Praise Harmonica was my second album as a recording artist, originally released in 1987 on LP and cassette. The recording was instigated and made possible by the late Bob MacKenzie, who, in the ensuing years became an invaluable mentor and one of my best friends. When I met Bob my harmonica repertoire consisted almost entirely of secular music. However, one Sunday Bob heard me play Amazing Grace in the church we both attended. He was delighted to discover that the "voice" of the harmonica was perfectly suited to interpreting this classic and popular hymn of the church. He soon challenged me to come up with a collection of time honored hymns, spirituals and gospel songs that would have a broad appeal to lovers of Christian music, and at the same time, allow me to "stretch out" stylistically on my instruments. After all these years, I find the music still holds up and people still come looking for it, so it's time to believe we're in the 21st century and release it digitally. It sure sounds better than those old scratchy LPs and hissy cassettes!