"Song serves as one of the most important building blocks of western civilization. “The Bard” in the Ancient Greek world sang Homer’s epic poems for small groups of people, probably accompanied by a simple stringed instrument like a lyre. All of our best research indicates that the Sumerian Gilgamesh Epic, give or take 1,000 years earlier than Homer’s Iliad, was also likely sung, not recited. Like the contemporary songs on this album, these ancient texts shared material that was intensely personal and timelessly universal – detailing the inner world of the protagonist, revealing hopes, insecurities, fear, and longing. Homer knew what he was doing. So did Shakespeare. Ophelia’s distress has resonated in our hearts since the 16th Century. Have you experienced self-doubt? Worried that you are not attractive or outgoing enough? Mourned deeply with primal pain or rage? Struggled to return a pint of ice cream to the freezer? Coveted a luxury item? Reveled in athletic achievement? Had a love affair that blossomed, faltered, and ultimately failed? This collection provides a window into my soul – in some cases confessions that I could never speak aloud to a room full of strangers, but will sing unreservedly. Hopefully these words and stories will resonate with you. Perhaps you will recognize something of yourself in these songs. Or maybe you will feel a deeper understanding of the experiences of others."