Do you remember your favourite book,a moment before you read it? Or your best friend, when they were just a face, just a name; a collection of facts and stories?
And do you remember the moment you were introduced, the moment you were acquainted, and you wondered where they'd been all your life?
Well, I'd like to introduce you to a guy called Linford. Linford Detweiler. Right now, he may be just a name. Just a face. Or maybe you've come across some of his quiet genius - alongside his wife Karin - in a band called Over the Rhine.
Either way, on this lens you get to find out about this artist, this writer, this man who cultivates beauty in the fields of words and music. A stranger about to become a close acquaintance, through just the next few minutes of you reading this lens.
So settle back and enjoy this lens about a random guy from Cincinnati Ohio,and how his life became a true story.
Small beginnings
Linford in his own words
"I WAS BORN into a family of six children. Conrad, Jonathan, Grace, Linford, Frances and Myron. Growing up, I thought that my brothers and sisters were lucky: they were artists. I was the only one who wasn't." Linford (playing piano) with his wife Karin in their band Over the Rhine
Born
(Bergquist/Detweiler)
I was born to laugh
I learned to laugh through my tears
I was born to love
I'm gonna learn to love without fear
Pour me a glass of wine
Talk deep into the night
Who knows what we'll find
Intuition, deja vu
The Holy Ghost haunting you
Whatever you got
I don't mind
Put your elbows on the table
I'll listen long as I am able
There's nowhere I'd rather be
Secret fears, the supernatural
Thank God for this new laughter
Thank God the joke's on me
We've seen the landfill rainbow
We've seen the junkyard of love
Baby it's no place for you and me
I was born to laugh
I learned to laugh through my tears
I was born to love
I'm gonna learn to love without fear
They Put This Microphone In Front Of Me
"Spoken Word" by Linford Detweiler
They put this microphone in front of me and it makes me want to speak. I don't sing, I just speak. She sings cuz she's the one with the underground spring.They put this microphone in front of me and it makes me want to speak, write you a letter, roll up my sleeves, these sleeves with the hearts sewn on, like the blush on a girl's cheek, she's got a crush on something.
They put this microphone in front of me and I look at you while this music gets itself laid out, (and I usually have my eyes closed), but I ask myself why it's so hard not to look at you tonight, it's not supposed to be so hard. But I feel butterfly wings inside and I don't sing, I just speak. She sings cuz she's the one with the underground spring.
They put this microphone in front of me and I close my eyes and I see you and we're young and there's still time and we're out here, yes we are, and it's like learning to ride a bike together for the first time across the sky, hold on, don't look down, look, no hands.
They put this microphone in front of me and it's a story problem, remember story problems? It's a story problem because as usual, I don't have much of anything to say. But I ask myself, What must I do to make my life a true story?
They put this microphone in front of me and it makes me want to speak. I don't sing, I just speak. She sings cuz she's the one with the underground spring.
"I'm Trying To Find The Words"
Excerpts from 'Unsung' by way of the fans at the Orchard.
"Watch with me this dying day in labor. The day has her legs spread in the west. She is giving birth to the night. Look, her watery hours have broken. The horizon is a luxurious, vermilion sea. The sun is drowning."
"....If a few others close their eyes and smile with me, it is enough...."
Rave 'Unsung' Reviews
What people are saying about Linford's book (and no, these aren't made up!)
I've loaned and given "Unsung" to others who've shared the experience of it's impact!"- Bubba
"Unsung, Linford Deweiler (This is why I want to be a writer.)"- FloridaGirl
"Linford doesn't really write lyrics, he writes poetry. If the songs were stripped of music and only the words remained it would still be great art. Last year he published a short, narrative book entitled Unsung, that paints movies with words of the places we've never been but know so well; required reading for everyone." - Tom
Unsung: how was it for you?
If you're one of the few to have gotten a copy of Unsung, please share your reviews of it here.
A Show of Hands Please.
A desperate attempt to get Unsung back into 'print'
Linford published a 'little book' called Unsung. It was a labour of love, handcrafted and shipped out only a limited number.
I'm trying to get it reprinted and if you've heard of it, or been moved by the quotations above, then maybe you can help.
The idea: Vote below on whether or not you'd like to see Unsung back in print, and maybe if there are enough votes to make it worthwhile, Linford might more than consider it.
The Linford Detweiler Flea Market
Words and music
If you'd like to trade your wares de la Detweiler here (like a 'spare' copy of Unsung!) then list them on eBay using the keyword "Linford Detweiler"...they'll find their way here sure enough.
Also, if you're in the buying-mode, here are a fine assortment of goods featuring Linford. Enjoy!
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Unspoken Requests CD
Unspoken requests nudged my imagination in those early years and left a deep impression on me. As a child, when I had no words, I often sat at home at the piano to try to find the impressions of what I could not speak. My heart would yearn toward something I could not name and my hands would follow along little by little. Those improvised imperfections drifted up out of the room and into the darkness.I still don't know what I'm saying exactly when I sit down at the piano here at home, but I do often wonder about God listening when there is no other audience. I can remember slipping into an empty auditorium on a Friday evening after dark when many of the students at boarding school had gone home for the weekend. It was only me, a piano and 400 empty seats, but there was the hush of something holy in the room.
I suppose the piano has continued to be a means of helping my soul to grow still from time to time. This unpremeditated, unspoken music may be as close as I'll ever get to what the Benedictines call contemplative prayer, a form of prayer that requires being quiet and mostly listening.
I still hope to feel a little something when I sit down at the piano. I hope to breathe a little something. I hope to hear silence as well as music. I hope to sit in the stillness of a room, maybe even in the presence of the Lord, and just be my unimpressive self. No words. The occasional grin.
This is the third in a series of simple instrumental recordings I've made at home. Previously, painters painting, writers writing and especially new mothers nursing (all I think are forms of unspoken prayer) have expressed some gratitude for the simple, spontaneous backdrop that this music somehow provides. Thank you for your encouragement. These tiny songs without words, these unspoken requests are for all of us who at times find that we must pray without speaking.
Nursing mothers, loosen your blouses...
Linford Detweiler,February 2004
Click here to get your copy now.
Grey Ghost Stories CD
Often, simple music can be just as effective as the most technical works. For instance, a simple piece of music doesn't require active listening, it can be played softly, as a background; often the simplest of offerings make for the best mood-setters. Such is the case with Linford Detweiler's Grey Ghost Stories.Linford Detweiler is the main musical presence behind the Ohio-based group Over the Rhine. A multi-instrumentalist, Detweiler lives with wife/OTR vocalist Karin Bergquist in a Norwood, OH house called the Grey Ghost. Detweiler recorded Grey Ghost Stories at home, usually late at night, or early in the morning, when he had the house mostly to himself. Judging from the music heard on this CD, the Grey Ghost must be a quiet, charming home - with a warm, inviting sense of security.
Grey Ghost Stories is the sweet aroma of your father's fresh-lit pipe, which you can still smell clearly, even though it's been years. It's drinking a bottle (or more) of Burgundy with your significant other, engaged so deeply in conversation that you both suddenly notice the sun has been up for over an hour. It's awakening an hour before dawn, and watching the sunrise while drinking a pot of French roast.
Grey Ghost Stories is sitting for hours, staring out the window, and watching absolutely nothing - just because. It's a large ceramic mug of hot cider after a brisk walk on a chilly autumn day. It's reading The Old Man and the Sea for the 63rd time, while your faithful pooch sleeps at your feet. It's turning off the phone, unplugging the TV, and spending a solitary evening with your home's warm embrace as your only company.
Grey Ghost Stories is just Linford Detweiler, sitting down at his upright piano, or with an acoustic guitar, and playing whatever came to mind at the moment. It's 13 simple, instrumental pieces - 10 played on piano, 3 using an acoustic guitar. It's a perfect companion to the quiet, intimate moments in your life.
Click here to get your copy now.
I Don't Think There's No Need To Bring Nothin' CD
These songs without words take me back, way back to the beginning to a pure resonant place deep within. Not that it matters, but I think this is maybe American music: a mingling of different traditions that have seeped into all of us.This record was initially included in a collection of Michael Wilson landscape photographs called First Kind Sight. Dave Nixon wrote some words which were a part of the book. The titles were mostly taken from Dave's words, a short postscript that Michael included in the book and conversations heard round the dinner table at the Wilsons one evening. If you ever need a few good titles, give Henry, Polly or Sonny a call.
Linford Detweiler, March 1999
Click here to get your copy now.
Northern Spy#2
Linford's handwritten newsletter
Linford put out a handwritten newsletter to Over the Rhine fans for a number of years. Here's one for you to check out. (thanks to hometown boy dave for uploading them to the Orchard!)
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Interviews and Articles featuring Linford Detweiler
Some interviews and articles featuring Linford and Karin for Over the Rhine.
Joe-Mammy.com :: Features :: Linford Detweiler of Over the Rhine
With the release of their latest album, %u201CDrun more...0 points
Glide Magazine Features - Over the Rhine - Heartache & Hope
Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist, who make up more...0 points
OtR | Press Archive | 2003 | Dayton City Paper, Linford Interview
"I was a fairly musical baby," s more...0 points
OtR | Press Archive | 2002 | Malone College, interview with Linford
Interview with Linford Detweiler of Over the Rhine more...0 points
Interview: Linford Detweiler—Over the Rhine—Films For Radio
This print magazine features reviews of folk, root more...0 points
OtR | Press Archive | 2001 | The Lantern, Ohio State University, interview
L: Well, at the risk of sounding overly earnest, I more...0 points
OtR | Press Archive | 2000 | KDHX-FM (St. Louis) radio interview
KDHX-FM (St. Louis) radio interview
This interview more...0 points
Looking Closer Interview with Linford Detweiler of Over the Rhine - 2003
A conversation with Linford Detweiler about Over t more...0 points
Looking Closer Interview with Linford Detweiler of Over the Rhine - 2005
Over the Rhine's album Drunkard's Prayer continu more...0 points
Looking Closer Interview with Linford Detweiler of Over the Rhine
Linford Detweiler of Over the Rhine discusses ten more...0 points
http://www.overtherhine.com/orchard/index.php?s=&showtopic=5667&view=findpost&p=153841
Interview by OtR fan rulerofsubdivision posted in more...0 points
Something's Gotta Give - Marriage
Husband-wife duo Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergq more...0 points
http://198.234.121.108/aroundcincinnati/120306_OvertheRhine.mp3
MP3 - Over the Rhine will celebrate Christmas with more...0 points
Over the Rhine happily 'against the grain'
Over the last two decades, Over the Rhine has prod more...0 points
Black Letters
Selected Writings of Linford
Dear Amelia
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Oh my dear
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Dear Grace
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Spring, 1994
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February, 1996
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26 August 1995
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The Blue Wisp
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Letters from Linford
Announcement and Newsletter Archive
One of the unique things about Over the Rhine is the personal touch between them and their fans. You can see this in the newsletters and announcements that they send out. My favourite one to date is the letter dated March 21,2000.
1996 Letters
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1997 Letters
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1998 Letters
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1999 Letters
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2000 Letters
March 21,2000 Check this one out!0 points
2001 Letters
Overwhelming to some, Addicting to many...0 points
2002 Letters
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2003 Letters
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2004 Letters
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2005 Letters
Goodbye Grey Ghost0 points
2006 Letters
Rambling Tour Diary %u2013 And a Glimpse of 2006
more...0 points
2007 Letters
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Are there any announcements?
"Put your elbows on the table, I will listen long as I am able..."
Let me know your thoughts and suggestions about this lens. It's still a work in progress (as we all are) but hopefully we'll be able to create something that truly spotlights Linford's work...and gets a reprint of Unsung in the pipeline :)
"Thanks for filling the empty seats."
Linford in his own words
"Me, I like music. In boarding school on Saturday nights when the rest of the kids were often away at home, I'd go into one of the auditoriums there on campus and pretend I was in a band and play to about 700 empty seats. Thanks to all of you who came along to fill the empty seats. I like messing around with words and I'm a lucky, lucky guy: that's how I make my living. I've got a wife I like a lot. She's got a great dog that I look forward to walking. Willow. I want to count my riches at the end of my life a little differently than some, I guess. There are a handful of people I'm looking forward to growing old with. I certainly don't ever plan on retiring. Retiring to me just means having extra time to write and play music which is what I do anyway. I hope I can be at peace with the world when it comes time to die. I hope I can say, "That was a pretty good ride." Thanks for stopping by!
Be sure to check out Over the Rhine
Rodney Carrington: Live at the Majestic
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/02/2008) 
Over the Rainbow
Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 12/02/2008)
All Over the Place
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/02/2008)
The Eagles - Hell Freezes Over
Amazon Price: $14.97 (as of 12/02/2008)
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Amazon Price: $8.97 (as of 12/02/2008)