Without Further Ado...

...I give you "Never And Forever".

After 23 months of intermittent work, it is finally finished and available for download.  This is my 4th album and has been by far the easiest to make.  (It's interesting that my 3rd album was the hardest.)  It's short...only 8 tracks.  But I think I've packed it full of enjoyable moments.  As I've said all along, with this album I've tried to keep to specific themes and a specific mood.  What that means is that there is probably not "something for everybody" on this one.  Which means that it may not be everybody's cup of tea, which is perfectly fine.  I mean really, is there anything more subjective than music?  But I think that those who DO enjoy this will do so deeply.  I've put my heart and soul into this and I hope that comes through as you listen to it.  I also hope that you will give it a few spins before passing judgement.  The best music always takes some time to sink in.

There will also be a CD version released.  It will have a 12-page booklet with artwork and lyrics.  All design work is being done by myself.  Sometimes I think I enjoy creating the artwork as much as the music.  I hope that some of you will want to go the old fashioned route and have this tangible object to hold in your hand.  I promise I am working to make it as beautiful as I can.

I'm going to ask a favor.  If you find my work to be worthy of any praise, please share it with others.  Like any musician, I'd love to reach the largest audience that I can.  Again, thanks to those who have supported me in the past.  I really hope you enjoy my latest effort.

Thanks,

James

Time Takes Time...

...but albums are quick.

Less than two years ago I began recording songs for what would become "Never And Forever".  As I type this I am on the cusp of completing it.  Even though I've pretty much taken a few months off from recording, I cannot believe how fast the whole process has gone.  This album is so much different than the last one which took five years(!!!) to complete.  By the time I finished that one I was just ready to be done.  Sure there were improvements that could have been made but I was really just over it by that point.  This time around I am going to finish AND still be excited about the music!  It's a very nice feeling.

All I really have left to do to finish is record the vocal tracks for the album closer called "Time Takes Time".  It is the shortest track on the album and the simplest song as well.  The vocal recording should be really easy.  I recorded the bass guitar tonight.  It is really so close.

Once vocals are recorded the final mixing should be easy because it's such a simple mix.  Then it will be a matter of getting the track sequence mastered so that everything sound right together on the album. Artwork for the CD booklet is coming along nicely as well.  I'm saying this will all be done and ready for download by the end of November.  Optimistically I'm hoping maybe even by Thanksgiving.

To be honest I'm pretty excited about this release.  I think it's the most solid collection of songs I've ever come up with.  You can judge for yourself before too long.