The Crum Session – Includes two CDs. One of course consists of 12 tunes, all written by Walker. The extra CD is the first of a five CD set of the audio book, “Crum”. Let’s be frank here. The extra CD is a “teaser”. When you hear it, you’ll want to hear the rest of the story. Sometime in late 2005, Ross Ballard approached me with the idea of using my music for the background of his audio book, “Crum”, the novel by Lee Maynard. This kind of project was a first for me and I was intrigued. It sounded like it would be fun. I had no earthly idea. Ross gave me a copy of the book and I was stunned. It was simply brilliant. Yes, it’s crude, sexist, bawdy, and crass. But it’s arguably the best coming-of-age novel ever written about growing up as a lower class country boy. It’s especially piquant if one is from the South, or anywhere else in the backwoods of America. “Crum”, though a novel, is the truth, nothing but the unadulterated truth. I wrote two tunes specifically for the project and had several previously unrecorded pieces that seemed to fit the timbre of the book, that being a mixture of melancholy, glee, hope, introspection, and potential catharsis. We recorded them all on a cool November day in 2006, and I could sense that Ross, Donnie, and I, shared the same feeling – that we were onto something special. But that special nature had little to do with me. The three of us were merely latecomers, lucky enough to hitch a ride on a phenomenal literary train, a work of dazzling (if off-colored) truth. I’m honored to be a part of it, even if only vicariously. Thanks Ross; thanks Donnie; and most of all, thank you Mr. Maynard for chronicling my (and many others’) adolescence. And now, for my usual modus operandi: Here are some tidbits about the songs: Crum: The title tune, written just for the occasion; let’s call it a book preview. Make it Real: You can do or be anything you want – just make it real. Blair Mountain Waltz: Ross’s fingerprints are all over this one, but that’s our secret. The message: Enjoy love and laughter with your loved ones. Stubborn, Ornery, and Blind: The S.O.B. song – Unless they’re a sociopath, everyone is seeking some kind of approval. I Know You: The only previously recorded tune of the project, Ross was adamant about re-recording it and including it on the CD. It’s a simple love song – an unappreciated genre if you ask me. Southeastern: A bizarre blend of southern rock and Indian raga. Hole in My Heart: There are times in the book where the author lived through moments of tragedy. This is about those moments. It’s also for David, my lost brother. You were right buddy – small is beautiful. I Can’t Do it Alone: For Sheila O. She believes that I’m channeling some spirit when I perform. For all I know, she could be right. We’re Not Done: Sometimes, some of us just can’t let go. It hurts. In the End: It’s not the guy with the most toys who wins in the end. It’s the one with the most love. What else can we take with us? Promised Land: It doesn’t matter who you are, or where you come from, it’s a LONG way to the promised land. Buttermilk Reprise: If the song “Crum” is a book preview, this one is an accurate account of just one emotional passage. It’s not rated “X”, but it’s definitely a strong “R”. It’s kinky, but forewarned is forearmed. Be on the lookout for the sequel to “Crum”. The book is called “Screaming with the Cannibals.” We plan to record the audio book sometime in the Fall/Winter of 2007. Besides the background music to the spoken words of the book, I’ll record another CD full of new songs, a few written especially for the new book.