” (Click Play button to listen to a clip of each song on the CD.)

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“Kentucky Home”

This album was recorded live in a barn on August 8, 1998, on the J. Peterman Farm during an annual private event. It was performed live by Ken Holbrook, James Moore, and myself, and recorded digitally on location by Bill Johnson, W.H. Johnson Co. The song selection is very representative of the music from my home state of Kentucky and is my first recording of predominantly traditional music. I am very happy with the performances on this recording (playing background banjo and singing the correct words at the same time can be a daunting task) and we at Padraig Records are glad to add this collection of primarily traditional music to our catalog.

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“Live in Tokyo, Japan”

Padraig Records/Audio Park Records  (PAD35442CD/APCD-2005) Available on Compact Disk.

“Live in Tokyo, Japan” is the latest release by Tim Lake and showcases his live solo show on banjo and vocal with guest appearances by two of Tokyo’s fine traditional musicians, Shofu Yoneya on Shakuhachi and Jo Fujii on Shamisen.  Recorded live on October 26, 1997 as a joint project between Padraig Records and Tokyo’s Audio Park label, this performance is unique because it features Lake’s eclectic banjo playing and singing in an unaccompanied format.  Seven of Lake’s original songs are featured along with exceptional arrangements of Japanese classics such as “Sakura, Sakura” (with Shakuhachi) and “Tsugaru Duet” (with Shamisen).

Cripple Creek, I Can Play the Banjo/The Chromatic Shuffle, My Old Kentucky Home, Ellington and the Andes On the Banjo/Satin Doll/El Condor Pasa/Caravan, Only Eat When You’re Hungry, Vilvaldi’s Breakdown, Emily, Handel’s Dueling Banjos/Con Alleluia Y Sarabande, Pretty Polly, Was It Something You Said?, Everybody Walks With Jesus, Kojo No Tsuki (Old Castle By Moonlight), Sakura, Sakura (Cherry Blossoms), Tsugaru Duet

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“Jazz With Bluegrass And Blues”

Padraig Records (PAD35440CD/CT) Available on CD and cassette

Recorded with his trio, The Little Big Band, these performances successfully blend the singer-songwriter and banjo player attributes of his music. Hailed as one of “the great banjoists of any style” (Dirty Linen — Feb/Mar 1995) and an “especially good lyricist conveying social justice and ecological concerns” (Louisville Music News — April 1996), this recording will appeal both to listeners interested in instrumental virtuosity and fine songwriting. This is his only recording that features standard bluegrass band instrumentation throughout (banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, and bass). Each song flows smoothly to the next while retaining a wide range of stylistic influences and a unique and eclectic banjo style. Thirteen of his best songs to date are featured. “Jazz With Bluegrass And Blues” is available on compact disc and cassette.

Jazz With Bluegrass And Blues, Everybody Walks With Jesus, I Come From Kentucky, Fire With Love, A Loser’s Attitude, Sheehan’s Smile, Big Old Ambur Oak, If It Weren’t For Growing Up, conservative clothes, A Great Country, A Big Fat Blowhard Like You, Home In My Eyes, Are You Happy?, Handel’s Dueling Banjos Con Alleluia Sarabande

Hear selections from “Jazz with Bluegrass and Blues”

“An American Concerto For 5-String Banjo And Orchestra”

Padraig Records (PAD35438CD/CT) Available on compact disc and cassette

As winner of Kentucky’s prestigious Al Smith Fellowship for music composition and twice recognized by ASCAP’s Standard Awards panel, this concerto, entitled An American Concerto For 5-String Banjo And Orchestra was composed by Tim Lake and released as a LIVE recording on Padraig Records. The premiere took place on April 27, 1993, by Tim Lake and the Atlanta-Emory Orchestra under the direction of Jere Flint at Glenn Memorial Auditorium in Atlanta Georgia. The concerto is a three movement work of original themes with stylistic influences spanning the complete history of music. It is a semi-programmatic work which depicts an immigrant’s voyage to America. This piece is undoubtedly the first of its kind and should be a must for any serious collector of music. Other original compositions offered in this package are unique solo piano works and an oboe/bassoon duet. The potential of the 5-string banjo is further explored with Tim’s arrangement of Beethoven’s classic Für Elise.

An American Concerto For 5-String Banjo And Orchestra, Five Piano Pieces Portraying Fall 1990 (Bozo The Drunk, Halloween, Street Noise, Extremities (Hendrix plays the classics), What To Do (Earthquake 1990), When I First Met Miyuki, Beethoven On The Banjo: Für Elise, and Clouds For Alice

Listen to selections from “An American Concerto for 5-String Banjo and Orchestra”

“Only In The Movies”

Padraig Records (PAD 35437CD/CT) Available on compact disc and cassette

A most diverse banjo recording ranging from classical to jazz to Bluegrass combined with original songs in the highest singer-songwriter tradition. This recording sets out to expand the musical possibilities of 5-string banjo repertoire in the instrumental and lyrical categories. The poetic and socially significant lyrics are enhanced by the accompanying banjo while many classical instrumentals are given renderings worthy of a virtuoso, yet accessible to all listeners.

Cherokee, Only In The Movies, Vivaldi’s Breakdown, Sometimes We’re Afraid Of Butterflies, Classics On The Banjo, A Prophet In Your Hometown, Big Blue On The Banjo, This World Is Your World, Bach On The Banjo: Jesu Joy Of Man’s Desiring/Minuet In G, Slide On The Banjo: Red Rooster, Standards On The Banjo, Thank God She’s Gone, Four Brothers, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas/The Lord’s Prayer

Listen to selections from “Only in the Movies” for your listening pleasure.

“I Can Play The Banjo”

Padraig Records (PAD 35437CD/CT) Available digitally and on cassette

“I Can Play The Banjo” was recorded on January 29, 1990 and represents years of Tim Lake 5-String Banjo performances. Falling under the Bluegrass/Newgrass genre, Tim Lake sings and plays 5-String Banjo, Guitar and Harmonica while being accompanied by Ken Holbrook on Mandolin and Guitar, Donny Moore on Fiddle and Tony Nagy on Bass. Four Tim Lake original songs are featured highlighted by the title cut “I Can Play The Banjo/Chromatic Shuffle” as Lake explains that while he can’t fix the world’s problems he can, at least, play the banjo before chromatically shuffling into a jazz tinged instrumental. Genre expanding arrangements of classics take center stage such as “Sitting On Top Of The World” with its Blues to Bluegrass morphosis. We at Padraig Records, LLC are proud to add this album to our catalogue.

Listen to selections from “I Can Play The Banjo” for your listening pleasure.

“Sweet ‘N Sour”

Padraig Records (PAD 35437CD/CT) Available digitally and on cassette

“Sweet ‘N Sour” is a collection of 10 Tim Lake original songs and a medley of “Blackbird/Bye Bye Blackbird” that was a mainstay on live shows. Tim Lake sings lead vocals and plays 5-String Banjo, Bantar (“Was It Something You Said?”) and Guitar while being accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Ken Holbrook singing harmony vocals and playing Fiddle, Guitar and Mandolin. The first five tunes draw from life’s Sweet Side while the remaining songs represent the Sour Side. Stylistically centered Folk-Rock tunes such as “Could It Be That You’re Falling In Love?” highlight the Sweet Side while “I Know I’m Having A Drink” typify a humorous Sour attitude. Originally released in 1987 these tunes are none-the-less timeless and Padraig Records, LLC is proud to add this album to our catalogue.

Listen to selections from “Sweet ‘N Sour” for your listening pleasure.

“It’s Got To Be Love”

Padraig Records (PAD 35437CD/CT) Available digitally and on cassette

“It’s Got To Be Love” is a collection of 14 Tim Lake original songs and his 5-String Banjo arrangement of the traditional Andean folk song “El Condor Pasa.” Showcasing Lake’s breadth as a songwriter, this album covers the entire lexicon of American musical influences. The title tune “It’s Got To Be Love” has pop rock overtones while “Emily” and “Graduation Day” are firmly rooted in folk traditions. “The Wizards” is a blues examination of America’s civil rights struggles from a flooded farmer’s viewpoint, and “Dear Mr. President” communicates the frustrations felt by a middleclass mill worker trying to make ends meet. Originally released in 1985, the meanings and messages of each song are just as pertinent today as they were then because the topics are timeless. The musicianship displayed on this album is simply outstanding. This album is an exceptional achievement and Padraig Records, LLC is proud to add it to our catalogue.

Listen to selections from “It’s Got To Be Love” for your listening pleasure.

“Same Old Roadside Inn”

“Same Old Roadside Inn” is Tim Lake’s debut album showcasing his breadth as a singer-songwriter and banjo/guitarist musically spanning a wide range of American styles. This collection of 9 songs was recorded in the late 1970’s by Lake and a very talented cast of musical friends many of whom forged future successful music careers such as Jerry Douglas, Steve Bryant and John Heinrich to name a few. Writing all of the songs, Lake allows each one to develop lyrically and sonic-ally through Folk, Country, Jazz, Rock, Gospel, and Bluegrass styles to produce a highly provocative musical journey. The title cut “Roadside Inn” is an Americana portrayal of Lake’s life as a young club musician playing long into every night while “Back Home” is a Jazz romp highlighted by the exceptional solos of guitarist Chuck Adair and alto sax man Duke Madison. “Linda The Lover” and “Grandpa Didn’t Like Much Of Nothing” are lyrical thought provoking character sketches of a waitress and a cranky old grandfather. This album garnished rave reviews from respected music critics like Nat Hentoff who wrote, “Behold a new leading man of popular balladry: Tim Lake reared in Kentucky and now likely to become a national phenomenon through the release of Same Old Roadside Inn. Instantly authoritative, Lake has a bold, resonant, flexible voice. He also wrote all the songs, and they range through lives as different as those of a destroyed guitar picker (“Sammy Lou” featuring dobro great Jerry Douglas) and a most content long-time lover (“Before The Morning Birds Awaken”).” Padraig Records, LLC is proud to add Lake’s debut effort to our catalog.

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