Against the Grain Tom Boyd, Oboe, Oboe d’more, English Horn Tommy Morgan, Harmonica, Arranger David Loeb, Piano Dan Higgins, Soprano Sax Dennis Sands, Recording Engineer Against the Grain is the collaborative effort of long-time friends Tom Boyd and Tommy Morgan. A unique pairing of oboe and harmonica, the soulful, vocal quality is well suited to this repertoire of familiar songs. Buy just one and send it to a friend, your relatives, your parents and or Grandparents and watch what happens. It just might make their day a bit more joyful. The combination of these two instruments was something even Tom and Tommy had know idea would work but does and it is so Against the Grain. If you have ever seen Forrest Gump, Beauty and the Beast, Lion King, Jurassic Park I, II and III, King Kong, Lady in the Water, Spider Man, Amistad, Prince of Tides, or Robin Hood, you have already heard the rich sounds of Tom Boyd’s oboe. You can also hear Tom playing the lovely music of the Simpsons composed by Alf Clausen. With over one thousand soundtracks to his credit, he can be heard all over the world. Besides playing as an integral part of the Hollywood recording industry he can also be found performing in symphony orchestras, teaching and coaching. Tommy Morgan is perhaps the most widely heard harmonica player in the world. Besides playing with the Carpenters, Tommy has recorded for television, records and major motion pictures including films such as Dances with Wolves. His sensitive and creative arrangements are a majorly integral part of "Faith Songs" and "Christmas". This project has provided Tom and Tommy with an innovative opportunity to bring forth these gentle and timeless songs in a truly elegant style. You will always hear Tommy playing his Harmonica throughout the famous song "Rainy Days and Mondays" by the Capenters. David Loeb is currently the music director and conductor for Ben Vereen. From concert stage to recording studio, David is recognized nationally for his skill and versatility as a performer, arranger and conductor. His longstanding interest in sacred music contributes significantly to his performance on this album which he dedicates to his wife Judy and his children Erin and Brian. Dan Higgins is currently Los Angeles’ most sought-after woodwind/sax musicians in the film, television and record industries. Equally accomplished in composition, jazz as well as pop music, Dan has performed with a variety of artists including Frank Sinatra, Barry Manilow and Barbara Streisand and has worked hand in hand with Marc Shaiman [Brodway's, Hair Spray, City Slickers etc.] on several motion pictures. Dennis Sands’ career has touched nearly every phase of the sound recording industry. His high-caliber work has been rewarded with multiple Academy Award nominations, including one for Forrest Gump two Grammy Awards and an Emmy. Working with Against the Grain to retain an intimate “live concert” feel in the studio, Dennis was able to help create a top quality project which captures the vision of imagination of the musicians.