About This:
This is my first new CD in seven years. To be fair, I haven't just been sitting on my ass eating bon bons for the better part of a decade. I wrote a book, made a DVD and put out a "Best OF" Cd during these seven years. Winning Streak was co produced by Steve Sadler at his studio here in beautiful Lynn, Mass through the Summer and fall of 2010. It was a stress-free recording experience with a couple of Lynn guys doing a lot of laughing and really enjoying the experience of trying to make these songs be all that they could be. This recording includes eight original songs, two live comedy pieces that were recorded at The Ark in Ann Arbor, Michigan and two covers. Randall Kromm from Winchester, Mass wrote the song "Water Wheel" which Christine Lavin described as a new folk standard. It is a beautiful song with an absolutely inspired lyric. Hayley Reardon, an extraordinary fourteen-year-old songwriter from Marblehead, Mass wrote "Good Morning Beautiful" when she was twelve. It's more than a little difficult to believe that a song this beautifully crafted could have been composed by one one so young. I hope that my interpretations of these wonderful songs helps bring attention to these two great songwriters. And finally, what an honor it is for me to have such gifted musicians and singers bring their talents to my music. Big thanks to Steve Sadler who was an amazing co conspirator on this project. In addition to doing all the engineering and mixing he sang and played the following instruments: Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, Accordion, Dobro, Bottleneck, Mandolin, Fiddle, Banjo, and yes, Penny Whistle. Christina Thompson Lively's vocals on this CD are so special to me. What she did to capture and elevate the mood and essence of the songs she brought her voice to on this recording is masterful. Kristen Miller wrote and laid down the elegant cello part on "Good Morning Beautiful in a little more that an hour having never heard the song before. Unbelievable. The same is true for Michael Cahill, Matt Leavenworth and Paul Alhstrand who added respectively, Drums, Fiddle and Saxophone to this project in single sessions, having never heard the songs before with results that would suggest weeks of work. Performing a lulabye for my grandchildren with my son Lawren White on guitar in an intimate live recording session was one of the most memorable moments of my life. A lot of laughter and love are in these recordings. I hope it all shines through.