Mr. Senator-CD Info & Song Descriptions 1) Mr. Senator: Written during the 2016 Presidential Election Primaries a certain candidate who I found particularly disturbing and was inspired to write about it and make references to his actions without mentioning his name. Thanks to Louie Ortega who guests on 2nd guitar. 2) Dysfunctional Child-Autobiographical story about coming through a challenging childhood and growing up, coming out better on the other side. Thanks to Louie Ortega on backing vocals. 3) This Masquerade-As a 9 or 10 year old boy, I remember his hit songs on the radio and later George Benson at our house with lots of other great artists and musicians. "This Masquerade" written by the great Leon Russell who I have had the honor and pleasure to do some shows as a supporting act. These people have been like family to me. They always are so kind and ask about my father. It's great when your heroes and mentors turn out to be really nice people too. 4) Tuff Love: In this case the song describes a man whose wife does not "baby" him...and likes it that way. Thanks to Bill Evans for the killer sax! 5) You Blew My Mind-My wife Mary asked me "Why don't write any pretty love songs about me?" Listening reminds me of the romantic influence of long time family friend Jimmy Webb with some Motown/Soul, and true life stories. 6) Higher Ground-The first CD I ever got was Stevie Wonder's Innervisions. I have always aspired to write a Stevie Wonder type song as his music is both "Great" and "Popular". Something missing from many popular artists of today. 7) Slip Away-Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to play a two week Blues Festival on the Caribbean Island of Mustique. Performing with long time mentor and friend Joe Louis Walker, I also got to hang with legendary Mississippi and Texas Blues Man Zac Harmon who suggested I sing "Slip Away". It went over real well with crowd and I thank Zac for helping add this classic tune to my repertoire. 8) Let's Straighten It Out-I remember my brother Julian once saying "If people want to save their relationship, $ on marriage counselors or divorce. They'd be be better off listening to a Barry White record. "This song one of my favorites by Latimore and might be able to help you out if applied correctly. 9) My Pedal Board-This song co-written by Bassist Lenny Bradford when we were on tour with Joe Louis Walker and often getting hassled regarding our musical instruments and equipment when flying. A musician's anthem to make it easier for all of us who travel to work. 10) Tejanos-Spending a lot of time in Texas where there is a significant Mexican population with their own flavor, I have felt the influence and rich experience. This is my first song written in Spanish language, espero que no sera la ultima. Gracias a Louie Ortega for his fine guitar work finding complimentary parts to mine.