Album Notes

As a newcomer to Nashville in the mid-90's, I was coming across talented songwriters on an almost nightly basis. Some overtly commercial - others so far from the mainstream they could only hope to be artists in their own right. As I sat in Caesar's Pizzeria on one such night, I found myself captivated by a young Jersey songwriter who had seemed to find that perfect place between the two. The influences were apparent; Waits, Dylan, Springsteen, -- but Gordon Vincent's songs were different. Not mere knock-offs of "Born to Run" or "Like a Rolling Stone," but more a continuation of that tradition of classic songwriting. Over our 10+ years of association, I have had the pleasure of being a sounding board for Gordon's new songs and I can honestly say I cannot ever remember being disappointed. I would have to guess it is akin to have been the first one to read The Old Man and the Sea, or lay eyes on Starry Night and for that I am truly thankful. High praise? Absolutely. Desrving? Without a doubt. If you ask me what makes a great songwriter, I would struggle for a definitive answer, but I can tell you this — I know one when I hear one. — Roger Jokela, June 2006