Is it about a distant lover or a ghost? I’m still not sure, hence the subtitle. My talented, beautiful wife, Julie, helped me finish its mournful melody and joins me as only she could on a harmony part that somehow echoes across time and place. Late great Vermont folk institution Pete Sutherland plays haunting, modal fiddle against my guitar and voice, done in the one and only take it needed.
lyrics
The geese are flying low, time to pack and go
The river’s rising slow, call on me
Leaves are fallin’ down, this world keeps turnin’ round
No matter where you’re bound, call on me
Refrain: Call on me, call on me, honey call on me
Wherever you may be, call on me
I know you have to go, I know I’ll be alone
But you always have a home, call on me
I’ll follow where you go, honey don’t you know
If you just say so, call on me
Refrain: Call on me, call on me, honey call on me
Wherever you may be, call on me
Winter’s at the door, what is was once before
You can always ask for more, call on me
Sway to the east sway to the west
And when it’s time to rest call on me
Refrain: Call on me, call on me, honey call on me
Wherever you may be, call on me
When the frost has hit the moor and you’re on a summer shore
I hope you still want more, call on me
Dreamt you were a dove, cooing for my love
Below and above, you can call on me
Refrain: Call on me, call on me, honey call on me
Wherever you may be, call on me
credits
from Ghost Hymns,
released June 23, 2023
WLE, vocal & guitar; Pete Sutherland, fiddle; Julie Coffey, vocal
"There's no one else playing exactly the same sort of music as William Lee Ellis," said legendary producer Jim Dickinson of the Americana/blues master acoustic guitarist. "It's as if he's invented his own sort of 'holy blues' genre."
To borrow Jon Landau’s quip on Springsteen, I have seen folk music’s future and he is Jake Blount. Hands down my fave of 2020, impresses with impeccable musicianship, feel, and genuinely great songs. William Lee Ellis
Every Guy Davis album is a special listen, but you’d do right by starting here, an album that reaches deep from the well of ancestral waters, bridging past with present, sorrow with joy. A delight. William Lee Ellis
Simpson lives in a rarified space reserved for the guitarist greats of our time. He remains,a purveyor of musical connections that bind us all, presented with enviable chops, taste, and imagination. William Lee Ellis
supported by 4 fans who also own “Call on Me (An Eidolon Air)”
I love these women. the voices mesh together perfectly; also the world music is exceptional. I have all of their albums and they're all excellent. Give them a listen. Steve Lake
Gorgeous fingerstyle guitar playing from this Portland, Oregon musician that captures the spirit of American Primitive in dazzling detail. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 30, 2021