Album Notes

Born and raised in New Mexico, Cory Stone began his musical journey at an early age. His musician father introduced him to the guitar after years of saxophone, voice and other instruments. It was at this point he realized the guitar was his true instrument. Having spent most of his youth literally locking himself in a room to practice, Cory graduated from the University of New Mexico with a music degree and the accolades of some of the areas finest guitar instructors, including world renowned classical guitarist/composer, Federico Jimenez Villafane.

In demand as both a live and session guitarist, Cory Stone played with some of the regions best musicians while showcasing his ability to play numerous styles, such as jazz, rock, blues, fusion, reggae, country and even Latin. It was as a member of the Antoinette Cardenas Band, however, that Cory proved his strengths as a gifted songwriter and arranger. With hits, such as "Last Train" receiving regional awards and radio play, Cory and the Antoinette Cardenas Band appeared throughout the Southwest and in such seminal events as the True Value Showdown Competition. During this same time period, Cory contributed his teaching skills to private lessons at the Conservatory of Music in New Mexico.

Cory Stone has accomplished much in over two decades of music, but there are many sides to his talents left to explore. Now on his own as a solo artist, Cory's debut CD, "Maybe," is a landmark release. The album fully establishes him as a force with the acoustic guitar through outstanding songs and crisp, modern production values. Most of all, it finds him in top form as a cutting edge instrumentalist/songwriter, showing the many varied influences to fine advantage. "I think the fresh approach I took with this album really shows," Stone says. "There's a new focus. I decided this time to work with all new people, try things I hadn't done before and write songs with a little more depth. I really wanted to show that I've grown with this one."

Armed with a new vision and a collection of omniscient guitar works, Cory knew he was ready to re-enter the studio on his own again. Engineer John Connor, III was an integral part of the process. "He would come up with these great miking ideas to bring the guitar to life," Stone recalls. At this point, the music started to take on a life of its own. In contrast to previous projects, Cory recorded "Maybe" at a small, well-equipped studio in Central Texas. "We took a 'hit the ground running' kind of approach. It was very efficient and straight forward."

"Maybe" should excite old fans and win new converts alike. The first track, "Mr. C.K." is stylish and sleek without sacrificing any of Cory's emotional directness. Other standout tracks include the uplifting "Groove Ritual," the moving ballad "South then West," and the piercing title track "Maybe." This album finds Cory delving into fingerstyle guitar with greater assurance than ever before. "Maybe" is a lively departure, yet it also builds on his past achievements with elements of jazz, rock, blues, country, folk and classical.

"Maybe" is more than the latest by a well-established music veteran - it's a vigorous new departure from an artist just beginning to hit his real stride. Cory has never played better, or with an identity as much his own, as on his label premier effort.