"TOGETHER" is a compilation of songs that actually spans several decades. While most of the songs are relatively new, there are a few that have been previously released on a cassette (remember them) back in '89 and on a CD that was released in '92. Also, most of those songs have been re-recorded for this CD due to improved recording equipment and techniques. Only two, "Waiting For You" and "First Dawg In Heaven", remain as they were originally released (with re-mastering), due to the stellar musicianship from some truly heavyweight players and singers. Obviously I could not have created this project by myself and I have endless gratitude for all the talented people who gave their time, perceptions and musical gifts to help make this CD as good as it is, especially the assistance, encouragement and endless support of my incredible wife, Donna. God Bless you all. THE SONGS: 1. SHAKIN' THINGS UP - words & music by Dave Weber 3:09 Dave - vocals, acoustic guitars, harmonica, piano, bass & drum program This song was written during my first contract as a singer/guitarist working for Celebrity Cruise Lines aboard The Constellation. It refers to the mundanity that had taken over my life and the need to break out of that and create movement in my life, shakin' things up, ya know? Another long night in Hometown - doin' the same old thing Nothin' goin' on so I give my Buddy a ring I said I need to go out and have some fun He said he was busy and had to run I'm shakin' things up to get my life movin' again I'm tired of my old cookin' - tired of my old bed Wanna eat and sleep somewhere else instead Gotta break out of this tired old rut Take off and just do God knows what I'm shakin' things up to get my life movin' again Don't get me wrong - I'm not runnin' away I'm breakin' out of my comfort zone - Run with it come what may, yea I'm takin' off tomorrow - Gonna leave it all behind Take a different road and just fly blind I'm gonna go places that I never been Gonna keep goin' thru thick and thin I'm shakin' things up to get my life movin' again Yea, I'm shakin' things up to get my life movin' again 2. TWO DIFFERENT WORLDS - words & music by Dave Weber 4:34 Dave - vocals, acoustic guitars, drum program Andy Vernon - various percussion John Hynes - bass guitar While playing onboard the Celebrity Solstice in Fall of '09, I was joined by my future wife, Donna, in the Mediterranean for a 12 day cruise. I managed to get a day off and we were docked in Naples, so we took a hydrofoil to Capri. We toured the Blue Grotto, and then took a cable car, a bus and, finally, a ski lift to the very top of the island and, amidst the Roman ruins, enjoyed one of the most beautiful and romantic scenes I've ever been priviledged to experience. I think I truly fell in love that day and that's what this song is all about. The night we spent in Naples still plays inside my head The sidewalk cafe, the ancient fountain and our second glass of red The people passing by us all wore a knowing grin For Italians know amore - They saw the love that we were in After all this time I thought we'd never get this far For us to be together seemed more distant than a star But when we started falling, we both fell so fast Now two different worlds have come together at last High up on a mountain on the Isle of Capri We held our breath and looked out on the mountains and the sea We held each other closely - I wanted to stop time For I knew then what I wanted - I wanted you to be mine After all this time I thought we'd never get this far For us to be together seemed more distant than a star But when we started falling, we both fell so fast Now two different worlds have come together at last Now two different worlds have come together at last We sailed away together on the Mediterranian Sea And carried with us all the hopes and dreams of what could be It hadn't been so easy - We moved so carefully But thank God we made it happen that night in Napoli After all this time I thought we'd never get this far For us to be together seemed more distant than a star But when we started falling, we both fell so fast Now two different worlds have come together at last Now two different worlds have come together at last Now two different worlds have come together at last 3. WELCOME TO MY WORLD - words & music by Dave Weber 3:15 Dave - vocals, acoustic guitars, piano, drum program Jack Meidel - bass guitar Donna Delany - harmony vocals The title to this song came to me in a dream. I saw an R&B female singer in a smoky nightclub doing a torchy version of it. I may eventually do it that way, but later on I got an idea for some music that the lyric worked well with. This song, like most of my songs, is mostly autobiographical. It's about the new life I created once I moved to Chester County, PA, in the Spring of 2010. Playing house, believing it will all work out this time Only to wake to find it was all in my mind Welcome to my world - Welcome to my world - Welcome to my world - I don't know Tearing down the old house to make it all brand new Only to wake up to see that's what I had to do Welcome to my world - Welcome to my world - Welcome to my world - Let it flow Waiting years to get the break that never really came Only to wake up to find I did not know the game Welcome to my world - Welcome to my world - Welcome to my world - Watch it grow All those nasty habits and self-defeating means Must fall away like Autumn leaves and be replaced by grander dreams Now it's all worked out and there can be no other way I'm wide awake and know that this is where I want to stay Welcome to my world - Welcome to my world - Welcome to my world - Here we go Enjoy the show - Here we go - Enjoy the show - Here we go 4. TOGETHER - words & music by Dave Weber 4:12 Dave - vocals, acoustic guitars, harmonica, drum & bass program Andy Vernon - various percussion After getting involved with an organization that Donna works with, French & Pickering Conservation Trust, I just got it in my head that I wanted to write an "eco" song. I also wanted to do something "reggaesque". This song fulfilled both of those ideas. There is also reference to the, as yet, unfixed problem our country has with greed and exploitation in our financial markets. Hey, it's all related. Let's bring back - the clear runnin' water Let's all leave - the trees where they stand Let's clean up - the air like we oughta Let's all show - respect for the land Together - we can all make it happen Together - we can make our way Together - we can have what's worth havin' When we all work together, we'll all be livin' better someday MMmmmmhmmmmmyea - All be livin' better someday Let's all play - fair with our money Let's include - everyone everywhere Let's create - the Land of Milk & Honey Let's do right - You know it only seems fair Together - we can all make it happen Together - we can make our way Together - we can have what's worth havin' When we all work together, we'll all be livin' better someday MMmmmmhmmmmmhmmm - All be livin' better someday - yea hmm You might think it's impossible You might think we can't make it all so But if you want peace and prosperity You gotta plant them seeds and make them grow Together - we can all make it happen Together - we can make our way Together - we can have what's worth havin' If we all work together, we'll all be livin' better someday yea yea yea - All be livin' better someday - hmm hmm hmm Better late than never someday - hmmm hmmm All be livin' better someday - hmmmm hmmm 5. YOU DON'T HAVE TO LIVE ALONE - words & music by Dave Weber 3:13 Dave - vocals, acoustic guitars, drum & bass program John Hynes - bass guitar Ted The Fiddler - fiddle I dreamed one night of a folk singer doing this song. I was fascinated by the guitar hook. When I woke up I remembered the guitar part and dragged myself out of bed and sat with the guitar until I got it exactly as I heard it in the dream. Unfortunately the only lyric I could remember from the dream was "with a banjo on his knee". But that was enough. When I went to write the lyrics they flowed out in one long stream. This song is about Donna & I and the long road that brought us to the beautiful life we live today. The future was uncertain, but he didn't have much choice He couldn't take the low road and he had to find his voice He couldn't do his father's work and he dreamed of what could be So he ended up in a country band with a banjo on his knee She was an only child, always pushed and shoved She had to take the high road to get the things she loved She worked hard to achieve it without doing any harm Now she's got her horses and her dogs out on her farm Some folks live in mansions - Some don't have a home Either way you live, you don't want to live alone They finally came together after twenty-seven years Now they play their guitars and share their laughs and tears Mostly things work out if you only give them time Turn around and see the mountain and are willing to make the climb Some folks live in mansions - Some don't have a home Either way you live, you don't want to live alone This is just a little love song that I heard in a dream I wrote it down when I woke up - It's easier than it seems 'Cause the clues just keep on comin' - But you have to pay them mind And take a chance on Love again, for the Universe is kind Some folks live in mansions - Some don't have a home Either way you live, you don't want to live alone Some folks live in mansions - Some don't have a home Either way you live, you don't have to live alone 6. MOST EVERY NIGHT - words & music by Dave Weber 3:41 Dave - vocals, acoustic guitars, harmonica, piano, drum & bass program Ted The Fiddler - fiddle The "Most Ev'ry Nite" chorus - Arlene Hynes, Judy Fergussen, Donna Delany, Gary McCarren, Dave Weber & John Hynes I wrote this song at a rest area along an interstate in South Carolina when I was on a long road trip. What I originally envisioned as a simple bottleneck blues tune evolved into the joyful gospel song that we have here. The chorus was recorded in my studio during one of our long weekend partys. Man, was that a juggling act. Most every night - I close my eyes And thank the Lord for watchin' over me Most every night - I thank the Lord - For watchin' over me Most every night - I close my eyes And think of you - And all you mean to Most every night - I think of you - And all you've done for me Most every night - I close my eyes And see the Light - Shinin' down on me Most every night - I feel the Light - Shinin' out from me Most every night - I close my eyes And feel the Joy - Washin' over me Most every night - I feel the Joy - Pourin' out from me Most every night - I close my eyes And see the world in Peace and Harmony Most every night - I see the world - As it's meant to be Most every night - Most every night Most eevery night - Most every night Most every night - I see the world As it's meant to be 7. I'LL WAIT FOR YOU - words & music by Dave Weber 3:39 Dave - vocals, acoustic guitars, 5-string banjo, mandolin, bass & drum program Ted The Fiddler - fiddle This song was originally released on a cassette in 1989 called "Holdin' On". That album was very well recieved and while the song needed re-recording, it is completely loyal to the original feel and style that made it one of the more popular tunes on that album. It's about obsessive love (which of course isn't love at all) and how painful it can be. It's good to be free of that. There's a grievin' hangin' on my back There's fire burnin' up my track, and I'll wait for you I see the wall, the iron fence It isn't makin' any sense, now listen you - I'll die for you And I'll sing to you - I'll bring to you - Anything that satisfies a need for you It isn't that I've got nothin' to do - But listen you - I'll wait for you If I hadn't had another chance Or caught that needed loving glance, I would have gone But I could see your need was bad It fit into the plans I had - You wanted me - So you came to me And I'll sing to you - I'll bring to you - Anything that satisfies a need for you It isn't that I've got nothin' to do - But listen you - I'll wait for you I don't need a reason why I only know I've got to try and I'll do well The rest of them can go their way - In fact to put it mildly they can go to hell And I'll play for you - And I'll pray for you Just give me time to open up the way for you And I'll live for you - And I'll give to you Anything that lies within my power to do And I'll try to do - what you want me to Til then I'll have to wait until I'm one with you And I'll sing to you - And I'll bring to you - Anything that satisfies a need for you It isn't that I've got nothin' to do - But listen you - I'll wait for you 8. FIRST DAWG IN HEAVEN - words & music by Dave Weber 3:02 Dave - vocals, acoustic guitars, 5-string banjo, mandolin, drum program Ted The Fiddler - fiddle Roxane Kostyk - harmony vocals This song came about when I and my long-time friend and collaborator, John Hynes, were driving around somewhere in the mid-80s generally just trying to crack one another up. We had a habit of always saying "Good title for a song" whenever some gem popped up. We'd been talking about how great dogs can be and somebody said something about their dog being so great, it would be the first dog in heaven and one or the other of us said the inevitable "Good title for a song". So John Hynes definitely deserves some credit for the idea for this song. Should he get writing credits? We still argue about that whenever we're together, but the song has never made a dime, so it's not much of an issue. When it does, I'll be sure to cut him in for his contribution to the song. This song was originally released on a cassette (yes, there really were such things long ago) in 1989 on an album called "Holdin' On". Not many people who were playing the bar circuit back then had released albums in any form and it was a big local hit and really helped propel my reputation and career in general as well as legitimizing me as an original artist. "First Dawg In Heaven" became the surprise hit, especially among kids. The crowd always had a good time barking along at the end. It was recorded at Uncle Max's Studio in Fieldsboro, NJ, and was produced by E.J. Johnson. You have been my best friend since you were just a pup And we shared our lives together as we were growing up Now you have lived out your alloted years on earth my friend And when the Good Lord calls for me, I'll call for you again And you'll be the first dawg in Heaven if I have my way Yea, everytime I think of that good ol' dawg, I get down on my knees and pray That they'll crown you King of the Kennel Club and the SPCA You'll be the first dawg in Heaven if I have my way Well now that you have gone off to that doghouse in the sky When you're told to heel and stay, don't wimper and ask why 'Cause when Saint Bernard barks out your name outside that boney gate You'll scamper into Heaven, no you won't have to wait, and you'll be the First dawg in Heaven if I have my way Yea, everytime I think of my good ol' dawg, I get down on my knees and pray They'll crown you King of the Kennel Club and the SPCA You'll be the first dawg in Heaven if I have my way I know you'll like Dawg Heaven - It's a poochy kind of place All day long get away with stealin' t-bones off of plates There's Lassie and Benji and Rin Tin Tin and of course there's Toto too But all them dawgs wrapped up in one don't match a mutt like you, and you'll be the First dawg in Heaven if I have my way Yea, everytime I think of my good ol' dawg, I get down on my knees and pray They'll crown you King of the Kennel Club and the SPCA You'll be the first dawg in Heaven if I have my way You'll be the first dawg in Heaven if I have my way You'll be the first dawg in Heaven if I have my way 9. PICKIN' - music by Dave Weber 2:01 Dave - acoustic guitar Just a little finger-pickin' piece I put together a long time ago. It's a nice way to show off at live shows, though. 10. WAITING FOR YOU - words & music by Dave Weber 3:41 Dave - vocals, acoustic guitar Ted The Fiddler - fiddle Roxane Kostyk - harmony vocals Stephanie Marshall - harmony vocals This song was written while I was waiting for a long-time friend to show up at my house. He never did show up, but I got a good song out of it. This song was previously released on a CD I did years ago called "Perception". It's one of two tracks on this CD that was not re-recorded, although it and the other, First Dawg In Heaven, were re-mastered for this CD. It was recorded at Uncle Max's Studio in Fieldsboro, NJ, in 1992. Engineer - John Skuban. Producer - E.J. Johnson I'm waiting and waiting for you - Pacin' 'round, trying to find something to do You said that you'd be here a long time ago, and if you've changed your mind, won't you please let me know I did not go out to the store I just sat around the house being bored I did nothing at all that I'd planned to do I just sat there and waited and waited for you I watched stupid TV shows all day And I put all my laundry away And I looked out the window every minute or two I looked for your car, as I waited for you I could have made a nice fire I could have rotated my tires I swear I could have built me an airplane that flew In the time that I sat there and waited for you I'm waiting and waiting for you - Pacin' 'round, trying to find something to do You said that you'd be here a long time ago, and if you've changed your mind, won't you please let me know I should have remembered that time in September when you said that you'd call me by five By the time the phone rang, the whole had shot by and you said that it just slipped your mind I could have gone out for a beer So please let me make myself clear There's a million and one things that I'd rather do than to sit around waiting and waiting for you I'm waiting and waiting for you - Pacin' 'round, trying to find something to do You said that you'd be here a long time ago, and if you've changed your mind, won't you please let me know I'm waiting and waiting for you - Pacin' 'round, trying to find something to do You said that you'd be here a long time ago, and if you've changed your mind, won't you please let me know 11. RIPTIDE CURRENT - words & music by Dave Weber 3:13 Dave - vocals & harmonica Way back in the early 60's John Mayall did an album called Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton and John McVie. He did a tune on that album that was only him and the harmonica called "Another Man". I've always wanted to write a song in that same format, just vocal and harmonica. I finally figured it out. The lyric refers to a story I heard Cat Stevens tell about how he was swimming in the ocean and got pulled way out from shore. Thinking he was going to drown, he prayed to God for deliverance. He claims that he miraculously was carried back to the shore and saved. He decided to dedicate his life to God after that experience. Well, jump in the ocean and I start to swim Riptide current done pull me in Riptide take me far from shore I swim til I can't swim no more My strength give up I'm a'goin' down My time is up I'm a'goin' to drown I can't conceive how this could be But I prayed Dear God oh please help me Well God reach down and take my hand He lift me up and back to land I say thank you God for savin' me I got nothin' but gratitude for thee I say Dear God what can I do To show how grateful I am to you God said there's one thing that you can do Help your brother like I help you I said Dear God I understand I got my mission, eh I'm our man Well thank you God, yea thank you God - Thank you God for savin' me Well thank you God, thank you God - I'm gonna be the man you want me to be Yea thank you God, yea thank you God - Thank you God for savin' me Yea thank you God, thank you God - I'm gonna be the man you want me to be 12. SPEND THE NIGHT - words & music by Dave Weber 3:02 Dave - vocal, acoustic guitar & harmonica I used to be in a band that traveled around a lot. I was riding with Andy Vernon, our drummer, one time and he told me the story of how he and his first wife broke up and how he hooked up with the woman who eventually became his second wife and the mother of his two boys. I got out my ever-present note pad and wrote the lyric to this song in one long stream. This song was also originally on the Holdin' On album as a male/female duet. It is one of my most popular songs and has gotten way more You Tube hits than any of the scores of other songs I've uploaded. I stripped it down all the way so that the purity of the lyric and melody do all the work. You knew you had my eye when I first met you But my obligations just got in the way You said that it depended on what I do And I said it might be possible someday I said it might be possible someday So when she finally said she didn't want me And she didn't have the courage to remain I did not make it difficult to leave me It was the only way to minimize the pain It was the only way to minimize the pain And I knew that you would stay here if I asked you The answer in your eyes is plain to see And I could not let you go now if I had to So why don't you lay your worries down and spend the night with me I was afraid it wouldn't be there when I saw you But as soon as our eyes meet I knew that we Could be everything that we had ever wanted And together we will sing this melody We'll sing this melody in harmony This CD was produced by me, Dave Weber, here at my home studio, Legbone Productions, with the assistance of several people, especially Donna Delany, Ted The Fiddler and Andy Vernon. That was essentially the production team. A lot of people ask me how "Legbone" came about. I would like to lie and tell them it refers to a specific part of the male anatomy, but the truth is that many years ago I was working on creating a blues identity for myself, sort of an alter-ego, because I was playing and writing a lot of blues, which has always been pretty much my favorite style of music. I was having trouble coming up with a blues name. I had the TV on one night and there was an episode of "Tales From The Crypt" (God, I keep dating myself). In the episode, a group of teenagers stole the legbone from a skeleton in a mausoleum. Of course, the skeleton came to get it back and all during the show they kept saying "legbone". Eventually it struck me that this would be a good name for my blues alter-ego, so if you ever see me perform with a black jeff-cap, shades and a beat-up sports jacket, you're not watching Dave Weber. You're watching Legbone. I put Legbone Productions together here in Chester Springs, PA, starting in March of 2010. It was up and running in a few months and work began in earnest when I upgraded a few pieces of equipment and wrote some of the newer songs. I work mostly with Pro Tools. I'll eventually create a more complete description of the studio on this page, but in the meantime, if you'd like to learn more, just email me. We'll chat. Web sites or contact info of contributing musical artists: Ted The Fiddler Ted The Fiddler and I have been friends and musical companions for somewhere around 30 years now. When I lived at the Jersey shore and Ted was in Spring City, PA, we only saw one another occasionally, but always kept in touch, occasionally working together. Moving out to Chester Springs was a great move for me in many ways, and being much closer to Ted was a bonus. Ted was a great help in the making of this CD and is always a joy to work with. John HynesI met John Hynes in 1970 when we were both living in the dormitory at Seton Hall University. We became friends quickly and have enjoyed a long road of music, laughs and tears, but lately mostly music and laughs. I am very grateful that he takes the time to drive out here to help me make music, and have just a little more fun. Jack Meidel & his band, Plus Shipping and HandlingJack is my nephew, my younger sister's son. He showed musical interest and ability at a very young age and it got real intense once he started getting into his teens. As of the CD's release, Jack is just 16 years old and already has a smokin' band that is gigging regularly. I love watching him go about his musical endeavors and I'm delighted that he is on this CD. I hope we can work together a lot more in the future, but I fear he might get too big and famous for his Uncle Dave. Stephanie MarshallI've known Stephanie since the early 80s when I hosted an Open Mic at The Langhorne Ground Round in Langhorne, PA. Steph came out regularly and we became friends quickly and remain so today. Steph and I have done a significant amount of songwriting together and I hope to include some of that on future projects. Her own band, The Boxcar Lilies, is possibly one of the best vocal bands around. Their debut CD includes one of the songs that Steph and I wrote. You'll be hearing more from the Boxcar Lilies. Donna Delany - drdelany@verizon.net - What can I say about my beautiful wife, who encouraged me and brainstormed with me, sang and created and edited and strategized with me. This CD would not have been possible without her. Besides being my strength, she is the inspiration behind much of the material contained therein. I am endlessly thankful for the love and support she has given me so completely. Thank you, my Beloved. DADLCP rocks. Andy Vernon - burninvernon@comcast.net - Ever since Andy met Gary McCarren, Gary has been the main focus of Andy's life. Andy finds his inspiration and reason for living in Gary and will follow him to the ends of the earth to make just one more piece of music with him, and just be in his presence. Gary McCarren - gmccarren@comcast.net - I've learned a lot from Gary over the years. When I first heard Gary play, I was captivated. I took his style and most of his songs when I started doing solo gigs myself. Gary remains one of my favorite artists and it's always fun working or playing with him wherever and whenever. Judy Fergussen - garden067@comcast.net - Judy is married to Gary. A newcomer to the group, she has quickly stolen everybody's hearts with her warmth, openness and it's such a plus that she can sing. Welcome to our world, Judy. Arlene Hynes - ahynesite@optonline.net - Arlene has been married to John Hynes for longer than they'd like me to post here. Arlene's amazing voice has been a part of all of our lives for many years, but is her loving heart that makes her such a joy to have around, and her laugh. Roxane Kostyk - belzgrdn@aol.com - I worked with Roxane for almost a decade back in the mid 80s to mid 90s. I'm glad to be including some of the songs she lent her talents to on this CD. DADLCP Enterprises Dan Husted - CD cover & disc photos - husteddan@gmail.com Drawn face logo by Dave Weber Mastered by The SoundLAB at Disc Makers Artwork by The Design Studio at Disc Makers Manufactured by Disc Makers Copyright 2011 Dave Weber BMI, Dave Weber Publishing. All rights reserved