Album Notes

For singer/songwriter/guitarist AJ Edwards, music has always offered a certain 'pull...'

"I think I've had this subconscious desire to play music for awhile," comments AJ, "but it all really began to surface when I first saw U2 perform in Boston in 2001. I began teaching myself guitar a couple days after."

The Boston born/based artist soon began to realize his passion for songwriting and spent many late nights building a balanced set of original songs and covers.

"For awhile I really just wanted to get out there and play, but at the same time I felt that I needed something original to work into my act first," says AJ.

Eventually, AJ grabbed his acoustic guitar and booked a few dates at local bars and college campuses, which resulted from his earliest steps on stage at numerous open-mics. Since then, he has collaborated with some highly respected artists in the local music scene including legendary studio drummer, John Dorizzi and engineer, Dave Lefkowitz (Johnny A) on his full-band EP, "As We Talked In Song Titles," which was released as a limited production last spring.

Now, after a year of touring with his band, which features Adam Dehner (guitar), George Simon (bass), Mark Purrington, and Shawn Leonard (drums), AJ felt it necessary to make a record that revisits his songs in their original state: written for one guitar and one voice. And so "First-hand," the debut full-length acoustic album from AJ Edwards, is born.

"This record just feels so right for me. [The record] is very raw, reflective, and natural. Some of the earliest songs I had ever finished are featured on this album; a couple of which had just never really found a home away from the 'solo acoustic' performance. Coming full circle like that really makes the record feel complete and ready." AJ recently commented on the album.

The 11-song collection features AJ's signature one-take, live in-studio performances over just one productive day of recording.

"What really seals the record for me is its range of emotion. With just one guitar and voice, the intent of each song is more prominent, as will be the fact that my songwriting tends to be somewhat... moody."

"First-hand" is available now.