Poems from Willow Creek
Behind the album
Meet my Papa, L. Joseph Spear
In 1996, he wrote a book of poetry titled:
POEMS FROM WILLOW CREEK
I didn’t find out about this book until October 16th, 2020 at my brother’s wedding rehearsal dinner. He pulled me aside, sat me down, and began to read one poem after the other.
For the first time in my life, I saw our similarities— not our differences.
We both tell stories. We both express and soothe our suffering through writing. We both think freely and find God in nature. We both care about honoring, preserving, and studying Native American culture.
When he finished reading the poems, we embraced and he left me alone with the book.
I flipped back to the beginning and began to read the Preface. As soon as I read the words…
This attempt, I am sure will have no literary impact on the world!
…a wave of chills washed over me and I burst into tears. I knew I was being called to turn this book of poetry into my next album as a way to honor him.
If I could somehow show him how impactful his words are, I had to try.
Throughout 2021, I brainstormed. How should I go about writing and releasing this record?
After much reflection, I felt that writing a few songs at a time and performing them live as “Chapters” was the best way to invite people into the process.
It also made more space for Papa to soak in his own words.
CHAPTER ONE
SNOWBOUND
Scavenger Hunt
I wanted this show to be immersive and interactive. So, while Papa was still in Florida, I went up to his house to dig for old photographs. My hope was to find anything that would enhance the stories within the music. I envisioned them being made into prints and hung around the room like a gallery.
I also wanted each person to receive a Poems from Willow Creek booklet like the one Papa gave me, so I created one to serve as a guide around the room…almost like a scavenger hunt.
Walking Papa through the exhibit and seeing his raw emotion was one of my favorite parts (see video).
Watch the full performance of “Poems from Willow Creek, CHAPTER ONE” at Lekko Coffee
Watch me take Papa through the gallery exhibit of his old photographs
Papa’s Remarks
At the end of the show, Papa came up on stage and shared an important lesson for everyone to hear.
Listen to Papa’s important lesson
CHAPTER TWO
OUR OLD SWING
Watch the full performance of Poems from Willow Creek, CHAPTER 2 at The Shoreway Rooftop
First Look Inside
Before the last song, I shared the meaning behind it. Sharing a bit about my personal journey in asking the questions…
Who am I?
Why am I here?
What am I here to contribute?
CHAPTER THREE
THE FAMILY FARM
Full circle
Poems from Willow Creek is a collection of stories and cherished memories of my Papa’s childhood growing up on the Willow Creek Farm, The Family Farm.
What an honor to perform the final chapter on the very land it’s written about.
Full performance video coming soon.