(Composed and performed by Reynold D. Philipsek 2015 copyright Zino-Rephi Music BMI)
Recorded by Stymie Seamans
I have always liked this song because of its “layered” guitars and “swampy” feel which, given its title, is appropriate. Harmonically, it is quite different than many of the things I have done as well, so that sets it apart. (In fact, in keeping with the title, the piece starts with a D 7 flat 5 flat 9 chord, and other “flatted” harmony occurs later.)
“Bohemian Flats” was what they called the area of low-lying river terraces by the Mississippi River near Minneapolis. It was so named because of the high population of Czechs, Slovaks, and Poles who lived there in somewhat impoverished circumstances. By most accounts, it was a very colorful place.
This area was active in the late 1800s through the 1930s and had mostly disappeared by the 1950s. Since my family is Czech and Polish the idea of doing a piece like this interested me. By the way, I welcome comments because then I know these messages are getting through. Thanks.
Be kind.
Love.
Reyn