Jamsphere Review of "New Road Home", June 10, 2019

by Jacob Aiden

An official Martin Guitar and Sennheiser endorsed artist, Deborah Berg is a performing songwriter and teacher with a 38-year musical career under her belt. Recorded at Grand Street Recording (Brooklyn, NY) with producer Ken Rich and mastered at Sterling Sound (New York, NY), her latest release “New Road Home”, (2019) is Deborah Berg’s third solo album, and sixth album to date, including her work with Julian Marshall as the 80’s band Eye to Eye. “New Road Home” is a fresh breath of honeysuckle-scented air on a lovely spring breeze. It stands so far above the Bro and Bad-girl country clones that haunt the airwaves these days. Deborah’s voice is like an angel from heaven – clear, gentle, yet majestic, and pure as cascading waterfall.

The minute you set your ears on “Gamble Everything For Love”, you are surrounded by well-written melodies and expertly executed lyrics which reach into the audience’s likely experiences with love, hopes, dreams and everyday living. Deborah Berg and her backing band play like a well-honed machine.

They deftly trade solos and rhythm parts without ever getting in each other’s way, and they play with spectacular understated dynamics – knowing just how to bring tempo and volume up and down to underscore the songs, and allow Deborah’s spectacular voice to take center stage.

And she truly takes center stage on the minimalistic, mid-tempo “Meet Me In The Middle”. Deborah Berg could sing the Nashville phone book and it would be worth treasures untold. Here her voice is so powerfully nostalgic and full of steely-eyed beauty, as she wrings every scrap of available beauty out of the chorus with smooth confidence.

She does even better on the swampy “Sliver of a Moon” dropping into an edgier, and even more resonant tone. Deborah’s performance comes off as exhilarating, natural and blissfully unforced. In every instance, the track rises to the impossibly high bar set by its predecessors.

“Muddy Weather” breaks the somber mood with an upbeat rhythm and plenty of string instruments – strummed, plucked and pulled. Deborah provides an impeccably warm and sweet vocal as she locks into the pulse of the rhythm.

“Full Circle” is the kind of quality music one would expect from Deborah Berg after her years in the music business. Her voice has that nuanced, clear quality that makes one want to listen closely and hear every word. Alongside her the band weaves a mesmerizing palette of pastel colors that soothes the soul.

The featured single, “You’re Gone”, features dominant bass and a well-defined rhythm that marches forward at an energetic pace, intricately laced with perfectly matched harmonies and the accordion. Deborah’s voice adeptly dances as it finds its way through the verses, and then jumps out and grabs you and forces your attention.

Her only rival here being the violin, which is impeccably played to perfection here. “New Road Home” is everything a country, bluegrass, and roots record should strive to be. It never rests on its laurels and surprises the listener around every bend. Furthermore, it’s the perfect continuation of Deborah Berg’s craft and a worthy addition to any music collection.

The Band Camp Diaries

The Band Camp Diaries

Deborah Berg combines beautifully emotional lyrics with tasteful melodies and lush arrangements, where every song matters.

The New York songstress set out to bring the timeless sound of country and bluegrass to the big city, and as a result, her music has a really one-of-a-kind flavor. From the warmth of traditional melodies to the sonic depths of modern songwriting, anything goes.

On her most recent release, “New Road Home,” Deborah set out to gift listeners with some astonishing performances, as well as with some delicate songs that tell powerful stories, inspired by the ageless tradition of the best bluegrass music out there. Much like the best folk music, Deborah’s tunes are all about sharing, telling, and expressing. This is music from people, to people, and the convivial spirit it creates is absolutely astonishing. This tastefully produced record will inspire any fan of the genre.

Find out more about Deborah Berg, and listen to “New Road Home, which is currently available on the web:

http://www.deborahberg.com/

Music Existence Interview, June 8, 2019

Interview with Michael Stover

Deborah took time from her busy schedule to answer some questions in this EXCLUSIVE new interview…

Music Existence: Thanks for taking the time, Deborah.  We are honored to be speaking with such an incredible singer-songwriter. What inspired you to follow your chosen career path as a musician?

Deborah Berg: Hello! Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate the opportunity to talk with you about my life in music.

My launch into music was serendipitous. I wouldn’t call it my “chosen career path” at first. I was raised in a musical family, my mother was a musician and my father was a Methodist minister, so there were a lot of hymns and old time music floating around in my earliest memories. You are my Sunshine, A Bushel and a Peck, I’ve Been Working on the Railroad, those kinds of songs. My mom was an excellent pianist and loved show tunes, so many of my first vocal attempts were singing along while she played songs from her favorite Broadway shows like, South Pacific and My Fair Lady.

 As a preachers kid, I first started singing publicly in church choir. I sang in choir pretty much every week until I graduated from high school. I didn’t really think of it as a career path. Music has always been connected to my core and to my family, there is no denying that. But as many young people were doing back then, I was determined to be something other than what my family destiny was pointing me in the direction of. I was interested in something a little outside the box. So, I went the way of the performing arts through dance. I studied and danced for 25 years, until my knees conked out.I still love dance in it’s many forms and I find that all the counting I did while learning choreography is a valuable addition to my musician’s toolbox.

With music, I caught a lucky break, which catapulted me out of the dance world and into a record deal with Warner Brothers Records. My former music partner and dear friend, Julian Marshall and his wife Arabella came to a dance performance I was in. I had injured my knee and was singing with the musicians instead of dancing with my company that night. Julian was looking for a vocalist to start a new project with and he asked me if I might be interested. The rest is history. Julian and I formed a duo called, Eye to Eye and recorded two albums with Warner Brothers Records. That serendipitous experience opened a door that allowed me to become a full time, full tilt musician.

ME: Was there any one event in your life that led you to record and release, “New Road Home?”

DB: Not one event, no. It had been a few years since I had released a solo album and I felt a sort of self inflicted urgency to put out a new record but I was also dealing with some personal hardships that set my enthusiasm and energy back. I realized, as much as I wanted to push myself and complete the album, I just had to weather the storm for awhile and wait. Not that I did nothing. I just took it all down a notch. I wrote, and cooked more, I read and listened more I formed a songwriting group and spent time with my family and joined a gospel choir. It all helped get me through that difficult time. As it turned out, simplifying my lifestyle and clearing my calendar for awhile was a valuable element to writing and completing these new songs.

ME: How did you come up with the title and what does it mean?

DB: New Road Home is the title track to the record. A dear friend of mine was going through a troublesome breakup and we were talking alot. (The perils of being friends with a songwriter is that your story may possibly turn into a country song! But she gave me her blessing). I was supporting her difficult decision to bite the bullet and break out of a dead end relationship and start fresh, somewhere new. New Road Home describes her spirit of adventure as she follows her heart and hits the road to find her future deserved happiness. “Pack your guitar and drive all night, time for moving on.” True Story!

ME: Who has been your single biggest influence, musically?

DB: All in all, I would have to say the Fab Four, John, Paul, George and Ringo, the one and only, The Beatles. The moment I heard them I was hooked. They rocked my world. Their harmonies, and phrasing and musicality was all just delicious. And they were cute! They had sex appeal and they were somehow approachable. Even as a little kid, I knew all that. Their music was fresh and appealing. They blew my mind. I coveted their music as my own. I pretty much still do.

ME: How about personally?  Who influences you in your daily life?

DB: As my friend Charles describes them, agreeable strangers influence me daily. Living here in NYC we share space pretty well but we are busy and things move really fast. So when someone is especially kind to an elder person on the street or makes a little fussy kid smile, or stops to give someone directions, it just makes me feel better. People helping people influence me daily. Dogs too! Their, “happy to be here” attitude reminds me to not be so serious and to stop and smell the roses! A smile or a sense of humor goes a long way in this busy world we live in.

ME: “You’re Gone” is your new single.  Tell us about the song, the recording and writing process for it, and what you hope your fans will get from it?

DB: I have attended an acoustic guitar, adult music camp in the Pacific Northwest for over twenty years. I am mostly a student but I have had the honor of teaching there as well. The song came together while I was listening to some wildly talented Bluegrass players jamming away into the wee hours on their cabin deck. Bluegrass music was wafting up from the holler below, up to our cabin. Some of the imagery in, You’re Gone came to me years before. The early version of the song was called, Good Friday Blues, which had been sitting in my “Unfinished Songs” folder. Something about those Bluegrass players going hell for leather in the wee hours of the morning inspired me to finish my old song! So I made the rest up in my head and re-named it, You’re Gone. I could just feel the characters. They were young lovers, finding time alone together at a party in the woods, feeling passionate and free until it all went south as impulsive love affairs often do. The voice in the song is from one of the lovers, after some time has passed. “I tried to reach you today, once more for old times sake, so hard to say goodbye and watch you go”. Sigh. Who can’t relate to some such incident in our lives? It may have felt like love at the time but it was not love that was meant to last long.

What would I hope my fans get from it? I hope it inspires them to run around in the woods with someone they are wildly attracted to!

ME: I know it’s a tough choice, but what is your favorite song on the new album, and why?

DB: Picking a favorite song on an album is like picking a favorite child in a family. It cannot be done. I am proud of each song for different reasons. That said, I do consistently enjoy listening to, When I Slow Down. I think the song was recorded and mixed beautifully by my illustrious producer Ken Rich. The song has the perspective of a young man who has made some impulsive mistakes that landed him in trouble with the law. The music is simple in it’s complexity. I try to pepper my songs with a little bit of faith. Just a smidge. An example of that in this song is: “Any prayers you wanna offer this messed up kid, I surely could use”.

ME: What do you enjoy doing, outside of the spotlight?  Any hobbies?

DB: Music is a very large part of my life. Besides writing, recording and performing music, I teach vocal ensemble to senior citizens and I sing backup for other people’s music and I go hear music and I sing in a choir and I love jamming with friends. My husband and I love going to music festivals. I am what you call a music slut. We have a large, blended family and we love spending time together too and I love yoga and travel and spending time with friends, but mostly, I love my family and I freakin’ love music.

ME: Any plans for a follow up single?

DB: I would imagine maybe Muddy Weather could be a contender as a follow up single. It is an up-tempo song on the record that lends itself to toe (or steering wheel) tapping. It’s catchy. I love the sentiment. Again, it’s a song about communication. This person is realizing as they are driving away from a newly busted relationship, through a thunderstorm that the best thing to do is to turn around and go back and just when they realize this, the storm passes over, the rain stops and a new morning is breaking. “Hand to God, you are the reason why. I am willing to be changing ‘cause of you”. Gotta love an optimistic ending!

ME: What has been the biggest musical accomplishment of 2019 so far?

DB: The biggest musical accomplishment of 2019 so far is the release of my new record, New Road Home in February! We had 94 people cram into a house concert for our first official gig. Another big accomplishment is that airplay for You’re Gone is climbing the charts. The word is, DJ’s love it. We hit #15 on Airplay Today New Music Weekly chart this week with the greatest spin gain. Kudos to Star 1 Group and to Michael, Sherry and Laura!

ME: Which do you prefer, the studio or the stage?

DB: I love the studio, the quality and control of sound. I love sound, but I also love the lack of sound. My happy place is the mastering studio. The pure, clean sound in that room before any music is added is just stunning.

But I love playing live too, to get the reaction of the listeners, especially if they feel compelled to dance. My band is like a herd of wild ponies when we get on stage. There is a lot of wonderful live energy that re-charges me. I love people coming up to tell us how much a song touched them. That is something I love to hear.

ME: How about some parting words for your fans?

DB: If you love music, find it in your community. Join a choir, volunteer to play music for elders or kids or for folks in the hospital, form a songwriting group with friends, or put a band together with other parents in your kids school. Pay it forward. Now’s the time. What I have found to be true is, if you share your musical talent you will be richly rewarded. I hope I see you somewhere on the path! Thank you!

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2AmXUXNrhF5XEWRsuu0aBy

Sleeping Bag Studios Album Review, June 5, 2019

By Jer@SBS

Deborah Berg – New Road Home Album Sampler/Singles Review

This much I can tell ya…you don’t end up being endorsed by Martin Guitars and the almighty Sennheiser without seriously knowing what you’re doing as a musician and having some incredible chops.  Deborah Berg definitely has all the right talent, skills, and stunning songwriting to go along with the well-placed faith these giants of the technical-side of the industry have placed in her – she’s pretty much amazing.  There’s all kinds of history & music in her career already…I don’t want to put too much of a timeline all this, but she’s about a year shy of being a musician for as long as I’ve personally been around here on earth…but the facts are, when we’re talking about the sound of her music, she’s as young & spirited as the day she started I’d reckon.  Everything I’ve personally heard from this sample of her New Road Home album has continuously revealed a beautiful soul that radiates music from her every pore – always has apparently, and I’d say it’s safe to say, Deborah always will.  Incidentally, she also spends a great deal of her time teaching the new generation of artists out there as well…and for you budding singer/songwriters out there…you might be making a real smart choice in seeing if you can book a lesson or two with this wonderful gem of the music-scene.  From the wisdom in her voice & tireless spark of energy within her music, I suspect we could all learn a few things from Deborah Berg’s experiences.

So here’s where I’m at with these tunes…because of course there’s no hiding that the Country/Bluegrass thang can be…challenging for me…that’s probably the best way to phrase that.  I stand by what I’ve always said from day one in creating this site however – and that’s that if you make your music with true passion, focus, and commitment, there’s no stopping me from listening to anything from any genre.  Like most listeners out there, whether it’s factored into the music-making or not, in the end results, we all just want to hear that the music you’re making matters to YOU just as much as it could potentially to us.  And then of course, you know, the like, less obvious all that is in the final product, the better…that is, if you’re faking it til’ ya make it.   For artists like Deborah, the natural beauty & smoothness in the fluid flow & charming melodies you’ll hear are discovered through genuine interest & a love of the craft.  That organic nature of her sound/style give her all kinds of crossover opportunities…the chance to break through to people like myself that were raised on Grunge music – or YOU, no matter who you are or what you normally listen to.  The inherent sweetness you’ll find in Deborah’s music makes her so much more universally accessible than any genre or label could possibly describe her as – I dig this fine lady.

As far as my ears are concerned, she’s done really well here…I’ve got three tunes, two of which I like quite a lot, and one of which I’m completely in love with…that’s a solid batting average to say the least!  I started with a song called “You’re Gone,” which is currently featured fairly prominently out there in the online world…so I’m thinking that’s what Berg has gone with as the official lead-single.  Could be “Sliver Of A Moon” as well…they’ve both got official videos out there already, but I have the feeling that the vibrant storytelling, sound, and incredible details she’s got in her lyrics on “You’re Gone” would make it the more likely candidate to bring the people in to listen.  She’s backed-up by a whole crew of ace talents to help bring her music to life – and they literally ALL deserve a huge shout-out, because this music is flawless, 100%.  So to do that, I’ve shamelessly lifted these following credits directly right from Deborah’s main website – her band on New Road Home consists of these amazing players:  Charlie Giordano (accordion and keys), Richard Hammond (upright bass), Chris Tedesco (violin), Hugh Pool (vocals and dobro), Sherryl Marshall and Stephanie Seymour (backing vocals), Monica Passin (guitar), Ethan Eubanks (drums), and Rich Hinman (electric and acoustic guitar).  Lots of crossover sound at work here between what they’ve all combined to create – I could see fans of Country, Soul, Blues, Bluegrass, true R&B, Indie, and Folk fans of all kinds making time to check out a track like “You’re Gone.”  Chris Tedesco in particular stands out to me when it comes to the music, I felt like the violin was absolutely essential to this highly interesting rhythm & groove on “You’re Gone.”  As far as the vocals go – Deborah immediately proves herself to belong in the spotlight where she’s been for so many years – there’s not a single thing I’d change about the way she sings this song, she’s got all the right moves to make this work.

Anyhow.  Clearly a good start, yes?  Well hang on then…cause in my opinion, things kept getting better.  Ultimately for my own personal preferences, I probably dig “You’re Gone” just a bit more than the following track I heard called “Muddy Weather” – BUT – I’d be willing to bet this second track would appeal to an even greater number of people overall.  The pure SMILE that this song on my face is indescribable – if you looked up the definition of ‘charming sound’ – there’s a solid chance you’d find a link to this tune.  “Muddy Weather” makes incredible use of its space – listen to the music being played; I mean it, please.  I could cite what I love about it all, and we’d happily all be here all day long reading about it, because it’s everything!  For real, the way each layer interacts, responds, bounces off of, and plays with each other, is 100% awesome…it’s the kind of musicianship & instrumentation you’ll truly only find on a really competent record all-around.  These are players that clearly trust each other & rightly so – the real magic is the fact that you can hear that confidence translate right into the vibes of the music being made on this record, it makes all the difference in the world when we listen to it.  There’s a genuinely comforting vibe that runs blissfully through the atmosphere created on “Muddy Weather” – the song itself might question life & love, but the music surrounding the theme is endlessly inviting.  PLUS…c’mon people, when was the last time you remember hearing an accordion solo?  Probably been a while right?  Now how about this question – when was the last time you remember loving one?  Even longer?  Maybe never?  Have a listen to a tune where the accordion completely fits right in – Charlie does an exceptional job of warming up the friendly sounds of this song.  It’s quaint, it’s pleasant…all on the surface…when you listen closely to the lyrics, it’ll run much deeper for ya – it’s a wonderful example of contrast & smart songwriting that allows you to listen to tracks like “Muddy Weather” over & over and continually get more out of each experience.  As for the star of the show, she remains the star at all times…as fantastic as any of these contributions to the music may be and indeed they ARE – you really can’t take your ears off of Deborah, she’s truly got a golden voice and never seems to take one step out of place – she’s audible perfection and incredibly well-suited to her style of music.

Both “You’re Gone” and “Muddy Weather” provided my speakers with good tunes & good times – but what I found in “Full Circle” was where I felt Deborah & her surrounding crew of ace-talent were shining the most brightly & beautifully inside of a much more subtle & slow melody.  I’ll admit there’s something of a “Knocking On Heaven’s Door” feeling that flows through the air of the verses on this song…different tunes for sure, but a similar heaviness to the emotions adrift in the atmosphere as it begins.  “Full Circle” goes on to reveal a gorgeous set of ambitions, sentiment, and intentions with its chorus, becoming a song about unity, love, and togetherness…how these journeys we’re all on lead us “Full Circle” and how our past experiences stack up over time to help guide our future.  Keyboards play a huge role, as does the violin once again…spectacular job from both, and the upright bass from Richard as well…musically, again, you’re not going to find any cracks or faults here, but you will find plenty of compelling & captivating sound coming at ya…and the whole band involved deserves real credit for that.  Deborah Berg has chosen exceptionally well with the talent surrounding her – and the same is true vice-versa – she’s such a magnetic personality and poetic lyricist that you really want to listen to every word she sings.  “Full Circle” has additional advantages that the other tracks don’t quite have in the sense that, it’s probably a little less Country/Bluegrass and more of either a Acoustic-Ballad or Indie-Folk tune; six or one half-dozen of the other – whatever way you want to describe it, a song like this could easily fit on playlists with the likes of Mazzy Star all the way through to R.E.M. – and that’s great company to be keeping.  Gives her a crack at the Alternative crowd…and I’d be willing to bet they’d like what they find in Deborah just as much as I have…her sincerity absolutely shines through her music, through her words, through her vocals – and in my opinion, you get the most heartfelt example of how that authenticity works in her favor on “Full Circle” for sure.  Definitely three solid reasons to be checking out the rest of New Road Home…Deborah’s got my enthusiastic vote of support & I’m confident she’ll earn yours too.

Find out more from Deborah Berg’s official homepage at: http://www.deborahberg.com

VENTS Magazine: Interview with Deborah Berg

by RJ Frometa

How would you classify your music?

Classifying anything is not my strong suit!  I’m a white girl who sings traditional gospel songs.  What do you call that?  But New Road Home is not gospel. 

New Road Home is acoustic based, Americana music with Country imagery and Bluegrass flavor, They are storytelling songs that are hopefully danceable to those who hear music that way. They are stories that describe struggle, hope, love, nature and faith.

Who are some of your top 5 musical influences?

Cradle songs were Bushel and a Peck, You Are My Sunshine, sung by my grandmother. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence, and many songs from Merry Melodies cartoons that my brothers and I listened to.  I watched Lawrence Welk’s guitar player on television every Saturday night!  Big fan! The Beatles broke just when my young ears could receive their collective genius. I was smitten!  Later in the teen years, Joni Mitchell’s lyrics, voice and guitar arrangements hit me deep and hard. As a young adult, the Allman Brothers, Eat a Peach rocked my world, I wore that record out!  I loved Graham Nash’s, Songs for Beginners and J.J. Cale’s album, Naturally.  Traffic! Especially Steve Winwood’s exquisite vocals. Bonnie Raitt is a Goddess. I saw her in Minneapolis when she was just starting out, singing with Willie and the Bumblebees and have admired her ever since.  More recent influences are Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings, Madison Violet, Brandi Carlisle, the Avett Brothers and Lake Street Dive.

What do you want fans to take from your music?

Encouragement.  Some of my most powerful Eureka moments happened in part by listening to music that reached me. Music got me through some tough times.  I would like to humbly offer these songs as a tonic for the nerves.  Our lives and situations and schedules can get pretty nutty sometimes, here’s hoping my listeners can take the time to self medicate with New Road Home to help find their own groove.

How’s the music scene in your locale?

Although I grew up in Nebraska, I have lived in NYC for 35 years.  There is music of all genres everywhere you look here. Many smaller clubs in town are closing, which is a shame.  The rents go up and little clubs go down.  But there are still some venues around that are quintessential New York City that I love playing at and listening in. 

What isn’t easy here is just getting together and jamming with other musicians.  Everyone is too busy, trying to make money to pay their rent!  It’s a funky cycle.  No one really has time to jam.  Most of us have to rent rehearsal studios to practice (with band).  There are plenty of home studios in NYC, just not a lot of square footage for gatherings or live rehearsals!

What is the best concert you have been to? What do you like most about playing live?

Love, Love, Love Telluride Bluegrass Festival.  I love everything about it; the music and the talent and the mountain air.  I have not played there. .. yet!  New Orleans jazz Fest is another great festival if you don’t mind crowds.  We tend to migrate to the smaller, Fai Do Do stage and the Gospel tent.

Favorite specific gig:

I saw Lucinda Williams open for Tom Petty in Hershey PA in 1999.  It was an amazing set list from both of them. Being in Pennsylvania, there were Amish teenagers sitting in front of us. The girls wore their long hair wrapped up in braids with lace caps and long cotton dresses. The boys wore black trousers with suspenders and white, button down shirts.  We were all grooving to the music.  It was their traditional Rumspringa year.  A traditional time when Amish teens are allowed one year to “run around” before deciding whether to commit to the Amish way of life or leave it all behind.  Most go back.  Their presence was such a contrast to the rest of us.  But we all loved the concert!  Music = the Great Elixir.

My band and I like playing at a little dive bar in the east village called, The Treehouse at 2A.  Thanks to Tom Clark, that place feels like home.  The big room at Rockwood Music Hall on the lower east side is a really nice venue.  The acoustic room downstairs is lovely, too. House Concerts Rock!  I make more money at house concerts than pretty much anywhere else of that size.  But you have to be willing to accept home-style amplification and occasional lack of monitors.

Is there a song on your latest CD release here that stands out as your personal favorite, and why?

For whatever reason, a song that sticks out for me on this record is, When I Slow Down.  I love the sound of the recording.  My producer, Ken Rich did a great job mixing it.  It polishes both the songs’ strengths and vulnerabilities.  I also really love, Sliver of A Moon.  That song was recorded live.  We kept the first take.  I doubled the guitar on a later track, which is why it sounds slightly dissonant at times.  But Ken and I were okay with keeping it that way because the feeling of that take was worth keeping.  The doubled guitar dissonance creates an eerie quality that we think grows on you.

How have you evolved as an artist over the last year?

My first instrument is my voice.  I am a strong front singer and an attentive backing vocalist.  I have been playing guitar now for over 20 years but the mandolin is a newer pursuit of mine.  I have a long way to go but I love the sound quality and look of my beautiful A-form 1923 Gibson white mandolin.  I played the solo on Muddy Weather and still can’t believe it!

If you could meet, play a gig, co-write a song, have dinner, have a drink with any band or artist (dead or alive) who would it be?

As I mentioned before, I am a heavy Tom Petty fan.  I would love to have sung or played music with TP and the Heartbreakers. Also just to hang out and watch the process. I think I would have fit right in with the Carter Family and would have loved to just sit with them after supper and sing and play!  Same with spending time with Dolly Parton back in the day.  I am drawn to the mountains.  I would also die to sing or play with Bonnie Raitt.  Just thinking about it makes me feel like a Dobby the house elf in Harry Potter.  Or was it Wayne and Garth when they met Alice Cooper?  I am not worthy!!

What’s next for you?

Promoting New Road Home and playing more gigs, further afield.  And always, listening and writing.  Thank you, VENTS!