North Manitou Trail is a gentle exploration of life’s quiet moments, composed and performed by acoustic fingerstyle guitarist James Filkins. Inspired by the landscapes of Northern Michigan and infused with deep emotional reflections, this album captures fleeting memories, tender rituals, and the unspoken dialogue between human and nature.

Each track is an invitation into a different emotional space. Whether drawn from personal memories or observations of the natural world, the compositions are united by a sense of stillness, reverence, and introspection. Filkins collaborates with a rich ensemble of international musicians, violinists, cellists, flutists, accordionists, and more, to create lush, layered pieces that breathe with life and purpose.

This is music for slowing down, for feeling deeply, and for reconnecting with the moments that often go unnoticed. It’s a mindful celebration of seasons, love, loss, and beauty in its most subtle forms.

1. Walking Mojo (03:39)
A tribute to the bond between James and his loyal rescue dog Mojo. Gentle guitar, violin, and accordion mimic the rhythm of daily walks, curious, peaceful, and full of life.

Credits: James Filkins – Guitars, Valentin Štante – Violin, Alex Somov – Accordion
Mixed by Corin Nelsen. Mastered by Raighes Factory.

2. Ashes to Ashes (04:28)
Written in memory of James’ mother, this piece reflects on grief and reverence. Guitar, cello, and bass intertwine to honor both sorrow and cherished memories.

Credits: James Filkins – Guitar, Crispin Campbell – Cello, Jack Dryden – Bass

3. Keweenaw (03:47)
Inspired by the peaceful beauty of Michigan’s M-26 highway. Guitar and cello move gently, evoking lakeside reflections and the calm of autumn.

Credits: James Filkins – Guitar, Crispin Campbell – Cello

4. A Raft of Loons (06:38)
A haunting tribute to the loon’s call, drawn from summers in Ontario and Northern Michigan. Violin, cello, and guitar conjure still waters and wilderness dreams.

Credits: James Filkins – Guitar, Sav Madigan – Violin, Katie Larson – Cello

5. Tunnel of Trees (03:13)
Capturing a bike ride through golden woods, this track blends guitar with flute and clarinet to reflect the quiet wonder of Michigan’s autumn roads.

Credits: James Filkins – Guitar, Luis Vilca – Flute, Brandon Wilkins – Clarinet & Bass Clarinet

6. Wysteria in Bloom (03:14)
A romantic reflection on a wisteria that bloomed after loss. Guitar, violin, and cello express quiet resilience, mystery, and the enduring power of love.

Credits: James Filkins – Guitar, Sav Madigan – Violin, Katie Larson – Cello

7. Winter Vine (03:33)
A winter landscape in sound. Guitar and cello offer warmth and calm, evoking snow-covered stillness and the renewal found in solitude.

Credits: James Filkins – Guitar, Crispin Campbell – Cello

8. Sunny Park in Harbor Springs (02:31)
Like a spring breeze through blossoming trees. Guitar, violin, and viola paint a peaceful picture of a sunny afternoon in Northern Michigan.

Credits: James Filkins – Guitar, Richard Downs Jr. – Violin, Juan Ignacio Gobbi – Viola

9. North Manitou Trail (04:39)
A cycling journey along the Leelanau Peninsula, told through saxophone, upright bass, and guitar. Gentle and uplifting like an autumn ride through golden air.

Credits: James Filkins – Guitar, Brian Donohoe – Saxophone, Jack Dryden – Upright Bass

10. Regrets (04:34)
Soft and introspective, this piece blends guitar, violin, and accordion into a wistful meditation on dreams and memories that still echo within.

Credits: James Filkins – Guitar, Oleksandra Vyentseva – Violin, Alex Somov – Accordion

11. Redheads on the Wing (03:10)
Inspired by the flight of red-headed woodpeckers in a Michigan forest. Flute and guitar dance gently, celebrating nature’s grace and silence.

Credits: James Filkins – Guitar, Luis Vilca – Flute

12. Tending the Garden (02:45)
A musical portrait of love and care, drawn from watching his wife garden. Guitar and violin gently bloom with warmth and devotion.

Credits: James Filkins – Guitar, German Dmitriev – Violin

13. Squall Line (03:20)
Evoking the tension before a thunderstorm, guitar and cello build a dramatic yet contemplative piece that captures nature’s power and calm.

Credits: James Filkins – Guitar, Crispin Campbell – Cello