THE LUPINES AND THE POPPIES
Songs of Love, Loss, Injustice, and Resistance

All songs by Norm Bowen

This album is a thirteen-song, 68-minute dive into both intimate memories and the historical record of racial discrimination and economic and ecological disaster tempered by affection and solidarity in the face of adversity. There are tender love songs and nostalgic ballads as well as raging condemnations of injustice spotlighting the resistance of the downtrodden. Several songs raise the issue of responsibility and restitution for past practices that clearly aggravated and still impact inequality.

This music is dedicated to the San Francisco Folk Music Club whose members have encouraged and inspired my songwriting. Thanks to Derek Bianchi who guided me through the recording process with endless patience, tact, and enthusiasm, making all of these songs sound better than I ever had the right to expect. Derek’s instrumental tracks added energy and power to several songs. Libby McLaren had the uncanny knack for enriching the songs with her sensitive instrumentals and harmony vocals. Thanks also to friends and family who have served as a sounding board and have offered advice.

Listen to the song “The Lupines and the Poppies”

Norm Bowen: vocals, guitar, banjo
Libby McLaren: harmony vocals, accordion, piano
Derek Bianchi: lead guitar, other instruments