An album of eight original recordings by Toledo musician Thaddaeus Washington, set for release this Friday, is a collaboration between music and nature, incorporating sounds from local Metroparks.
“Common Ground” blends familiar sounds from the woods, prairies and rivers with guitar to create soothing music. For example, the track “Morning Dew” includes rushing water and birds chirping.
“I believe the record is going to put people in the moment that we were able to experience,” said Mr. Washington. “I let the sounds guide me.”
“This gift is for all people to enjoy while at a park, or to take the park with them,” said Matt Killam, chief outreach officer for Metroparks Toledo. “The collaboration was not the brainchild of Metroparks, we just played our role of convener.”
The two teamed up recently to provide a series of gatherings in the Metroparks called Mindful Meetup that brings people together for meditation and sharing. About 50 people participate in each session.
“Metroparks has long been a place for physical movement –running, biking, walking, paddling, climbing–but I felt like I have underserved another important aspect, mental health,” Mr. Killam said. “COVID-19 reminded us of nature’s intrinsic value. Perhaps the muscle it supports the most is between our ears and in our chest. Nature make us whole.”
He introduced Mr. Washington to Tim Schetter, Metroparks wildlife biologist and chief natural resources officer, who took Mr. Washington and Darrell Sheares to locations where they could record ambient sounds in natural settings.
“I have never met a biologist in person and had a chance to just talk,” said Mr. Washington, adding that he had also never before ventured into the woods in the dark. “The night just sounds different,” he noted.
“The nature sounds add so much depth,” said Mr. Schetter, who also is a guitar player.
The unlikely pairing of musician and biologist exemplified a new theme that Metroparks will launch this spring with the tagline “Common Ground,” which became the album title.
The phrase describes Metroparks Toledo literally and symbolically as publically owned places where people from all walks of life come together to enjoy nature.
The album is available for download at no cost, on all streaming platforms. It also will be available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds going toward Metroparks conservation work.
