I was driving home about two years ago when I noticed that
telephone poles and the sides of tall buildings seemed to have an
inexplicable curve to them. A week or so later, I almost crashed into a
car which had been ahead of me but which I had not seen. I knew then
I was rapidly going blind.
     By the time I “saw” the specialist, I could not drive, or work, or
read. My wife’s beautiful face, and the faces of my friends, became
grotesque, distorted shadows – eyes where a mouth should have been,
a missing forehead, a scooped-out skull.
     And because I could not read, I found myself playing guitar and
writing songs, some as dark as the shadows dancing around me. Most
of the songs on this CD were written during this time. I think, together,
they paint a landscape of feelings which words without music could
not describe.
    The good news is that, thanks to the skills of a sympathetic retinal
surgeon, I can see again. I drive, work, read, and my wife’s beautiful
eyes are back where they ought to be...

    At age sixty, Max Layton has recorded his first album of original songs.
Faced with the recent prospect of losing his sight, most of the material
was written while grappling with major changes in his life. While his vision
has since been restored, his journey has given him a cluster of songs full of
poignant observations on mortality and family relationships (Max is the son
of the late poet Irving Layton). He has a confident, warm voice which takes
the listener by surprise when dealing with some of the angular subject matter.
Produced simply and effectively by David Woodhead, the CD, titled
“Heartbeat of Time”, can be also be accessed at www.maxlayton.com.

Available direct: for $12.95 + $2.00 shipping:
    send money order or cheque for $14.95 to
    David Woodhead at:
    133 Albany Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 3C5
    Don't forget your return address!