Behind the songs, with love, from Jess: The album “Second Wind” is about getting to a resting point in the sometimes grueling adventure of life, and pondering what’s behind, but remaining open to what’s ahead. To get to that point, we often have to lean on the help of others, and sometimes, it is their faith that carries us when we have none. I came out of a decade of dark times and difficult lessons, and will never be able to express enough gratitude for those who “propped me up, to find my second wind”. I wrote "Ray of Light" when I was driving up to Orange County to visit my Grandpa Ray in the hospital. He had fallen and split his head open, and I was getting ready to say my goodbyes. I wanted to capture the pure love that Grandpa exudes - he gives bear hugs to total strangers, and has always anchored our family in faith. Thankfully, he survived his injury! I was able to sing this song for him on Christmas Day 2011. "House on Grand" was written for the Williams and the beautiful time I spent as part of their ever-growing family in their house on Grand in Bellflower, CA. We all have vices and addictions. Some hide them better than others, and some wear them with pride. When the addiction becomes damaging to ourselves or those close to us, it's understandable that those affected may need to remove themselves from the situation and love the afflicted from afar. "All My Best" is my love letter to one of those afflicted, who I will always wish the best for. "Soulmate" is for.....well....you guessed it....my soul mate...... I don't always fall in love, but when I do, it's fast and hard. Hence "Lightning Speed". This is the first song of mine that got radio play: KPRI 102.1 Homegrown Hour, and FM 94.9 The Local Pyle. The original title of "Unexpected" was "Christmas", because of all the metaphors I threw into it; they change between bright stars, wise men, angelic guardians and light, so I adopted an intentionally unoriginal title, and I think the song speaks for itself. Written for a dear friend - an actual wise man from the East - who I spend 16 hours with that changed my life. Because of our treasured time together, I began to see myself as a joyful, vibrant young woman with big gifts to offer the world, and not a haggard divorcee guitar hack who's about to retire to a spinster life. Thank you, o wise man, for sharing your gifts with me. My homie, Brian R. McKnight had been courting my voice for months, and when we finally got together to sing some of his tunes, it was magical. I became enamored with his song "All Ways" and immediately knew I wanted it on my album. This song completely encompasses how I feel at all times on my path in life. The first time we played it live - at a casual bonfire in my yard - it became a fan favorite, and we couldn't release this cd fast enough so you can enjoy it! Have you ever been into somebody, and then you met their new significant other, and you wanted to be angry, but you couldn't because you know that they were perfect together? "Unauthorized" is our song. How do I sum up a life second chances when I've lost count of how many chances I've actually been given? Title track, "Second Wind". Though a fan, but still a stranger to Alfred Howard (Al Howard & the K-23 Orchestra, The Heavy Guilt, The Black Sands, Midnight Pine) we became Facebook friends, and upon instant messaging one night, I took him up on his generous invitation to collaborate on some lyrics. I sent him the pieces of lyrics I had, which all had a theme of "how far I'VE come" and "the vantage point I'M looking from" and the "strength I'VE mustered" to get through life. He kicked them back with a perspective shift: honoring the help I have received from OTHERS to arrive where I have. And he was totally right. Not a single situation in my life have I gotten through by myself. And in the lowest of times, it was the faith and love of others that carried me through. This entire album is for you who helped me along the way. Thank you, Al. You are one of them.