My father had that tough “Italian-American from Brooklyn” persona, but was really a very sweet guy with lots of heart. He wrote an inspiring song in the last few months of his life, expressing what was important to him at that time – his faith. I helped him with the tune, and then went to a local recording studio and recorded the song. He was very excited to hear his song and happy to share it with lots of people. He wanted to write more. I decided to write more songs and make a whole CD for him. Since I promised the CD to him before he died, afterwards it became very important for me to finish it. I wrote the songs as if my father were writing them, looking over my shoulder. Because he was a devout Christian, a lot of the lyrics are spiritual. My songwriting style here will be familiar to Laughing Dogs fans. Here are some comments on the music, mostly from musician friends: “What can I say ’bout Jimmi except, he is one of the few writers left from the creme de la cream of talent that managed to stay fluid. And still produce great music.” – Genya Ravan “Jimmi Accardi has a profound gift for true, classic rock stylings that is unsurpassed in this age of pre-packaged pop. His finely-tuned musical instincts and intelligent guitar chops have always been an inspiration to me. This new CD project, comprising some of his best work yet, deserves our total attention and complete support!” – Richard Barone (The Bongos) “Worthy music and therefore, a worthy cause.” – Peter Crowley (Music and Art Director – Max’s Kansas City) “Know what’s missing nowadays? Clever songwriting. This will remind you of Accardi’s ’70s band, The Laughing Dogs. Revolver-era Beatles with the sharper edge of Steely Dan, and yet still somehow hummable.” – Mike Fornatale (The Left Banke) “Jimmi Accardi is one of America’s great songwriters. This very personal and honest collection of new songs moved me deeply, reaching into and touching the core of my Soul. This is one of his best.” – Oz Fritz (Grammy winning engineer/producer – Tom Waits). “For almost 40 years Jimmi Accardi has provided a wondrous soundtrack to my life. First with his shoulda-been-superstar group, The Laughing Dogs, then on his own, Jimmi’s music never fails to touch me deeply. He packs a powerful one-two-three punch with a convergence of soulful singing, exquisite guitar playing and masterful songwriting. His songs eloquently express the experiences of our lives with keen insight, heart-felt empathy, and more than a dash of wit…and they do so in the most memorably melodic and musically innovative ways imaginable. In all my years in the music business and beyond, I’ve rarely come across someone with the high level of talent, refined mastery of his craft, and unbridled zeal for music that Jimmi exhibits each and every day. Jimmi and his music are twin treasures for all time.” – Rob Freeman (Producer/Recording Engineer/Production Sound Mixer – worked with Blondie, The Ramones, Ace Frehley) “Jimmi Accardi has awed and entertained me with his song writing, guitar playing, and streetsmart wit and humor. From out-beatling the Beatles in Punk with The (legendary) Laughing Dogs, on the many gigs we played with them and on vinyl, to his more recent and mysterious concept CDs, which appear to have been recorded in the 1800’s, Accardi always knew how to get it up creatively and bust some heads at the same time. He still does. This genuine NYC legendary rocker continues his gritty battles with his devils and angels, which have always been funky, melodic and enlightening. (You’re a treasure. Just be well & keep rockin’ the world, JA! … it needs a good rockin’ these daZe…)” – Tom Mandel (The Miamis) “Just heard the excerpts from your new disc ‘Light in the Darkness’… Wow, great stuff, inspiring, fresh and clean. Sounds like a real treat. I think you’ve raised the bar with this disc. Your guitar work is nothing short of exceptional … the freshest and best I’ve heard from anyone in years.” – Ronny Carle Altaville (The Laughing Dogs) “Loved the vid and am really glad to see you still writing great songs, and singing and playing your a** off! Your dad would be real proud, and you should be too!!” – Dean Bailin (NYC producer/guitarist, w/Rupert Holmes – Pina Colada Song) “Jimmi, I love it! This album is steeped in love and faith – it’s in the lyrics, the sweet guitar, the poignant voice. The first cut, “Angels All Around Me” snared me right off the bat! (Brings to mind my favorite songwriter, Randy Newman). This really brightened my day! Thank you!!!" – Liz Gallagher (Orchestra Luna) “Fantastic Songs, Wonderful Production! I think this is some of the best work you’ve done. There’s a maturity of Voice, Vision, and musicality that comes from your new release. Several songs on there are “Life-Changing” songs." – Russell Brooker (The Brohemians) “As a long-time fan of The Laughing Dogs, I’ve always admired Jimmi’s superb musicianship and songwriting chops, and the new songs ... show that he’s at the top of his game. This is how rock’n’roll is done, son!” – Richard X. Heyman “Judging from the video clip, you have another fantastic CD ready, and I can’t wait to hear it. Your writing is as good as anyone else’s out there, and I love to hear you sing.” – Barry Gruber (The Peaceniks) “Jimmi is sounding better than ever with this new disc, for my money one of the best singer/songwriter/musicians of our time! Can’t wait to hear the whole thing!” – Joseph Chiarolanza (The Zookeepers) “Jimmi is one of my favorite writers and a long time friend. Check him out. Congratulations Jimmi on your new record!!!!” – Chris Palmaro “What I heard is as good as I expected!” – Bruce Diamond (Watkins & The Rapiers) “His new c.d. is tight, smooth, and very listenable. You could have it as the only music in your car for months. The ultimate test!” – Kelly Fleming “More than a great musician, Jimmi Accardi is a great writer. His new songs – melodic, rocking and soulful – display the full range of his talents, for millions of ears to enjoy.” – Tom Wynbrandt (The Miamis) “OK Folks, I’ve got to say, I know Jimmi for at least 25 years, and if you’ve ever heard The Laughing Dogs, or Jimmi’s songwriting, you know the originality, and sly sarcasm, just a little off the wall, a treat for sore ears. You owe it to yourself to check this out. I know this CD means a lot to him emotionally.” – David Donen, independent drummer, NYC “A wide variety of styles show off Jimmi’s pop songwriting chops and his great guitar playing!” – Ed Ryan (The Rudies) “Another soon to be Classic by Jimmi Accardi, One of my favorite song writers of all time. The songs just keep flowing out. Thanks for the music Jimmi!” – Marc Potocsky (Moe Potts) (The Laughing Dogs) “Our family first met Jimmi Accardi back in 2005 when we started playing music around the county. Jimmi’s music is phenomenal, and his songwriting is brilliant. Each song has a unique sound, something that I think is very inspiring. When he told me about the project of ‘Light in the Darkness’ and what it was about, I took a listen. With songs like ‘My Beautiful Dad’, ‘My Little One’, and ‘Angels All Around Me’, this album is one that will be sure to amaze!” – Paige Anderson (Anderson Family Bluegrass, The Fearless Kin) “Jimmi, this is GOLD!! Thank you.” – Tom Zembko “Great stuff Jimmi! Love the way this vid and clips are put together. ‘The Cruel Tree’ really grabbed me…love that groove…and the swampy thang on ‘Fountain of Love.’ Seems like a very inspired project, a fine tribute to your Dad and a great example of your well honed skills.” – Ramrod “I’m LOVING this here stuff!” – Glen Bringslid