“Notebook†is a collection of Al’s originals recorded
with various combinations of musicians and bands.
“Notebook†appeals quite easily to most any working
class hero or to anyone who has a sentimental side.
While the subject matter primarily reflects widely
accepted topics of love and work, the track “Can You
Bring Back My Friend†is touching and troubling.
Al’s musical influences span country, rockabilly,
blues, and gospel. Before picking up the guitar at age
10, his earliest exposure to music was in church
choirs and listening to Elvis, Buddy Holly, Rick Nelson, Fats
Domino and numerous doo-wop groups on his mom’s radio.
By age 12, The Beatles and the British Invasion
controlled the radio and changed almost everyone’s
direction, including Al’s. By his teens, country music
had crept into his life via “older†guitar players and
honky tonk veterans that Al was starting to jam with.
Hank Sr. and Johnny Cash were the favorites at that
time. During Vietnam, Merle Haggard was hot and Willie
Nelson came later. All of these influences manifest
themselves in his original music and resonate
throughout this CD. Jacque Holtz of Fly Magazine
cautions the listener not to be misled saying, “this
is not a country album - this is genre-bending music
that can take root in any listener who is open to its
lyrical content and feel.â€
Besides performing, Al stays busy writing and
recording demos. As a member of TAXI (www.taxi.com), a
web based A&R Company, he has submitted forty songs in
the last past year, 7 of which have been forwarded to
various publishers and producers, including film. Al’s
song “Ain’t About To Lose No More†was recently picked
up for the soon to be released movie "Last Ride of the
Raven" and is currently being used in the trailer
(www.palmettomoonstudios.com). His song Remember" is
currently published by "Inter Music Productions"
(www.intermusic.us).
Al places a high value on writing and performing
music. His commitment to his music is undeniable, and
the fact that he has been playing for over forty years
is enough to inspire any struggling musician to
persevere with their musical pursuits. In a recent
interview with Fly Magazine Al aptly expressed his
desire: "I like people to come away from listening to
my music with some sort of emotion. Whether it’s a
tear or a laugh. I want to touch people with words and
music, like my mentors have me, be it my own or
someone else’s song... I keep music in my life,
because I have to. I’ve come to grips that it’s part
of me. That’s who I am, whether full time or part
time, I’m a singer songwriter musician. Besides, it
keeps me in touch with my spiritual side and keeps me
out of the 'shrinks' office."
Enjoy Al’s first collection, “Notebook.â€
Randy Tate
©2005
Edited by Paula Morrell
Track List:
1. In My Dreams
2. Things We Didn't Say
3. I'm Seeing Too Much in Your Eyes
4. Remember
5. Ain't About to Lose No More
6. Friday Night Blues
7. Busted Flat
8. I'm Leavin'
9. Can You Bring Back My Friend
10. Too Much For the Man (from Hunters Creek)
11. Lost in Your Memory Again
12. Feeling Lucky
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