Recording and Mixing Dates: Recorded July 31 and August 6, 2016. Mixed August 6, 2016.
Genesis: I wrote this song almost 10 years ago to this day. In 2006, I attended my first Kingston Trio Fantasy Camp in Scottsdale, Arizona. I didn’t participate as a camper who got up on stage with former Kingston Trio members John Stewart and Nick Reynolds. Rather, I hung out at the hospitality suite and spent days and long nights jamming with other folk musicians. I was blown away by the experience. (Theresa and I just returned from this year’s camp, where we reconnected with many friends and made a few new ones.)
I overheard a member of John Stewart’s band mention that after camp he was heading to Sedona to relax and clear his mind. For some reason that triggered an idea for a song about a place I had never visited. I came up with the tune and the chorus lines the next day. Later in August I learned more about Sedona and completed the first of seven versions of the lyrics. The final version was completed on July 31 of this year.
I tinkered with the arrangement again and again but never settled on something that made sense. Two weeks ago I found what I was looking for.
Several years ago, Theresa and I got the chance to visit Sedona. It is a spectacular place with a thriving arts community. Our camp buddy, Fran Jackson, has a wonderful vacation rental property. One of these days we plan to go back and stay awhile.
Production: Bass Guitar, Electric Guitar, Electric Baritone Guitar, Mandolin, Piano, String Quartet.
Lyrics
Going to Sedona
Too many shadows falling
On the city tonight
From the looks of things
I finally lost my way
I’m hearing from
Far too many voices
And I can’t make out
What they’re trying hard to say
Chorus
Going to Sedona
Going to Sedona
Going to Sedona
To see my way clear
The desert winds at daybreak
They will cleanse me
And the red, red rock
Will paint my faded heart
I’ll walk the dusty mesas
And the canyon trails.
And listen for
My demons to depart
Chorus
The road rises up
As I keep driving
While the temperature
Slowly starts to slide.
Somewhere in these
Higher elevations
I’ll search for things
I’ve done my best to hide.
Chorus
Copyright 2016 Fred Grittner All Rights Reserved.
52 tracks blog 
I really like the string quartet. A very pleasant song, good lyrics, good arrangement! Keeper.
My only complaint – I am not fomd of fade-outs.
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Thanks. First time I have used a string quartet. I liked how it worked on this song. As for the fade out, it suggests that the driver is still on his way to Sedona….
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Fred, I always love your music, but my heart resonates especially to Going to Sedona. In true poet’s fashion, you have grasped the essence of what a trip to Sedona brings the visitor. The clear light, crystal clean air and the saturated colors of blue sky, red rocks and green juniper meld to clear one’s vision and spirit. You have caught the gift Sedona gives its weary searchers with perfect clarity.
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Hello Fred,
Wonderful evocative lyrics – almost gave me the feeling of a zen koan. And a great melody that I felt somehow reflected the mental state of the “I” in the lyrics – and I loved the strings! I always wondered what a Fred Grittner chill-out track would sound like, and now I know 😄
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