Rather than a Blues guitarist’s record, I like to think of the album as of a musical journey that encompasses many of my influences. These include Blues ranging from 50’s style to a more modern, contemporary sound, as well as rock’n’roll, soul, and a hint of Latin. The CD reflects in many ways what I do on a live concert, as my goal on a live gig has always been to explore different guitar and songwriting styles and make them fit together in a way that is coherent and respectful of the musical tradition. I decided to split the album between songs that feature vocals, and a few instrumentals. I wanted the record to be about the music and tasteful, rather than overloading it with my guitar playing. The album was recorded in July-August 2009 in Milano, Italy at “Il Tempio” Studio. Given the amount of musicians involved in the project it was not always possible to have everyone in the studio at the same time. There is therefore some overdubbing, but it is quite minimal compared to the extent of direct recording. The utmost care was spent in the mixing process, because I have always maintained that a good sound helps music reach the hearts and souls of people. Mixing turned out to be a very lengthy process with a lot of fine-tuning, but I believe that we achieved very good results, with a final sound that is bluesy but at the same time modern, and that can be appreciated both by Blues fans, and by people who are not. I invited two of my favorite voices, and not only was I lucky to have them onboard, I also think they gave fantastic performances! They both put lyrics on the song they performed ,since I asked them to do that,just to be sure they felt confortable in singin on it and they felt free to express them at their best. Lynwood Slim is featured on the four songs that represent the more “classic” side of the recording. However, I tried to push the envelope, and have Lynwood sing in an environment that is more modern than the Jump Blues style he is often associated with. The results are, in my opinion, surprising. I think that this album offers a new outlook on Lynwood’s far-reaching capabilities as a singer, and hearing him sing a Chicago-style slow blues, or a Texas shuffle like “Call You No More” the way he does on this CD, showing that he can shine even on a modern-sounding record, is pure delight. New Orleans Blues legend “Jumpin” Johnny Sansone is, first of all, a great friend. I do back him up on his European tours, and the extensive time we spend together gives me the chance to appreciate how excellent a person he is. During the sessions for the CD he stayed at my home with his wife for a week, and it was simply a fantastic time! The tune “Tears Of Joy” shows, no doubt, both in singin and writing lyrics what he is capable of putting into a song in terms of soul and passion—the intro speaks for itself. I picked some of Italy’s finest Blues musicians, who are my good friends and long-time partners in my live gigs. Alberto Marsico (Hammond) and Gio Rossi (drums) are internationally known figures, having worked, toured and recorded with the likes of Joey DeFrancesco, Sugar Ray Norcia, Mark DuFresne, Finis Tasby, Alex Schultz. In addition I employed Luca Tonani (electric bass), Walter Tosin (upright bass), Roberto Stefani (drums), Fabio Buonarrota (trumpet), Walter Calafiore (tenor and baritone sax). Two of Italy’s most known Blues guitarists, and great friends, Enrico Crivellaro (who is signed by Electro-Fi Records of Toronto) and Umberto Porcaro are welcome guests on “Let’s Hang Out”.