Album Notes

Under the careful guidance of Ryan Hoyle and Larry Marciano these four songs have reached their potential. As a songwriter only, it was important to find the right musicians and vocalist. I was real lucky because I found not only compatible artists but great people. Everyone involved acted as if it was their own song and I couldn't be happier with the result.

Working with these guys was perfect. They both really love to work on songs. You don't have to listen to hard to hear how much fun Larry is having on Stop Playing Chicken. (Rockabilly). Ryan described the character of the drums for "Been Good" as 'cheeky'. Via skype I asked him what cheeky sounded like and he said, "I'll show you." He picked up the computer and took it into the drum room. "Like that", he said grinning from ear to ear then turning the camera toward a 60's Gretsch kick drum with a pair of 1965 sky blue pearl Ludwig toms and a 1965 Ludwig super phonic snare drum. He custom built each drum set for all the songs (he has racks of the best drums in the world) as well as changed the mics and pre amps.That's why he's the best. Also, the list of mics and tube pre amps was insane and he's done all the ground work to quickly find the right combinations of equipment. In conversation about the trials and errors and all the ground work, he said, "I've come to a simpler place now . . . sophistication and simplicity often hold hands but you can't see that until you get to the end of the trail."

Collaborating with Larry and Ryan was an education as much as it was an inspiration. I expected great things from them and they went way beyond my expectations. Warren Stanyer has been singing on my scratch tracks for years so it was a relief to finally give him some great tracks for his vocals. Warren is another individual who's personal standards exceed what is asked of him. Larry brought together some of the finest musicians in L.A. and everyone had the freedom to interpret and present their ideas. Throughout the project we talked about the finished sound not being compressed for high volume settings, rather we'd go for less and "let the song breathe" and allow that natural sound to help tell the story. The songs definitely have a life of their own now.

Throughout my working years I have always had responsibility for people's lives. First as an Avalanche Forecaster, Mountain Guide and currently as a Captain in the Fire Service. Being creative gives me a chance to release all liabilities, relax and be spontaneous. Although I didn't start until my mid-thirties, I quickly realized that songwriting wasn't just a hobby, it was something I had to do. Enjoy.