I don't write many ballads but when I do I find I form a very emotional connection with them. When I wrote this in 2020, Melbourne was in the middle of a 4 month lockdown. Not an easy time - and having some sort of creative outlet, in addition to the project of recording the demo remotely, was an important thing at the time. My wife and I had recently made the move to the inner North of Melbourne, an area full of character and life but with a serenity that belies it's proximity to the city. One of the area's features are it's long bluestone lanes and during lockdown they were a quiet escape when taking our 'allowance' of outdoor activity (we were allowed 1 hour a day for exercise at the time)

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From the Notes in the Score

Bluestone Lane features the lead trombonist of the band and evokes the mood of strolling through the back lanes of Carlton North in Melbourne, Australia. The beautiful and sometimes quirky lanes are usually paved with undulating bluestone and always lined with vibrant and ever-changing street art. Late in the afternoon as the sun streams in you can see the towering city nearby yet find peace as you stroll these less often seen back alleys. The latter part of the ballad is reminiscent of the funkier side of the suburb where the lanes open out to a multitude of cafes and stores and there is an energy that emanates from this wonderful part of our city. 

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JWpepper.com kindly gave this one EDITOR's CHOICE recognition also.