Paper Crane is the first tune I wrote after receiving a beautiful guitar from Danny Koentopp. I am not one to fall in love with a guitar upon first sight. I need to get to know the instrument, listen to the sounds it begs for, and feel it in my hands for a substantial period of time both at home and on the bandstand before I can say that I am in love. The guitar is unquestionably a physical specimen and it’s allure is evident at a glance. Paper Crane could be considered my first date with the instrument, it is the product of my initial explorations and feels sort of like a getting to know you piece.
The title was inspired by a simple and beautiful object: a tiny paper crane, a stowaway which I did not discover until after the guitar had been in my home for about a week. It was comfortably tucked away in the compartment of the instrument’s case. The neatly folded bird now lives atop my desk where I see it every day. Danny is truly a master luthier with a confident approach that is his own. He breathes life into wood in the form of musical instruments. Looking at the crane I think that it too must contain some of Danny’s creative energy. I find it inspiring to think of all the different places our efforts can be found and the forms our personal impulses take in the world. Some of mine have found their way into Paper Crane, by no means a definitive work, a sort of snapshot of my experience playing Danny’s guitar for the first time. In writing the tune and reflecting on Danny’s origami, I did a quick internet search to see what I could find about paper cranes and why one may have found its way across the country from Danny’s home to my own. I learned that the art of folding paper into cranes is known as Orizuru, one of the most classic versions of the Japanese art of Origami. It is generally a symbol of luck and is said that if you catch enough cranes you may be granted a wish. It is even believed that on the crane’s wings you might find a ride to paradise. I feel that is fitting and I cannot wait to see where this guitar takes me.
If you like the tune, show some support over at bandcamp and share the track or download it for a dollar:
Visit Dan Koentopp’s site at Koentoppguitars.com
Download the sheet music here: Paper Crane
Read about my experience with Dan and the guitar he made for me: Dan Koentopp