Leroy Bell - Traces

Actually when it was first suggested I do an acoustic solo CD, I wasn't all that thrilled. On the other hand it did surprise me how fast I warmed to the idea of a stripped down solo project. I recorded the entire CD at home, which was quite exhilarating and frustrating at the same time. I had recently purchased a small Pro Tools rig, which I barely knew how to use. In the process I quite nearly ruined a long time friendship, calling at all hours of the day and night with questions I should have known, If only I'd taken the time - a lot of time - to read through the pro Tools manual! I don't consider myself stupid but reading technical jargon just doesn't translate to anything usable in my brain. Originally I was going to record songs that hadn't found a place on my other CDs, but that quickly changed and I started from scratch with all new songs. I tend to write about things I'm feeling right now.. I did cover (Spending Time) from my first CD, and I rerecorded a demo I made of (Traces of your soul) a song I had written shortly after the death of my guitar player, and dear friend Rick Novito. Then my mother passed away this past January ....... Losing my mother tapped a new emotional depth of sorrow and sadness I hadn't felt before. The emotions on this CD are over the place, and I struggled daily with questions of what songs to include and what to hold back. In the end I think this collection of songs took on a life of their own and I just tried to steer them in some kind of unified direction. I like to think that the title - Traces - means that no matter who you are or what you do once we're born, we can't help leave something behind.

1) Can You Live on Love
2) Wind Me Up
3) Just Not Good Enough
4) To Say Goodbye
5) Mama Said
6) Everything About You
7) Tears
8) Thank You
9) Traces of Your Soul (Rick's Song)
10) Wanna See You Smile
11) Spending Time