Keri and I wrote the lyrics for "Smoke" back in our apartment in New York. This song established the process we still use for writing. I was grateful for her biblical knowledge of all the characters. She helped tie the story together using figures the singer would have known from the Bible, growing up protestant South. The first verse is merely an introduction to the setting then we delve right into Paul. "I was struck blind on the side of the path," is the lead into his verse, then David is represented. "I am a conqueror, I am devout.." Then, the singer looks at his own mortality, referencing the Garden of Gethsemane.
Here is a link to our Band Camp. Thanks for checking it out! You will find songs you can't find anywhere else, including "Smoke and Mud."
We were able to get the help of friends from our Twitter. OrangeG provided banjo. Kev Sharp was on keys. Brady Jo mixed and played lead guitar. Jeff Harrington and crew on bass and drums. We can't express how pleased we are with how everything came out on this collaboration. Thanks so much to everyone for your contributions.
"Smoke and Mud" is a special song to me. I feel it every time I play it. I have fond memories of New York and writing with Keri. It means a lot to me when people listen to it and respond with the imagery they've conjured. To me, that's the most fun part about being an artist. I love providing an atmosphere for the imagination. I feel like there's a road to progress and healing just beyond our reach of thought. I want to be in the background somewhere on that journey. Thanks so much for listening.
Above is the video on YouTube. Here is the pre-save for all streamers, Dec. 30.