Liner notes from The Wonky Years -------------------------------- This very personal collection of songs emerged from several years I spent writing and performing in Vancouver over a decade ago. Most of the songs in this collection were written specifically for our rowdy ensemble – The Rick Taylor Band. We became a fixture in the smoky clubs and blues bars of Vancouver, storming the stage with the full force of our raw roots energy and passion for music making. We loved our fans…crazy people, beautiful people, boilermakers, insurance salesmen, gamblers, bankers, winners and losers. I was probably among the worst of the lot. In giving our music to them, we received an even greater gift – their listening ears. There was nothing we would not try for those crowds, and we routinely played on past closing time to a packed house. Their enthusiasm for our musical journey inspired my songwriting, and spurred the band as we developed our style and voice. I hope, as you listen to the songs in this collection, you’ll share the wonderful wild exuberance and carnival heart of my wonky years…. Rick Taylor Hensall, Ontario, Canada 2008