Album Notes

This group is all about the stories, and stories are what you get with their original material, culled from their individual and collective observations of life. Whether it's the high mournful old-country sound of Dennis Nelson, the storytelling baritone of Tom Tower, the vocal and instrumental virtuosity of Tim Crosby or the high energy sincerity of Kathy Boyd herself, this band offers something for everyone.

Featuring the music of 2008 RMA Bluegrass Songwriter of the Year Dennis Nelson and top 5 nominee Tim Crosby, this CD contains 15 original songs.

In the words of songwriter Brink Brinkman, who contributed the liner notes, "As you listen to this new recording by Kathy Boyd & Phoenix Rising, I have a couple “dares” for you. First, I dare you to NOT tap your foot! Secondly, I dare you NOT to smile!"

"The band takes us on a wonderful journey through story and song. Down old dirt roads in “Living in Those Hills Far Away” to a moonshine tasting in the Ozarks with “Uncle Whiskey” on to the Cajun feel of “Whispering Pines” and even up to heaven’s shores with a tune rooted in the sound of the Stanley Brothers,“Judgement Day”.

The band members all contributed songs to this project and I am partial to hearing songwriters sing their own material. The songs take on an “energy” and “emotion” that many times can’t be duplicated by other singers. By sharing pieces of their collective soul, Kathy and the boys give us a glimpse into their own lives and take us along for the ride. Like a good musical rollercoaster, the album grabs you and all we have to do is hold on through the curves, the ups and downs, the twists and turns and at the end throw our arms up and say, “Wow..that was fun!!”.

So, sit down, relax and press “play”. Close your eyes and let music pull you in. Oh by the way…..I can see you smiling and tapping your feet!