“St. Germain Street”
(Composed and arranged by Reynold D. Philipsek 2020 copyright Zino-Rephi Music BMI)
Reynold-guitars, bass, and keyboards
Michael Bissonnette- percussion and drums
Recorded by Stymie Seamans
This recording encapsulates a nostalgic snapshot in a way that I am quite certain I will never be able to duplicate.
I grew up in St. Cloud, Minnesota. The Main Street of St. Cloud is St. Germain Street. I have distinct memories of walking home from Cathedral High School down this street on an early Fall afternoon or strolling downtown on a summer day to buy a new record at Musicland and a Cherry Coke at Dan Marsh.
This piece recollects those sunny memories and the late 1960s and early 1970s vibe I associate with that time and place, including some musical residue of Burt Bacharach and The Beatles.
The chordal harmonies I found while making this piece are unique for me and really capture the mood I was hoping to set. I contemplated writing lyrics and making this a vocal tune, but, in the end, I decided it conveys more as an instrumental track. Sometimes lyrics say too much.
I have not lived in St. Cloud for more than 40 years, but I would like to preserve some of those deep early impressions. This is as close as I can get.
Headphones help.
I always welcome feedback.
Be kind.
Love,
Reyn