Hazepipe

As a teenager, during the hot and sticky summer afternoons in Arkansas during the late '70s, I could be found cradling a Gibson SG, a prize of endless hours of hauling hay and flipping pizzas, trying to cop licks by dragging and dropping a worn out phonograph needle across Carlos Santana, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple records. Having lost my mother last summer, I've often reflected to her listening to the blaring music pouring out of my bedroom during those years, never complaining, and always with a smile on her face. This release is dedicated to her and the years of support, she yielded in all aspects of my life. The inspiration for the release came literally days after the Roadworthy release, as my daughter Allie and a friend, Pattie Witten, commented on having really liked the original instrumentals on that release and suggested I do more. Having experienced a bit of a writer's block during the past months, the creative flood gates opened on the wee (and I mean 4am wee) morning hours of July, 4th and 'Battle of San Jacinto' was born, hence the title as a key milestone in Texas establishing their own independence. Ironically, my parents were visiting at the time, and while sitting on the back patio with mom and morning coffee, she was introduced to the earliest version of 'San Jac' on a 78 year old Gibson acoustic. She said she really liked the Spanish sound. It would be the last time she heard me play a guitar. It is not ironic, that the '34 Gibson acoustic appears on the new recording. To come full circle, during the recording of the very final composition, 'Chimera Finale', Frank, my recording engineer, pulled out an old guitar case to share with me a special gift that was given to him by his father in the 70s. My first reaction was a great big smile and wondering how he ended up with my first Gibson. While it wasn't my SG, it sure looked just like it. He was gracious enough to let me use it on the final track. Life is full of circles, mysteries, and is so precious. Be good to people and never underestimate your influence on those around you. ---------------------------------- Hazepipe was released on June 13, 2013. The CD contains over 45 minutes of primarily original and all instrumental compositions and features an array of guest musicians and friends including percussionists Carlos Escobedo, Gerry Miller, John Beron, & Chris Kainer; bassists Louis Real, Mike Thompson, & Frank Lisenbee; keyboardist Jeff Keast, Scott Burns, & Kevin Loper; saxophonists George Briscoe & Dave Hohmann, & finally, Rick Boss on Harmonica. Produced by Mark Searcy Middleton. Assistant production, recording & mixed by Frank Lisenbee at Scorpio Productions and mastered by Jerry Tubb of Terra Nova Digital Audio.