After about 9 months of staring at the dinosaur of a computer in what can hardly be called a studio over my garage, I've finally finished this project. I recently equated it to my entering and completing the Baja 1000 desert race in an antique piece of junk truck. There are much faster, more expensive, higher tech ways to have done it, but there's something to be said for even making it to the checkered flag at all. I'd like to thank everyone who helped me along the way. I'm extremely grateful to have captured only a small portion of your seemingly endless talents and hope to have the honor of doing so again in the future. I'd also like to especially thank my wife, Lauren, for her continued support throughout every stage of this endeavor. Other than me, no one has heard these songs as many times...in my truck, in her car, in the living room, on the back porch, on these headphones, on those speakers...she truly is an amazing woman and never once said, "Enough!" Her opinions and suggestions would have easily earned her co-producer credits on any other REAL project and for that, I am forever indebted. I hope you enjoy and please feel free to let me know if you did or didn't. I always appreciate any constructive criticisms or kindly worded suggestions. You can email me at stevenswa.1976@gmail.com Alex All songs written, recorded and produced by Alex Stevens except for: Intensive Care-lyrics by Bill and Alex Stevens Toss a Jacket-music and lyrics by Ed Thomas, Matt Ulmer and Alex Stevens Broken Angels: This song tells the true story of the past two years of my life. Due in no small part to the amazing staff at Cumberland Heights, the story has a positive ending. Without them, there's no telling what could have happened. Bass, Organ, Percussion-Alex Stevens Slide Guitar-Justin Schipper Backwoods: An old song given new life by simply Googling "Nashville horn section for hire." These guys are awesome and were a pleasure to work with. They can often be seen sharing the stage with multi-platinum artists all over the country. Bass, Keyboards, Drums-Alex Stevens Guitars-Justin Schipper Horns-Written and Arranged by "Hell Yeah Horns" of Nashville, TN Weekday Warrior: Just a song about finally trying to grow up, doing my best to live life in the present and accepting things that are beyond my control. I still get easily agitated in traffic, but I'm working on it. Bass, Drums-Alex Stevens Slide and Acoustic Guitar-Justin Schipper Guitar-Johnny Myers Piano, Organ-Will Adkins Powerless at Best: Another old song reworded during my time at Cumberland Heights. While there, I confronted a lot of things about myself that had to change...except for one (well, technically two). I can't imagine my life without them in it and they make me so very proud every single day. Bass, Drums-Alex Stevens Slide and Acoustic Guitar-Justin Schipper Guitar-Johnny Myers Piano, Organ-Will Adkins Wings of an Angel: Yes, another song about angels. They are real...especially my two aunts who left this world way too early. I truly believe they help me, sometimes obviously and sometimes subtly. Oh, and then there's the one that rode with me in the ambulance in Canada...long story. Bass, Guitar, Drums-Alex Stevens Organ-Will Adkins Guitar Solo-Adam McIntyre Hi-hats-Brice Williams Intensive Care: Thus far, the only song on which I've collaborated with my Dad. Years before his passing, he sent me two verses and I put them to music at that time. I thought it would be fitting to revisit the song and include him on this project. Bass, Organ, Synth, Drums, Percussion-Alex Stevens Slide Guitar-Justin Schipper Piano-Will Adkins Hi-hats-Brice Williams Lullaby for Liz: A piece written for my sister, Elizabeth, while we were in college together at Belmont University. I totally bombed it on my junior recital and never did it again...until now. Love ya B !!! Bass-Alex Stevens Hearts in the Sand: Needless to say, my Dad was not exactly the fatherly type. He passed away estranged from all of his children, but especially the girls. I thought, "If he could send one last note to them, what might it be?" Bass, Drums-Alex Stevens Slide Guitar-Justin Schipper Guitar-Johnny Myers Electric Piano-Will Adkins Mercedes Benz: Just a fun, silly song about my first 1973 Ford Bronco. Yes, the muffler fell off and no, I've never lived next to a rectory. But, "preacher" doesn't almost rhyme with "police" nearly as well as "priest." Bass, Piano, Organ, Horns-Alex Stevens Guitar-Johnny Myers Drums-Brice Williams Toss a Jacket: My Southgate band mates and I wrote this one at Ole Miss back in 1995. With some minor rewording of the 3rd verse, now the song has taken on a totally new meaning to my life. The vocal solo towards the end is a shout out to the original organ playing genius of Mr. Jimmy Jarrett. Bass, Drums-Alex Stevens Guitars-Justin Schipper Piano, Organ-Travis Mobley Dirty Santa Needs a Shower: This one was inspired by my father's last known driver's license photo and all the junk I found in his yard(s). What a nightmare!!! I had to find some humor in all of that mess. Bass, Drums-Alex Stevens Guitar-Johnny Myers Piano, Organ-Will Adkins Bach Bass: Taken from the Presto section of J.S. Bach's Violin Sonata No. 1 in g minor. It was my nemesis in college and no, I can't play it anymore. I recorded it way back then and hope to be able to play it (and maybe the rest of it) again one day. Bass-Alex Stevens