Tom Acousti’s lyrical depth, organic process, and theatrical sensibility came together in a perfect storm in 2001 to create this uniquely beautiful album. The songs were selected, not so much by any clever criteria, but from Acousti’s very personal place in a troubled healing journey. The title track was written quickly in a wave of circumstance described later in this album-bio. Three other album cuts were written during a “10 songs in 10 days” exercise designed by Acousti as an experiment of self-examination. The recordings were mostly home-grown in Nashville’s East, done with care and some great talent pitching in. Lance Hoppen (Orleans) appears on Bass as does Gene Libbea (Nashville Bluegrass Band). Kevin Teel on guitar is at the center of much of the album’s unique sound. Tom did his own piano and acoustic guitar tracks. Pete Vitalone came in from NYC to do keys, accordion, & melodica. The universal themes of loss, recovery, and hope are sometimes veiled but never wander far. Some trivia: The cover photo of the flower growing in an unlikely place (and the violet on the back too) were shot by world renowned naturalist photographer, John Shaw. http://www.johnshawphoto.com/ The Story of Bloom: The following is found on the inside cover of the original Bloom CD booklet: “Bloom Where You're Planted was written for, and shared at, the memorial service of Army Sgt. Kenneth R. Hobson II who, while serving his country, was killed by the bombing of the U.S. embassy in Nairobi, Kenya on August 7th, 1998. A call came to me from Ken's surviving widow, Debbie, three days after that terrible event took his life, along with hundreds of others. I didn't know Debbie or Ken but, as she explained, some of my music had been special to their union. She told me about their life together, the commitment they made, the family they began, and the dogs that had been left behind in the hurried departure from Kenya. Mostly, she told me about how Ken lived his life. Her story coming over the wires that night became this song - a gift to surviving daughter, Megan Hobson, who was then two years old. The day before the memorial service, it was confirmed that Megan would not remain an only child. Abbie Hobson was born on April 10th, 1999." A Message from Tom Acousti: “Being a small part of this story has changed my life forever. The spirit of this song came from Debbie and all that she went through... and her family too. For the families of the 4000 injured and 212 people killed, it was very real. The song is just a song. But, stories can help us heal and I know that Debbie hopes this song can help others in some small way. As for my little piece of this... there is simply no way that, 10 years ago, I could have predicted my life would have taken such turns to become what it is today. This album was more than and album. Those who know my music can feel it, my friends can see it first hand, but I know it. Not a day goes by unaffected by the experience. Enjoy Bloom. I hope it is useful to many.” Ten plus years later and beyond Tom Acousti is still at it releasing songs of hope, recovery, and healing. Much of the music is free and delivered One Song at a Time at www.tomacousti.com.