Album Notes

This recording was originally planned for release in 2006. However, in late 2005 my life began a major detour. Ironically it was during this time in my life that I began to sing. I had always loved to sing, but never thought to share it with anyone.

In the months and even years that followed I became reacquainted with old friends and met some wonderful new ones. I suppose I didn’t even realize it at the time - nor did they - that when the road became rough, it was their spirit that gave me courage. It is with the love and encouragement from these friends old and new that I found...

A New Way Home…
...this album is dedicated to them:

James Leva, whom I first met at the Swannanoa Gathering when I decided that four strings were easier to deal with than 150 - and I began to play the fiddle! Besides being a jaw-dropping fiddler, singer and songwriter, James is also a patient soul that has been a good friend and an inspiration. It is most fitting that we sing “If I Needed You” on this CD.

PJ Brunson is single handedly responsible for my original songs becoming a reality on this CD. Without her encouragement and offer to accompany me with her beautiful finger-pick style guitar and harmony vocals, my compositions would have remained a secret. PJ is one of the strongest women I’ve ever met, and I am privileged to know her and call her my friend.

Wes Chappell for his one-of-a-kind musicianship, friendship and the ability to make me laugh in almost any situation!
I also learned Vladimir’s Steam Boat from the playing of No Strings Attached - The Virginia based band including Randy Marchany, Wes Chappell, Bob Thomas, Pete Hastings, and Jim Crawford.

Tim Jones for being dedicated to not only making music but paving the way for others to make as much good music as possible. Saying that Tim is a musical advocate and friend greatly over simplifies his affect on the musical community in York County an beyond. As owner of Woody’s Music and Woody’s Studio, Tim organizes, instigates, initiates, and sets countless music projects in motion that rarely put himself in the spot light.

And as always:

My brothers Harry and Jerry for watching over me in the way only big brothers can.
My son Will for helping me “keep it real”.

The musicians joining me on this album:
James Leva – fiddle, guitar, vocals
PJ Brunson – guitar, piano, vocals
Jon Singleton – fiddle
Jeff Jones – guitar
Tom Hildreth – bass
Laurie Neal – fiddle
Albert Dulin - mandolin
Wes Chappell – guitar, mandolin
Gary Greene – percussion
Boyd Hood - bass
Melanie Freeman - cello