"Human Condition", the title track of this album, is about the bizarre insecurities of a songwriter (loosely based on an actual songwriter). The hapless musician feels that by playing his music he is imposing an emotional agenda on a crowd that simply wants to be entertained. The singer perceives the human condition as a very real affliction and apologizes for burdening others with its ugly consequences.

In each of the remaining five songs I attempt to impose an emotional agenda on the listener.

"House of the Dead" describes the horrors of tuberculosis within the overcrowded Russian prison system. I have not witnessed any of this with my own eyes and have relied entirely upon what others have written. The images are harsh and difficult to digest but the story is so compelling that it must be shared.

"Part-time Renaissance Man" tells the old story of 'Boy-meets-girl, boys-tries-to-impress-girl, boy-fails-to- operate-lugwrench-properly-while-crouching-over-pile-of-
vomit.' You know how it goes.

"Just Like Life," is written from the voice of an elderly man. He acknowledges the cruel hardships of aging and simultaneously attempts to dispel the view that romance and happiness die long before the body does.

"Rapunzel" provides more evidence to the argument that if men would only act like themselves, they'd surely live to regret it someday.

"Happy Fingers" is a love song. It was inspired by a goofy little dance my girlfriend does with her index fingers to express joy. The tune explores a few of the unusual things that offer enjoyment to such a person.


Aaron's Bio

Raised in the tiny hamlet of Hartwick, NY, Stayman drove off the languor of rural life with dreams of becoming a shredding metal guitarist a la Gun n' Roses and Metallica. Armed with whammy bar and distortion pedal at age 14, he began to pursue this fantasy in earnest. Stayman joined Fly Creek native Patrick Ermlich to form the progressive rock band Freeze That Yak. Freeze That Yak, with its uniquely schizophrenic blending of styles and bizarre lyrics, enjoyed a cult following in the Cooperstown area. Eventually giving in to the influence of an eccentric local jazz guitar teacher, Stayman turned his attention to bebop and fusion. Drawn to the sounds of Joe Pass and John McLaughlin, he started composing jazz funk music for a side project called Larry Mondello (check out their hard-to-find release "New Car Smell"). While attending college in western Massachusetts Stayman delved deeper into the jazz idiom, playing in the school's big band and performing his own arrangements with his combo, The Hot Sextet. The next stylistic shift took place during a year abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia, where he began studying the classical guitar with a conservatory instructor. Upon returning home Stayman started blending classical technique with the fingerpicking of American folk music. Later, serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Republic of Armenia, he became involved in Yerevan's underground folk scene. Stayman became a musical collaborator with innovative Armenian songwriter Gor Mkhitarian, appearing on his world music releases, "Yeraz" "Godfather Tom," and "Episode."