Announcing "Refugee", a new release from midwestern acoustic/folk singer/songwriter Kyle Knapp. Kyle's diverse style has been variously compared to artists like James Taylor, Neil Young, Phil Collins, Dan Fogelberg, and Bryan Adams. Inspired by the message of liberty, and dedicated to those in our world who suffer under political oppression, the Refugee project includes 11 original songs (one co-written with Bob McDonald), a duet with singer/songwriter Vicki Lynn Whitesel, a cover of U2's "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", plus Kyle's unique interpretation of the Star-Spangled Banner. Recorded with the assistance of numerous and varied local musicians, "Refugee" is somewhat edgier than Kyle's previous "Burr Oak Acres", both in musical style and lyrical content. While some tracks are relaxed, easy to listen to, even funny, you may find others spiritually and socially challenging. The following comments are from the CD's liner notes: Though the concept of this album was inspired, in large measure, by the history of Europe's "eastern bloc" countries, the effects of tyranny can be found throughout all regions of the globe and in every culture of humanity. While the survivors of Hitler's holocaust plead "never again!", we who enjoy the blessings of "Western" prosperity remain largely untouched by the murder of Chinese dissidents, the torture of children in Sierra Leone, the oppression of Afghan women under Taliban rule, and the horror of human slavery, not just of blacks by whites but of whites, blacks, Asians and others, often by those of their own race. In more "enlightened" societies you'll find those who advocate euthanasia of the elderly and infirm, and who yawn with disinterest at the extermination of the unborn. From the Kurds of Iraq to the Vietnamese "boat people", from the Ixil Indians of Central America to the Nubian Christians of Sudan, lovers of truth and freedom everywhere are trampled underfoot by nearly every human government. Democracies and dictatorships alike seem to regard human bodies and souls as mere raw materials for the sake of their own profit. Even our beloved America is not without her share of guilt. Alas, tyranny is not constrained by geographic boundaries; it is limited only by the seemingly inexhaustible well of evil that inhabits the hearts of men. Even knowing this, refugees by the score come to our country in search of the liberties that have been denied them in their own. But I wonder, where do you go to find freedom from the things that oppress your soul? players: Kyle Knapp: guitars and vocals, percussion Joe Knapp: bongos and percussion on "Lament for Romania" Michael Evans: congas and percussion Aaron Fuenning: violin Lou Sinos: accordion Paul Falkowski: saxophone on "Where Are the Sages?" Vicki Lynn Whitesel: vocals on "You Are the One" and "Beside the Golden Door" Daniel Knapp, Dylan Strimple, & Mike Kehr (aka "the Vienna Sausage Boy Choir"): vocals on "Up, Chuck" sound effects wizardry: Tom Sharman & Jon Guggenheim Produced by Kyle Knapp and Jon Guggenheim Engineered by Jon Guggenheim at Tesco Productions, Omaha NE Mastered by Eric Medley for Tremulant Records Joe Knapp appears courtesy of Saddle Creek Records Kyle would like to thank: Jon Guggenheim & Tom Sharman for all your hard work and encouragement. Eric & Mark for assimilating me into the Tremulant collective. Vicki, Joe, Mike, Aaron, Lou, and Bob for your participation. Paul Falkowski of Desert Ministries for lending your talents and support. My friends and family at Lighthouse on the Hill church, for your prayers and patience. My father-in-law Israel Solomon, for all your support, and for giving me a different perspective on things. My wonderful wife Gail, for putting up with me through all this. Friends from the Bridge, the Upper Room, the Songwriters' Sweatshop, Lewis Art Gallery, and many others (as usual, I owe far more than I could ever repay, or even properly acknowledge). Most of all, I give thanks to the Author of Liberty - "If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." (Jn 8:36)