Album Notes

It all started in 2001 when Rocco Presutti asked Laura LaBine to hum a few bars on a piece of music that he had been working on. Presutti had a Brazilian-influenced song that had been marinating with him for quite some time, and he was seeking a vocalist to "bai-ya-dah-dah". Right before hopping into the sound booth, Laura sketched out some lyrics and the song "Beauty" was born.

It was infectious. Presutti and LaBine began writing a library of songs. Every weekend they would gather in his studio and churn new tunes out. Once a month they headed into the studio to record them. By the end of a year, there was an extensive collection before them. This collection was stylistically diverse and LaBine was concerned about the idea of putting out an album that didn't feel cohesive. After a year of hashing the songs out on the road and writing a few more, the album began to take a more definitive shape.

"With Words" takes on flavors of salsa, R&B, blues, jazz and pop. Regardless of the flavor supporting the melody and rhythm, the common thread of love and joy permeates the songs. As Laura puts it: "All songs are about Love. If you ever doubt it, break up with someone and then turn on the radio."

With the exception of "Forever", which was entirely written by Rocco Presutti, all songs on the album were co-written with Presutti and co-produced with Presutti and Ike Parnell.

Having already begun the next album, "With Words" is a good taste of the songs to come.