Prosperity Street

Vocalist Tracy Ready spearheads Trace Relations, the band. His career as a Director of Photography in television production blends with a passion for the music of his life to bring us Trace Relations. The debut CD 'Prosperity Street' is a culmination of thirty years of collaboration in the music business for Tracy. Eclectic to say the least, the songs were selected to be musical milestones, a twisted tale of groove. Really, it was all about making the record Trace would like to put on at a party on the banks of the Guadalupe River in the hill country of Texas. Trace Relations is just that, all his musical relations. 'Prosperity Street' is a unique listening experience encompassing Rock, Blues, Jazz and Americana styles. It's a tribute to artists and songs that influenced him and a showcase for many great musicians he's had the privilege of knowing over the years. The track list features seven original songs written by Trace in collaboration with others and five very distinctive cover tunes. Looking at the songs chosen for the album, a theme emerges: Acceptance. In one way or another each song relates to accepting where we are in life, and a determination to have a good time in spite of obstacles the world has thrown our way. The covers include songs by Augie Meyers, Doug Sahm, Willie Dixon and T-Bone Walker, in original arrangements by the band. The Guests The sessions produced twelve tracks, including seven original songs and featuring some very special guest artists. Legendary Texas performer Augie Meyers (of Texas Tornados and Sir Douglas Quintet fame) contributed keyboards on three songs and accordion on a funny Tex-mex novelty track 'Elvis Es Mi Gato', a song he co-wrote with Trace. Augie's son, monster drummer (and web guru!) Clay Meyers contributed drums and percussion to three songs. In Dallas, blues great Hash Brown laid down some blistering guitar and harmonica on two classics, T-Bone Walker's 'Tell Me What's the Reason' and the Willie Dixon tune 'I Live the Life I Love.' In 2009 additional sessions included guest artist Shawn Sahm, also of Texas Tornados fame, on a new rockin' version of Doug Sahm's 1974 classic 'Groover's Paradise. San Antonio's incredible West Side Horns (Al Gomez, trumpet; Louis Bustos, sax) played on two Trace Relations originals and on Augie's 'Prosperity Street'. San Antonio's Dana Clark (keyboards, vocals, saxophone, flute) lent her many talents to four songs including the Trace Relations original 'The Flood'. Austin's Les McGeehee (Improv Artist, Author) sang a duet with Trace on funny cover of an old Jim Stafford tune 'Little Bits and Pieces'.