Naomi's Eyes

I am ERWIN MUSPER. This is the story of the album I have recorded during the pandemic of 2020/2021.

Her name is Naomi. I met her on my first ever visit to an orphanage in my new hometown of Olón, Ecuador. Almost two years old, with big black eyes and full of energy. She, and her 80 brothers and sisters are the reason that my life changed in an instant after I set foot in their sanctuary. I came to Ecuador to live a life of leisure after a 50 year career in music. Instead, when I said goodbye later that day I promised the kids that I would return again. Not just once, but about every day since. Not all children are orphans, most of them are abandoned, abused, or neglected children. They stay with us until their home situation has changed for the better. Sometimes after many years, sometimes never.

Naomi’s grandparents found a way to bring her back home. I went to Europe for a short trip and when I returned, the first thing I did was saying hello to all the children. One of the caregivers took me aside. With tears in her eyes she told me that sweet little Naomi suffered a collapsed lung at her grandparent’s home and had died at the operation table in the hospital. She never made it to become three years old.

About six years later, the pandemic hit Ecuador like the rest of the world. Initial government reaction was a full lockdown for the entire country. Only humanitarian aid workers could move around. I had a license to drive to the orphanage to help solve about a crisis a day. But I had to stay home the rest of the time. Thinking about how to make it bearable, I thought of picking up my guitar again and making a list of songs that had made an impact on my life. In the end, I chose about 16 songs that I had never played before.

I hadn’t touched an instrument professionally for almost 40 years and it took a while to find my way again around the guitar and piano. My voice wasn’t as powerful as it was when I was younger. But I kept trying and took it even one step further. My lockdown limitations opened up time for another challenge. Recording and producing my versions of those songs in my basement studio, with just enough equipment to make it work.

Well… about a year and a half later I am listening to a bunch of songs that I have recorded, mostly by myself, and scratching my head what to do with it. One of the songs I chose was originally a French song and I wrote my own English lyrics for it. I decided to write the story of Naomi. And then it all came together. This labor of love will be called ‘Naomi’s eyes’. The album is dedicated to her. It could be yours if you like.

I am starting another fundraiser for the orphanage to buy furniture for the new house (called the RED HOUSE) that is being built as we speak. Three stories high, school classes for the many illiterate kids, a baby wing for our 10 babies, and a new dorm for the younger girls. Everyone who donates $ 20 (or more) to the orphanage will get a code to download my album for free. Consider it a ‘thank you’ gift for your generosity. Music has been my lifelong passion and I can’t wish for more if it ultimately helps to change the future of the children that I am privileged to help. Muchas Gracias dear friends. https://mjmecuador.com