"Shine the Light" is about the children. I wrote it for my own as a lullaby. My daughter told me that she and her brother listened to it at bedtime and it gave them a sense of security when I couldn't be with them. It came to me that in this difficult time, it should be shared. On the Friday evening following the tradgedy of September 11th, 2001, I put two candles out on my porch, put the house lights off and watched as people, some children, walked by with candles, gathering at the street corner to show their sorrow, love and support. I was preparing to give a guitar lesson later and while waiting, felt inspired to play around with "The Star Spangled Banner". I worked on an arrangement for a while, then looked up to see a bunch of people outside my window listening. I went out, embarrassed as they thanked me. The next day, with these images in my head, the light and hope of all those candles and the inspiration of "The Star Spangled Banner", it seemed appropriate to offer these together. A friend helped me put the recordings together on short notice at his studio. I hope they offer some comfort, maybe some inspiration. God bless the children. God bless America.

                                                         -- Gregory N. Lander