Audio Liner Notes:

There’s a tradition of sorts in folk and country music for artists to do an occasional spoken piece whether it’s a narrative within a song or a talking blues. “Audio Liner Notes” is in that tradition, but it is what it is—the liner notes for the CD set to music. Recording the liner notes came in a moment of inspiration.  It’s something that I haven’t seen other artist do, and it really does seem to set up the rest of the songs on the CD.

 
No Apology

The only time you should apologize for you actions is when they hurt others unintentionally or produce “collateral damage.” I don’t apology for living the life I’ve lead, and I don’t think anyone else should either.  “No Apology” is an expression of that.  It is both a statement of defiance and celebration of a life well worn.

 
50 Years Old and Still Playin' for Tips

Yes, it was written when I was turning 50 and on the guitar that was bought as my birthday present to myself in recognition of that milestone. It’s more or less autobiographical. If you listen closely, though, you’ll find the song is really about turning 50 but rather the powerful hold that playing, singing, and now writing has had on me and many of my fellow 50 something musician friends.  Playing is both a curse and a blessing.  We keep playing, most of the time for tips and not many of them.  We keep playing not with dreams of Nashville or LA in our heads but to fill the hole in our souls.