Album: Stones from the Garden
Artist: Kurt Michaels
2023 Melodic Revolution Records
CD: MRRCD 22219

Kurt Michaels: vocals, guitars
Billy Sherwood: vocals (4, 5), bass (7), drums (7)
Michael Sherwood: keys (1, 6, 7)
Len Szymanski: drums (1-6)
Scott Williams: bass (1-3, 6)
Dennis Johnson: bass (4)
John Abbey: bass (5)
Jim Gully: keys (2, 3, 5, 8)
Jeff Abbott: keys (4)
Chris Ussery: keys (4)
Cory Hance: vocals (3, 7)
Annie Carlson: vocals (2-4)
Amanda Lehmann: vocals (4, 5)
Kathie Mills: vocals (1, 2, 6, 7)

Produced by Michaels
Engineered by Mike Hagler
Artwork: Krista Wallhagen
Layout: Steven Hashimoto
Inner sleeve and back cover photos: Linda Van Brakel


Tracks:
1. "Trouble" (5:27)
2. "Why Must Life be Such a Fight" (6:34)
3. "I'm in Love with That Dream" (7:30)
4. "Relax... Nothing's Under Control!" (5:20)
5. "Forever (So Completely)" (4:23)
6. "Happiness" (4:50)
7. "Will I Ever Pass This Way Again?" (5:41)
8. "The Road Beyond" (17:00)
written by Michaels


Notes: Chicago-based Michaels began writing the album in Feb 2016, and recording began Aug 2018. It was mixed and mastered in Jul 2022, and released 7 Jul 2023. (4) was the first promo single, followed by (5). Most of the tracks are more singer-songwriter rock, with some darker undertones to the lyrics, as you can see from some of the song titles. Track (8) was recorded in 2007, the same timeframe as material on his earlier solo album, Outer Worlds, around the time he was opening for The Syn on tour (2006). However, there was no room for it on Outer Worlds, but Michaels returned to the recording and added a spoken word piece for its inclusion here.

The Sherwoods and Tom Brislin guested on Michaels' previous album, Soaring Back to Earth (2011). This is some of Michael Sherwood's last work before his death in 2019. (HP, 10 Jul 23, updated 14 Jul 23; thanks to Kurt for sending me a copy of the album and further details on its creation)

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