Album Notes

Lovers, real and imagined, and the blessings of friends and family are the inspiration for these ballads, which circumscribe joy and connectedness as well as loss and division. From the bold assertion,"I love who you are," in the opening track, to the lament in the sorrowful song "Away" for a woman who is "not my lover, anymore," the songwriter takes the listener down a path of improbable happiness, unexpected sadness, closeness and distance. The rocky energy of the title track encapsulates the strong vibe of frustration and hope that converge in any serious relationship. "Boots on the Ground," an homage to the veterans and politicians battling the War on Terror, resonates with timely relevance and love of country. Tracks like "Through It All" mark a path through isolation and heartbreak, while "Leaving" describes a couple stuck in the painfulness of separation when lovers have become strangers to one another.

Musically, Producer Ron Gletherow's guitar, bass, dobro and synthesized strings, along with his sweet harmonies, inform and complete several songs, including "Like the Wind" and "Family Folk." Guitarist Mike Ball's dynamic lead instrumentals, particularly on the title track and "Summer Breeze," add a percussive, driving rhythm to those ballads. The closing song, "Lifeboat," celebrates the ability of language, music, and above all, friendship, to "keep us afloat."