Most of the story about how this record came together is already penned in the liner notes for Ready, Willing, and Able, last year’s release. I’ll spare you the repetition, except to say that “I Could Have Told You So” is the song that started this whole project. There are probably few musical experiences I’ve had that would compare to hanging out in New York for a few days with Cory, recording in the hallowed ground that is Rudy Van Gelder Studio, and doing so with the caliber of musicians that play on this record: Ben Paterson, Chris Flory, and Neal Miner. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity and the musicality these titans brought to the record.

Sequencing this record was tough. There are many slower songs, so breaking up the tempos was tricky. We kick off with just Neal’s bass and the vocal to You Took Advantage of Me. This song has been a stalwart in my repertoire for years, and I love its playful lyrics.

“Spring Won’t Be Around This Season” takes things into serious land. Cory brought this song to me, as performed by Teddi King. I spent quite a bit of time with it and simply loved it. But it’s so poignant. I loved the metaphor of hanging in the balance of life when love has ended.

I picked “Candy” because I can’t get it out of my head! Nat Cole’s trio plays it at a perfectly delicious tempo, and it feels SO great. We wanted to recreate this feel, and Ben, Neal, and Chris really keep it in the pocket.

When we were talking about “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square”, Ben was insistent on trying a straight feel with this cool rhythmic pattern that he knew Chris Flory to do. “Twist my rubber arm,” I said, as it felt great from the very first run-through. Cory also loved this song enough (OK, ‘love’ is probably a strong word…) to pick it as the first single. I recorded my vocals for the album on a vintage RCA ribbon mic, and for some reason, I felt this tune really sounded great.

“Don’t Go To Strangers” is such a well-known classic—I’ve loved this song for decades. Ben suggested we start the refrain in a rubato style, and it felt great. Ben brought so much depth and musicality at every turn; it was really a delight to have him on the album.

For the title track and second single, we have “I’m Old Fashioned.” I decided to title the record with this tune, as it really encapsulates how this music makes me feel. This song’s tempo is what I’d call “Ben’s tempo,” in a way. The band really swings, and I can see the dancers enjoying the heck out of this track. Chris plays a killer solo and is so tasteful handing it over to Neal.

Next up is the song that started it all, “I Could Have Told You So.” I tell the story on my previous album’s liner notes, but Cory had brought Ben to Vancouver a few years ago, and after inviting me on stage to sing a tune, we played this tune. We had to include it, of course, and Ben plays a beautifully longing intro to what is easily one of my favorite songs of all time.

Ben’s stride intro on “Mean to Me” sets us up nicely for this next track, which is pure fun. It would seem the older I get, the more I’m into the tunes with the playful and sarcastic lyrics! Ben’s, Chris’s, and Neal’s solos are so great. I really loved the vibe of this track overall.

Speaking of old, I was 25 when I started singing “Blame it On My Youth.” It’s an introspective ballad that, 25 years later (for me), still captures the bittersweet nostalgia of young love and the inevitable heartaches of giving oneself without measure. I love this melody and lyrics so very much.

“Surfer Girl” is a song that’s been on my mind for years. If you’re reading this before getting to this song, it’s the wonderful ballad Brian Wilson wrote for The Beach Boys. It’s also my wife’s and my song. I used to call her my “little surfer girl.” I knew Ben could make it feel like it always belonged in this style, and every time I listen to it my eyes still well up a little. Happy tears. I hope you love it.

This album was recorded over the same two-day period as Ready, Willing, and Able, and although that’s over 2 years ago now, it feels timeless to me. Shawn Pierce did a beautiful job mixing and mastering. We’ve done 3 records together now, and I look forward to many more. Thank you, Shawn!

My friend Cory: Thank you. I hope you know that I love our friendship and shenanigans to no end.