In the Fall of 2014, while vacationing in New England, Gail and I had the opportunity to spend some time with our longtime and dear friend, Iris Jacobs. During our visit, Iris gave me a gift: a handmade classical guitar that had been stored in her attic, unused for years. It was of beautiful workmanship, but was badly in need of repair. As a “thank you” for the gift, I promised Iris I would have it repaired and record some music on it for her. This album is the fruit of that promise. Included are a variety of songs that have special meaning for me, a Grateful Dead song specially requested by Iris, and an instrumental piece I created for the occasion. The collection is entirely sung and played by me on the guitar Iris gave me, with the few exceptions noted below. In many ways this is not just a collection of songs I like, it is a journey through my life. Thank you, Iris, for being a part of it . Kyle Knapp: classical guitar, vocals, percussion; and piano (actually played on a Yamaha EX-EG midi guitar) on “He Ain’t Heavy” Gail Knapp: additional vocals on “By Your Side” and “Sunrise, Sunset” Daniel Knapp: drums on “He Ain’t Heavy”, “Friend of the Devil”, and “Long Way Back Home” The Guitar: “Nathaniel” model by Nikos Appolonio, Camden Maine 1974 Repair work performed by John Hargiss, Hargiss Stringed Instruments, Omaha NE Cover Photo: “Purple iris flower” CC-BY-SA-3.0 2011 Oleg Yunakov All cover songs have been duly licensed through easysonglicensing.com Album concept, arrangements, packaging design and original music © 2016 Sod House Records