Album Notes

Distant Strangers', the new CD by singer-songwriter Tim Mann is the product of three years of work, and three different projects. In 2003, Tim formed a group with Greg Hawkes, (The Cars), and David Rizzuti, (Springhill Rounders). The group was called 'The Diamond Hearts, and played around the Cambridge and Somerville area. In early 2004, they began recording original material at Rizzuti's studio in Arlington. Simultaneously, Tim began a series of recordings at his home studio, focusing on stripped down songs with acoustic guitar and vocals. By the end of the year, Tim and Greg had joined 'Ukulele Noir', a group of ukulele players from the Boston area. This led to a series of ukulele recordings in the spring of 2006, that saw Tim contribute two original ukulele songs, with assistance from Greg.

"Distant Strangers' features tracks from all three sessions. Tim wrote and sang all the material, and is helped out by not only Hawkes and Rizzuti, but bassists Tom Bianchi and Zack Hickman (Josh Ritter). The album has the overall feel of an intimate coffeehouse setting, with music reminiscent of Nick Drake, mid-period Pink Floyd, and latter day Byrds/Dylan with a touch of Elliott Smith. There is a subtle blend of light acoustic pop melodies framing darker introspective lyrics with production at a minimum.