I have never believed that my voice or my guitar were worth listening to because of how well I sing or play. But I will stand up for a song that has something to say because I believe in the message. I believe in the power of a clear humble song to change lives. I used to get nervous before a gig because I wondered if I deserved to be up in front of all those people. "Of course you don't deserve it," the music answered, "But that's not the right question. There's something that matters more than what you deserve. Look at these people who have come out on a night like tonight to gather in these four walls to maybe feel something that will wake them up to life again. The question is not what you deserve, but what they deserve. They deserve to feel something clear and strong, and if all they've got here tonight is you, then for their sake, get out of your own way and let the music through. So, here are some songs. I hope they serve.

I'm grateful to friends like Michael Murphy and Stuart Dahne who helped compile all these from the live shows. Thanks to Charlie Peacock for recording and for inviting Jake to be there. Thanks to Jake Amerding for winging it that night. Thanks to Tom Simonson for navigation. Thanks to everyone at What Are Records? And thanks to Nance my inspiration and Nathan our wonderful son for the love that makes our home sweet home.
This recording is dedicated to Gamble Rogers. I miss you. When you came to hear me many years ago, you said I played fine music, but that I was a storyteller. Coming from you, that meant a lot. I've taken your advice and included some song introductions on this live recording. One of yours (the description of the Terminal Tavern) is here in your honor. Now that you've gone I can't send it to you, so I send it out like a message in a bottle …