"The personification of the New Orleans ethos..."- New Orleans' Where Y'at Magazine. There was some graffiti in a bathroom at a music club in Telluride, CO that said "Juice is real." As the founder/band leader of Juice, I took great pride in that, as it was a reflection of my approach to life and to music. I am a proud New Orleanian. I live life on my own terms. I make mistakes. I'm salty. I love the Saints and crawfish boils and Mardi Gras and Super Sunday and drive through daiquiri shops and the Mississippi River and all night bars and the streetcar and the French Quarter and snoballs and Lake Pontchartrain. Sometimes I drink too much, sometimes I talk too loud, sometimes I say exactly the wrong things at exactly the wrong time. But, like my city, sometimes I get it exactly right. The music, the food, the culture, the people, the unmistakeable vibe that we are not the America of strip malls and mega churches and movie-plexes. And we aren't judging, but that just isn't the life for us. We embrace the craziness, the diversity, the anything goes. To us, it's the very core of the American dream. I'm also a bass player, a guitar player, a singer, a songwriter and, most importantly, a Dad. I've had great successes and beautiful failures. I've played in front of thousands on some of the most famous stages in this country. And I've played in front of handfuls in lonely towns on highways that I can't remember. I've won awards and been ignored. I am an observer of the human condition because I am the human condition. I'm a proud father and a loyal friend. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter how much money you got or how many awards are collecting dust on a shelf or how many times you've been written about or had your picture in Rolling Stone. Your legacy is the relationships that you keep, the ones you nurture. It's your ghost. I say these things because they are all defined and informed by the same thing: passion. I am extremely passionate about my music, my art, my stories. And I am extremely passionate about my city, its lineage, its music, its indelible place in the fabric of our country and our world's history. Executive Producers: Dave Jordan, John Wilbanks, Ian Del Balso, Tanya Younger This record was made by the people, for the people. The generosity and support from everyone who contributed to the Kickstarter campaign was, and is, completely humbling and inspiring. My deepest thanks to each of you. My most sincere thanks and gratitude to my friend John Wilbanks. Without his support and expertise, this record may never have been made. To Miles Jordan, thanks for being such an awesome kid and always reminding me of the most important things in life. And for singing on the record! Special thanks to Joe Armitage for always inspiring me and being a soundboard to my best and worst ideas. To Mark Bergeron and Julianna Herrera for their incredible work on the Kickstarter video. My ongoing thanks to Mandy Vance-Bukaty and Chris Granger for their contributions on my records, past and present. And to John Bukaty for the badass painting and allowing me to use it for the cover. To Roger Branch for his friendship and for creating such a relaxing studio environment. And finally to Lu Rojas for his tireless work, influence and patience. You guys all ROCK! Thanks to the fine people at Threadhead Records for allowing me to be involved in such a great organization. Their mission to support New Orleans musicians and the New Orleans Musicians Clinic helps foster the totally unique culture and spirit of my beloved hometown. Much respect and thanks to all the great musicians on this record and to all of the players that have made up the Neighborhood Improvement Association. It's an honor to learn and to play with all of you. This album contains the final studio recording of my late, great friend and bandmate, Mr. Jamie Galloway. I hope they have cigarettes in Heaven for you, Bone. Until we meet again, my friend.