The past year has taken me places I never imagined going. I have traveled with Lonesome River Band to some very exciting venues, including Late Night with David Letterman, The Grand Ole Opry, The Ryman Auditorium, and some of the best bluegrass festivals and auditoriums this country has to offer. An exciting first for me this year was recording Chronology Volume I with Lonesome River Band. I am also looking forward to the next two volumes of Chronology to be released later this year.
This CD marks another big first for me. This is the first nationally offered recording project in which I have directed almost every aspect. From contacting songwriters to arranging those songs; from engineering the recording to mixing and mastering the CD; from designing the packaging to writing these liner notes; this project is me. I have sang nearly all the vocals; played all the guitar, mandolin, bass, and drum tracks; I have contracted with the other musicians and the singer that guested on this project; I edited the tracks and even wrote a few of the selections you’ll hear. In every way, this is truly my offering to you and I hope you’ll enjoy it.
I did have some wonderful help in making this CD available to you. I want to express my most heartfelt thanks to all the songwriters who have trusted me with your material. I’ve done my best to breathe life into your creations in a way that you will enjoy. Thanks to Heidi Douglas for gracing us with her tremendous vocal talent. Thanks to Ron Stewart and Matt Leadbetter for doing the parts that I couldn’t do. You guys raised the bar on this entire project. Thanks to all the wonderful fans who have given me so much support and encouragement. I’m getting to know some of you and you’ve become very special to me. Thanks to my brothers in Lonesome River Band for the privilege of taking the stage with you guys week after week. It’s an awesome experience that I enjoy very much. Thanks to Glenn and Bobbie Robertson at Moon Beam Mandolins. I love both the Cherry Blood Moon and the Spirit Moon. You guys are amazing! Thanks to Scott and Holly Powell for the excellent pictures. Thanks to my loving family for your support and understanding. I know I miss a lot when I’m on the road. Thanks for making special times when we are together. I love you. Thanks to Mom and Dad for being great parents and instilling a love of music in me. Words could never express how much I love you. Thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without you, nothing else matters.
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