We formed this band to sing these songs — songs that were swirling around our brains like they'd always existed, hopping and popping about, desperate to be heard. The songs seemed like they'd been around forever, and in a sense they had. They were about bloodlines and wagers, girls and guns, disappointment and friendship. "The Banks of the Cumberland" is at the center of the album, and is in some ways the center of the project. And we didn't even write it — it was just a story, a true story, and we decided to throw some chords behind it. A man lived a tremendous life, and this is his life. Without him, we plain & simply wouldn't be here. We considered 30 or 40 songs for the album, and they were all real, dirty and from the heart. When writing, we were chasing the same answer, although all asking a different question. For a couple of us, it came down to wills & inheritances — before Jax Christopher and Henry Cash could say a word, they spoke quite loud: they said, "Dad, where the hell did I come from, and where am I going?" We made our album as some sort of answer. It's a look at the individual footsteps that follow each and every one of us. And with an eye, most certainly, on where we're heading. These songs & performances will live far longer than the singers and performers that put 'em together, and we're blessed to have had occasion to lay it all on tape. Yes, the songs were built to last — they live & breathe. And we truly thank you, the listener, for giving them life.

About my bandmates — all rugged travelers, longing souls, spirits cut from the same fabric. We all met & bonded in our individual ways, over longneck bottles and spinning records. I found they had similar passions, mutual influences, familiar interests, and a burning fire in their veins. I met half of the Trainhoppers (Phil, Damian and Dan) at an evening celebrating the music of Bob Dylan — my first acquaintance to them was their 14-minute rendition of "I Shall Be Released" that truly and completely busted my brains out. I've never had a better first impression, and doubt I ever will. I've found them to be passionate storytellers, seekers and raconteurs. I haven't gotten out the knife, but it's only because they already feel like blood brothers. Matt Sturm has never been less than a true artist in my eyes, a poet and a believer. A man who lays it open & bare and wants to talk about it all night long. Jon Ross is a visionary on lead drums, but more than that, he's an exuberant, warm and wonderful man — I could spend a season in his arms. And without Chris Dodds....oh, Chris. My partner, my sonic soul brother and my true friend, I owe the man more than he'll ever take credit for.

All that said, we're just a band, hoping for a great album cover, and trying to save the whole damn world.

Thanks for your time —
MSK
12-1-05