From the CD “Laguna Lights” by the Burchfield Brothers
Song writer, virtuoso guitarist, Doyle Dykes captured the spirit of Laguna Beach, California while commemorating local guitar builder, Kirk Sand. Doyle wrote “Laguna Sand” after he received a handmade guitar from Kirk.
The Burchfield Brothers come to southern California often not only to visit Kirk, but to experience a personal retreat in this quiet, oceanside town.
Over the years we’ve discovered favorite cafes, art shops and parks within walking distance of Laguna Beach. This cover photo was taken on my cell phone at Heisler Park while walking from our motel (Pacific Edge) to Kirk’s Guitar Shoppe on North Pacific Coast Highway.
The other photos in this video were taken along the way as we passed through Texas and Branson, Missouri. Some during a concert, others just fellowshipping with friends and relatives.
Back in Nashville we recreated the “Laguna Lights” CD by filming the sessions at Watershed Recording Studio. Friend and photographer “Mark Norman Murphy” took the photos of all the musicians.
This tune was written while staying near the California coast.
I often saw ominous clouds on the Pacific horizon that seemed to pass safely by.
Coastal towns are so accustomed to these distant storms, they rarely stop normal activity.
A rather carefree “Quiet Storm” with a light Latin feel, portrays a sleepy sea side village that knows whether or not a storm poses any real danger.
“Laguna Lights” was originally recorded as an idea for a car company. When the CD player was turned on, first time owners would hear smooth jazz with narration designed to welcome them into a new world of sports car driving.
With this in mind Jon and Ben Burchfield, along with Jason Webb and Doyle Dykes, began writing songs describing beautiful parts of the west coast.
“Big Sur”, written by Jason Webb, captured the essence of that rugged beauty we’ve all seen in so many award winning photos. A ninety mile tract of sparsely populated land between Carmel and San Simeon has become the most photographed highway in central California. It is where the Pacific Ocean gives rise to the Santa Lucia Mountains.
With 33 bridges and one light house, it took 18 years for San Quentin prisoners to help build this two lane road during the great depression.
Soon after the highway officially opened in 1937, artists and writers congregated to this area for the awe inspiring vistas and calming tranquility.