Several of my friends and fans have suggested I make a CD of songs reflecting love and passion. This CD accomplishes just that. It gave me the freedom to express more single note improvising along with my personal passion, finger-style playing.

Guitarist Jim Soldi adds his remarkable playing in the song Something with a killer solo! It is a huge honor to have Jim's incomparable talent added to this project. He plays bass guitar, rhythm guitar and keyboard. Jim engineered, mixed and mastered the recording of this CD. He also co-arranged each song. Need I say more?

It is also a great honor to feature the fine, smooth jazz sound of San Diego's own Steve Steinberg on sax.

I was inspired to write the song Just You and Me by my lovely fiancee, Victoria Mazelli.

So, sit back with the Lights Out and enjoy …

Christmas has forever been my favorite time of the year. As a boy, I enjoyed the special decorations, the food, songs, and of course the presents. I did not have a full appreciation of Christmas until I became an adult. The true meaning is, of course, the celebration of the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. This CD is a collection of my favorite Christmas songs, both secular and non-secular. As you listen, may you reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and also enjoy the festive holiday songs which were my favorites as a young lad.

I was inspired to write After the Rain as I witnessed the courage and determination that was echoed by the Hurricane Katrina victims. News reports conveyed their feelings of losing everything. This song was written in their honor. Through their tears of joy they expressed what was really important to them … life.

A New Beginning and Path of Friends were written when I was struggling during the early stages of radiation and chemo. I wrote Let it Hap'n and Skippy after receiving the "you're cancer free" call from my doctor. You can definitely hear the difference of the moods.

Cruz'n is a tribute to my good friend and very talented guitarist, Edgar Cruz.

Upon retirement from law enforcement, I treated myself to a Mercedes E55 AMG. It was a good feeling and all that splurging prompted me to write Sadie Shuffle.

My Best Friend was inspired by a dear friend who stood by me each day during my battle with cancer.

Cop Out was written for the celebration of my retirement from law enforcement.

Erb Essence is a tribute to Jack Erb, the keyboard player in the contemporary worship band at my church.

Angel Over Crest is for Marshall McGaughy, a true friend. May you rest in peace, brother.

When I tell people I play acoustic finger-style guitar, they ask, "What kind of music do you play?" Rather than answer with "Well, I play country, gospel, jazz, etc." I say "… Here, I'll play some songs and you just Read Between the Strings." Listen to the following music clips from this release and get a feel for the style of music that I love. All tracks on this album recorded with a Taylor 514c.