Peter Streit & a Band of Friends - State of Grace

I set out to record a group of recent new songs to be rounded out by some that had never been recorded thus the songs date from 1978 through 2011. I didn't think too much about any overall themes or stylistic congruity - these songs represent the styles I like to play and listen to. There's pop, adult contemporary, folk, folk-rock, country, jazz, solo singer-songwriter. These are all the styles I have played and performed over the years, and each style fits the song it serves. My hope is that these songs touch a nerve, strike a chord, resonate with the listener on a level that leaves the listener with a different perspective at the end of the song than the beginning. There are story songs like Coyotes that describe the journey so many Mexican illegals undertake to get to this country, or Parson's Bald, an Appalachian ballad about star-crossed lovers (a 'Bald' is an alpine meadow in the Appalachians). 'Rose's Waltz 'is a traditional country tune about love lost, while 'Life Just Isn't Meant to be Blue' is an intimate jazz arrangement about the simple gifts of lasting love found. There are rock numbers like 'Long Road No Turnin'' and 'Board Another Train', and pop tunes - 'Out There Waitin'' and 'A Star' while the title track, 'State of Grace' is about different paths we may take, and the last song on the album, 'Troubles Don't Worry Me No More', is a simple plea to find a little peace of mind. These are the songs that emerged from my experience, which isn't all that different I imagine from most peoples' and my wish is that they entertain, enlighten, and enliven a few moments in someone's day. After I started getting the core tracks recorded, I realized I needed a band so where best to go but my friends - an incredibly talented bunch that any musician would be happy to have grace his or her tracks. I'm proud to call them all friends - some for a very long time, and my heartfelt thanks for a job well done. From that point forward, the CD assumed a life of it's own and what emerged after two years' recording in our spare time around the demands of our day jobs and life exceeded any expectations I had initially - the Band of Friends brought these songs to life in ways I never imagined - it goes to show that talent isn't the sole province of the 'professionals' out there. Please give a listen - I think you'll like what you hear. Peter Streit.

1) Coyotes
2) Another Train Song
3) Parson's Bald
4) Rose's Waltz
5) Out There Waitin'
6) A Star
7) Long Road No Turnin'
8) State of Grace
9) Life Isn't Meant to Be Blue
10) Troubles Don't Worry Me No More
11) Another Train Song [Alternate Take]