Album Notes

The story of John's first album begins with a new folk singer on the scene in Santa Cruz, CA. With seven years of songwriting pent-up in a 23-year-old brain and a 6-year-old guitar, Craigie felt it was time to attempt to put his songs down on disc. In the search for a recording studio, John found himself in the middle of the woods, outside of Santa Cruz, in a one-room house that also served as a recording studio. In about three days, with the help of the very eccentric owner of the studio, John laid out rough mixes for over 20 songs. Eager for feedback, John grabbed the mixes and began to pass them around to fans, friends and fellow musicians. The response was huge, and the overwhelming appreciation of the raw sound convinced John to leave the album untouched. Packaged in a homemade sleeve and case, “I Always -ed You” became John's first album before he got a chance to change anything. Because of this, it remains one of John's most beloved albums. Like most debut albums, it reflects the innocence and the honesty of a musician's first step on his/her path.