I began recording a new album with my reggae band Roots Foundation back in September 2007. During that time I wrote a song for my mother, who's birthday was coming in October. I decided to record a nice version of that song to send to her, which got me to thinking (always a dangerous prospect) about some songs that had been lingering without a home for quite some time.
I decided I'd record a couple of these songs as well, keeping it really simple-just acoustic guitar, voice, and a bit of steel guitar.
Before I knew it, I had an entire solo album going simultaneously with the reggae album!
There's some new songs, some old songs, but each song has a special place in my life, my heart, and on this record.
I have countless unreleased songs, but you don't just throw songs together and put out a record. At least I don't!
Instrumentally I kept it simple-steel, dobro, harmonica here and there, a bit of tambourine on a couple tunes, kick drum on another, and one song with a full drum kit, and the first recorded performance of yours truly on standup bass!
There's some very personal songs on this record, but if I didn't think they'd mean something to you, the listener, I wouldn't have included them. It was a very emotional, sometimes cathartic process, but again, it isn't just about me-I strongly believe and hope these songs will move you, inspire thoughts and feelings, take you on a journey.
The photo on the front cover was taken in the studio I recorded the album-that's my prized Martin D-76-my best friend for 32 years now...the shirt hangin' over the chair was my grandfather's bowling shirt-he had a tavern back in Sheboygan, Wis. called Midge's Tap (his affectionate nickname was 'Midge'). He meant a lot to me, and I have very fond memories of him, the tavern, as well as the town.
Some of these songs were written during and after a road trip I took to Memphis, then up to Sheboygan, across through South Dakota, and down to Northern California, then back down the coast home. I don't want to get too specific on the details, as it takes some of the fun out of the listening-better for you to project your own experiences onto the songs, and derive your own meanings.
I don't know what much else to tell you, but I think this is a beautiful record, and I hope you will too!
I don't plan on selling the songs individually, as I'm from the 'old school' where we listen to a record in its entirety, which is how this record is meant to be listened to.
I hope to hear from you-check out my website, shoot me an email, and encourage your radio stations to check it out and give it some airplay!(Folk/country/americana,etc).
Lastly, that new reggae record is just around the corner!
Peace.
Kurt Mahoney
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