Album Notes

Tim Bowen and the Crystal Ball Breakers new CD “Issues” adopts a different approach following the band’s 2001 debut "Variety". More succinct at six songs, more direct musically and more socially and politically conscious lyrically, “Issues” takes a head-on look at some of the most difficult and troubling situations confronting our present day world. From the anthemic grandeur of "Let’s Raise An Army (Take It To Darfur)", to the stripped down Appalachia of "American Refugee" (perhaps the definitive song about Hurricane Katrina) and Plastic Ono-esque rawness of the child abuse testimonial "Just A Little Boy", “Issues” tackles themes too rarely addressed in contemporary popular music with empathy and conviction.

• Tim Bowen - vocals, guitars, bass, harmonica, autoharp, keyboard
• Produced by drummer George Manney. Credits include- Rolling Hayseeds; Last Minute Jam vols. 1 and 2; Clutch Cargo “Wide Open”. Manney was the driving force behind the infamous “Last Minute Jam” for 10 years at South Street’s J.C. Dobbs.
• Special guest appearance by jazz great Byard Lancaster – flute solos on "Baghdad Is Black & Blue"
• Enhanced CD includes extra bonus features:
 "Baghdad Is Black & Blue" video
 “War and Peace” slide show (18 paintings by Tim Bowen)
 Behind the scenes footage and interview
• Tim Bowen is an established painter and owner of Falling Cow Gallery with work in the collections of Forbes, Aramark Food Service, Will’s Eye Hospital and many private collections. To see Tim Bowen’s paintings online visit www.inliquid.com