We just finished my latest project, a concept album about the upside of down times. Entitled Hard Times, it’s a collection of 7 brand new original songs and covers of three other tunes, one by the great Merle Haggard, one made famous by Flatt & Scruggs, and a loving treatment of the old western classic Old Paint.

I had a strong desire to put out an album of positive material about what we are all facing in one way or another, but because of my own version of hard times had no money to record it at the studio I’ve been associated with for 25 years. I was complaining to God, asking Him why He gave me such a strong drive for this project but no way to pull it off, and He kept whispering “GarageBand”. I thanked Him for His attempt at humour but told Him I was trying to be serious here, but He kept repeating “GarageBand”, so I tried it. Turns out He was right. As usual.

Check out the samples and order here.

Hard Times is also available for download on iTunes.