Acoustic Fingers - Look Before You Leap (2018)

This album began as my third solo release... a follow-up to 2014's, "Extended Moments of Clarity" and slowly progressed into a collaborative 3-piece effort.

Having all of the songs tracked with acoustic guitars and vocals, I had ideas for a few of the songs to include a bass guitar. Specifically, I wanted bass lines to introduce the first and second sides of the album.

Rather than track the bass myself, I invited Keith Uram, a former Crushing Ground member to write for the cause. I figured the few tunes I had in mind were right up his alley. Within minutes of hearing the songs, he enthusiastically said, "I'm in!".

In addition to providing bass, Keith suggested that I add the percussion touches of one Art Bartlow, a friend of his from way back. He told me he was really good on this "wooden box". The box he was referring to is called a cajon and along with a slew of other percussive instruments, including a full drum kit at times, Art (with Keith's bass work) breathed new life into each song. Not to mention that already having a song on the disc called, "Art of the Heart" was a great serendipitous sign to work together!

Although it took a lot longer to track, mix and master, I am happy we went the extra mile for these songs. It really helped stand this release apart from the other two and certainly made it a more interesting listen.

This record is about love and nature and more specifically, the nature of love. Art and Keith added more human, tribal and organic touches that really helped land the theme. What better way to complete a record about the human struggle with love than to share the experience with more people to illustrate that plight! We are truly better together! I believe we are designed to help each other through this life and I am forever grateful that I had the opportunity to work with both of these talents...and even better than that, exceptional people.