With Almost Gone, it’s hard tellin’, not knowin’…

Taking a deep dive into, “Hard Tellin’, Not Knowin’”, is like unwrapping a gift encased in silver paper, only to find another box, and another, and another. Almost Gone is impossible to classify… from the haunting melody of, “Teacher”, to the traditional blues of “Some Things Just Never Feel Quite Right”.  From the first listen there’s an organic feel to these recordings. In today’s world of quantization, and auto tune, you’ll find none of that here, just honesty… great grooves, real instruments, and song craftsmanship.

“We’re almost gone just like today is”, could there be a truer statement? Each new day is the beginning of the rest of your life, so what do you want to do with your time? This opener asks the question with an infectious chorus and upbeat melody.  The question may be sullen, but the song is effervescent and optimistic.  Enjoy the ride on this track and catch the sunshine, because things are about to take a turn.

“Some Things Just Never Feel Quite Right” is a very personal song.  Thom Costa shares his story which is sadly familiar to so many youth. Growing up without a father is hell on a young man.  Thom asks questions in this song that will never be answered. And that is the real tragedy…all the times when a boy needs a father’s guidance.  No answers then, no answers now, “He’ll play the cards as they’re dealt”. It’s a harsh world, and you’re about to find out how it feels to be out in it…alone and on your own.

The sonic journey continues with, “Teacher”.  Teachers are often left to pick up the pieces of a broken home. Young people look up to their teachers, especially when mentorship is not coming from a parent. A young man is let down yet again by his teacher, only to find that he has been looking for guidance in the wrong place, “Practice what you preach”.  He finds solace when introduced to music, by yet another teacher.  The music lights a fire, and a never-ending curiosity with the goal of building musical skills, “Teacher…teach me about jazz…teach me about rock...teach me how to funk”.

It has been said that music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. “Tequila nights” is a bossa nova that takes you to another place, a tropical night, loud music, tequila, and a woman who is so mysteriously attractive, you can’t even be sure if she is real. Is it the alcohol, the heat, or the music, that powers this trance, dance, and game of chance? Can a ghost that doesn’t exist break your heart? Find out in this unbridled glimpse into Latin nightlife.

What is our fascination with Halloween? It’s the one day of the year when we pretend to be who we’re not. Good, bad, or even evil. For Almost Gone, Halloween is about having fun and experimenting with dissonant melody. It’s fun to be afraid, when there is no risk because you are hiding behind the mask. What we learn is that a mask becomes too much to bare, the heat, the sweat, and discomfort. If we are lucky, we learn to cast our masks away, and to live without pretense or guises.