Lucky Man (A Songwriter's Notebook)

This album of songs is all about my love of songwriting, and spans quite a few years of my life. 'Lucky Man' was written (as an assignment) for a show I did in early 2011, while 'The Other Man' was begun (I think) in 1977, and finished off (I think) in 2005. 'To The Light', 'Lessons' and 'When It's Right It's Right' were all begun at SummerSongs East, the song camp in Upstate New York, which is a great place to learn or practice the art of songwriting. I began 'Don't Give Up on Me Virginia' in the 80's, but didn't call it complete until I re-wrote it with Britta Lee Shain at SummerSongs West in Cambria, California in 2010. There are love songs, friend songs, fun songs, story songs - but most of all they are just songs to be enjoyed for what they are. I began the recording in January 2011 and didn't finish until December 2011, which may seem a bit excessive. But I was paying for the recording as I went along and wanted to use the very best people I could. And of course I spent a little more time and money than I budgeted, but I gave it whatever it needed. The first sessions were done with members of the First Friday Band - that is, guys that have been playing with me for years on the first Friday of each month on my internet show at Kulak's Woodshed in North Hollywood, CA. Jeff Kossack brought his excellent ear and helped me do many of these vocals, and Edward Tree, who co-produced my 'This Twisted Road' CD with me, came in and brought the clarity of vision that I was lacking... and the chops that he is known for of course. Ed and I added more songs and even re-recorded a few until we were both happy with the final product. So I hope you enjoy this collection. And thanks for reading this far. 'Friend' me on Facebook if you're a user there, and tell me what you like or don't like.