Sitting on a large boulder overlooking the Jackson valley, as the Snake River meandered off to Idaho, under the clear blue sky, the yellow Arrowroot in magnificent bloom, 7,000 feet up, an idea came to me. An idea to create a new recording. That's what I do, so this part of the story is not that unusual. What is unusual is that this idea was about a statement, not just another release. My 17th release, this could be a very personal, powerful, spiritual contribution to our community. Upon climbing down the mountain, I began working on songs and writing songs. My path was soon brought to Ryan Lubin and Tony DeMarcado, 2 young recording engineers with spiritual values and lots of enthusiasm. Turns out to have been a perfect collaboration. The songs as they came together spoke of the Love of humanity, compassion, communication, meditation, and peace. It felt to me as though a voice from the wilderness was speaking, using my voice and guitar. These topics are rarely what musicians in the West spend their careers spreading and contemplating. Thus, a Voice in the Wilderness was born. With this concept, photographer Kevin Richards took me into the field on the edge of the highway and buildings, bringing to life a series of images that will be used in the cover and packaging of the release. And then a new idea came... What if a video for each song was created, with the intention of highlighting an issue and organization locally working to make the community better? Can I use my music to be a part of something that supports all of us? So, acclaimed director and Akronist co-creator, Blue Green has signed on to bring this vision to life! And then a new idea came ... Once the videos and music were finalized, use the release to create and engage visual artists, helping to tell the story in the music even further! All the pieces would be recycled, upcycled and sustainable.