The Stories:
1. The Growing Season: Id like to think this has been the theme song to my life these past two years! Tons of change (both personally and professionally) and I am definitely growing because of it.
2. Declaration: Completed the night I proposed to my wife, this song is meant to be a celebration. Also, definite credit to my sister, Rebekah for asking me to work on the verses some more to make them cooler. Any extra coolness they may have is because of her!
3. Valley Gate: This is a walk down memory lane for me. Born and raised on Valley Gate in San Antonio TX, this song takes me back to the original Friday night pizza and movies memories, launching baseballs into the neighbors backyard, and buying lots and lots of ice cream from Rambo, the neighborhood ice cream man.
4. Solace: This song was written in memory of my great friend, Harold Tinsley Jr. His kindness, generosity, and friendship taught me more than I can express. I will never forget how in praying about a song title for this piece, I was reminded of a conversation I had with him years back in which he suggested Solace for an improv. song I was working on at the time. It seemed all too fitting that this should be the title of this song.
5. Motif City: This song is a city of 3 note patterns. I sure did have fun firing up the authentic B3 organ!
6. Fugitive: I love the cool, slick vibe of this tune. It definitely wears sunglasses.
7. The Calling: I wrote and recorded my first collection of original songs in 2001 and fell in love with the whole experience. I have been composing music ever since.
8. Psalm: Written shortly my Grandpa Cavazos passed away, this song is meant to inspire hope and healing. Thanks to my Dad for writing words to his version of this song!
9. Desperation Hill: I recently dreamed I was being made to climb this huge mountain with tons of obstacles in my way. I shared this with Rick during a mixing session, only to find out he had just had a similar dream. Its amazing how God can strengthen your character through the endurance of difficult times.
10. The Architect: This song is built in layers. It wants to 1. Rock, 2. Tell a story, 3. Take a relaxing break, and 4. Rock out again. Its basically an episode of VH1 Storytellers!
11. The 7th Hour: A reference to its time meter (7/8), this song also has a strong urgency to it which I thought fitting for the name. Why we decided to leave the biggest challenge for last on our 12 hour recording session, Ill never know! What I do know is that the guys came through in fine form.
12. Lighthouse: This song is meant to be a safe haven amidst troubling times. I hope it does the same for you.
13. Allisons Song: I got to marry the love of my life on June 19th, 2010. This song was actually written for our wedding day and I got to play it at the reception! I am truly thankful for every day we have experienced together and this song is my gift to her.
14. Bullet Proof: When I think of this song, I like to imagine an 8 ft. tall music giant who eats other songs for breakfast! Probably an over active imagination, but Im OK with that.
15. Anthem for the 403: The running joke at my last college apartment, The 403 was that we didnt rent an apartment, we ran a hostel! Any of our friends that needed a place to stay on any given night could always count on The 403. It wasnt unusual for there to be anywhere between 5-15 people you may or may not know hanging out at your apartment! But crazy as our open door policy was, I met some awesome lifelong friends because of it. So, heres to the 403!
