5 original tunes, 1 traditional spiritual, and 1 cover. "Always There"---The A section of this tune had been done for some time, but I got the inspiration to finish it for the occasion of my mother's retirement after 37 years of teaching. The last 26 of those years were spent at one school. She had been a constant presence in that community, and was always there for her students. Of course, she's always there for me when I need her. "Thursday Morning" was originally about the idea of moving on to the next chapter in life. I wrote it in college as close friends were graduating, and I was thinking about the new adventures we were all embarking on---them in their new careers or grad school, myself in adjusting to life without them being around and thinking about what lay ahead for me. I couldn't come up with a title that reflected that feeling, though. I played it for a guy named Vince Herman, who, since it was 12:30 AM on a Thursday, suggested the title "Thursday 12:30". The next day, a friend suggested "Thursday Morning" and there it was. This tune has been very good to me over the years, and I consider it a high water mark in my songwriting. "Long Road Home" was written about a particularly difficult period in my life with some health issues, probably the hardest period to date. It took a long time, but eventually I was able to get my life back and live the way I wanted it. "Mist on Cannon Beach" was written in Cannon Beach, Oregon. I had just bought a Teton guitar at the local music shop and this tune just kind of came out. I went for a walk on the beach and marveled at the sight of all the mist near Haystack Rock, and had the tune finished in my head. I went back to the house, and it was done. I used the Teton on the recording for this tune. "Across The Divide" is just a random flat picking thing inspired by Tony Rice. I wasn't sure where it was going, then I put on Rice's "Church Street Blues" album and got it all figured out. The title just tries to reflect the imagery in my head when I listen back to the tune. "Amazing Grace" is just a good 'ol spiritual and one of my favorite melodies. I have been a church musician (volunteer) since I was in 5th grade, and I felt I had to acknowledge that in some way. Fans of Tommy Emmanuel will likely hear his influence in this. Martin Tallstrom, a phenomenal picker from the Netherlands, also influenced me with his version, and it shows up a bit in this as well. "I Ain't Got No Home" is a great Woody Guthrie tune; probably my favorite actually. It's the melody that I love best about it. The licks were challenging and fun to work out. This is my recorded debut singing lead. It was very important to me that I record at least one song with Lacey Black, who sings the harmony part on this song. We've been friends and musical partners for many years, and she was a major force behind my recording this album (from keeping the idea in my head, to hooking me up with studio time, to providing a couch to crash on while recording this, and advising on all the little post-production details) so I just couldn't imagine her not being on it. I think you'll hear why. Photography by Nicole Cordova of Campos Creative School Portraits Recorded, mixed and mastered by Scott Smith at Scooter's Place in Durango, CO April 15--18 2014. "Thursday Morning" recorded March, 2008 also by Scott Smith. Cover design by Aaron Heirtzler.