This much-anticipated debut solo album features Betsy’s graceful
and lyrical cello work, layered and looped to create a rich,
interwoven tapestry of sound. A few tracks also include acoustic
guitar, djembe, fiddle, and other instruments.
Track Info & Stories
So, you know how it is when you’re tired and stressed,
and you step outside into a gorgeous blue day, and as you gaze up
at the great open sky, it feels like the top of your head lifts off
and all the stress comes out, and what’s left is just your breath and
your heartbeat, just pure life, and then suddenly everything is OK?
Well, this song is about that.
I originally created an abridged version of this piece for the
book trailer for “Smoky and the Feast of Mabon,” a children’s book
written by Catherynne M. Valente and illustrated by W. Lyon Martin.
This piece traces a little girl’s emotional journey as she explores
a forest near her home.
This song was inspired by the video “Saving Valentina,” in which
some passing boaters encounter a young humpback whale, Valentina,
completely entangled in a drift net, and apparently resigned to death.
Armed only with a pocketknife, they cut away at the net until, after
several hours, she is finally freed. Once she is free, Valentina dances
for them with exuberant joy.
The video is amazing; to watch it, click here.
This cello tapestry is an instrumental version of a very old French
carol, dating from as early as the 14th century. The music itself was not
originally composed as Christmas music, but as a lively court dance tune
(which seems to have reemerged in my version, though I didn’t know that when
I created it). The traditional carol first appeared (with both words and
music) as “Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabella” in a French book of carols
published in 1553.
credits
Cello & bodhran: Betsy Tinney.
from Winter Greens: Carols for the Season, released December 4, 2020
14th-century French carol (traditional). Arrangement by Betsy Tinney.
Recorded & mixed by Betsy; mastered by Alexander James Adams.
A love song to the rare and elusive Pacific Northwest thunderstorm.
track credits
Hallelujah is © copyright by Leonard Cohen.
Arrangement and performance © by Betsy Tinney.
All rights reserved.
cello: Betsy
electric guitar: Jeff Bohnhoff
Imagine yourself lying on a grassy knoll on a warm summer’s night…
above you is the great wheeling dome of the night sky, deep black and
crowded with stars. The night peepers are calling, and a warm breeze
plays across your face. If you’re lucky, you might see a meteor or two
And, if you really listen, you can almost hear the stars singing…
For my dad, who raised me beneath a starry sky full of wonders.
track credits
“For Love of All Who Gather” (first 60 seconds) by S.J. Tucker
“Floor of Heaven” (remainder of track) by Betsy Tinney
cello: Betsy Tinney
meteors (electric guitar): Jeff Bohnhoff
Grey the day,
Grey the hills,
Grey the misted trees.
Grey the skies,
But light my heart:
Nowhere I’d rather be.
Dedicated to the beautiful Pacific Northwest; I love even her greyest days.
A three-part portrait of our feral cat Moo, fearlessly
(and unsuccessfully) hunting moles on our front lawn:
(1) Lo, the Mighty Huntress
(2) Sneaky Slinky Moo
(3) Pounce Bounce Pounce
credits
Cello: Betsy
Djembe: SJ Tucker
Fiddle: Alexander James Adams
For my friend Kat Morrison, dancing mistress extraordinaire.
An improvisation/duet by Jeff Bohnhoff & Betsy Tinney.
track credits
Music by Jeff Bohnhoff & Betsy Tinney
Cello: Betsy Tinney
Electric guitars: Jeff Bohnhoff
Drum programming: Jeff Bohnhoff
Many years ago, I had the rare good fortune to see an elephant dancing
with abandon, completely caught up in the music and enjoying herself
enormously.
This song is for Kenya, the elephant who loved to dance.
track credits
Cello: Betsy
Djembe & 12-string guitar: S.J. Tucker
Fiddle: Alexander James Adams
Electric guitar: Jeff Bohnhoff
Clarinet: Dr. Mary Crowell
Vocals: S.J. Tucker, Maya Bohnhoff, Cade Tinney
Liberty Elephant artwork by Cade Tinney (c) 2013. All rights reserved.
Produced by Betsy Tinney with Jeff Bohnhoff. Recorded and mixed by Jeff Bohnhoff at Mystic Fig Studios, San Jose, CA. Mastered at Trakworx in San Francisco, CA. Album artwork by Cade Tinney; album cover design by Kevin K Wiley. All songs and this recording copyright © Betsy Tinney 2013 except “Sunset” copyright © Jeff Bohnhoff & Betsy Tinney, “For Love of All Who Gather” (first 60 seconds of track 7) copyright © S.J. Tucker, and “Hallelujah” copyright © Leonard Cohen. All rights reserved.
