Album Notes

Athens-based Polyglot Records is pleased to announce the release of Welcome Companions, a fundraising effort for the Tourette Syndrome Association of Georgia.

This CD contains new music, but with the solid bluesy, and some influenced by British invasion style elements of classic rock. Some songs are rock, some pop/rock.

Athens author and musician Rick Fowler and several well known Athens musicians have teamed up to to record a benefit CD for the Tourette Syndrome Association of Georgia (TSA). Tourette Syndrome is a complex neurological disorder characterized by unwanted movements or utterances that can be embarrassing in work and social situations. The TSA provides assistance for patients and their families who are grappling to understand this disorder. Fowler has written a highly regarded book about the topic titled The Unwelcome Companion, An Insider's View of Tourette Syndrome. Despite his lifelong struggle with Tourette syndrome, Fowler manages a successful career as an audio engineer and is a highly regarded guitarist. Rick has written and plays on most of the songs for the CD and has recruited the talents of many of Athens' favorite musicians as well.

Bill Berry, formerly of R.E.M., has provided an instrumental piece he and Davis Causey (formerly of Sea Level) composed titled "Riviera Nap." Berry and Causey play diverse instruments on the track. Bill also plays percussion on various other songs on the CD.

When asked about his involvement in the project, Berry stated, "Rick's goal is to heighten awareness and help fund more aggressive research into this frustrating ailment. Becoming involved with the 'Welcome Companions' project was alluring to me on two levels: it offered me the opportunity to contribute to a great cause as well as to challenge my musical capabilities after a three-year hiatus." Berry added: "I hope listeners will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed being a small part of its creation."