Hi friends,

I’m on my way to Nashville and it’s such a weird feeling. I haven’t been back for eight years. Nashville was full of highs and lows for me (you can tell by the lyrics to Amber), but ultimately Nashville was good to me. I got my first record deal there and had the opportunity to tour the world. I remember being so ready to get the heck out of dodge and never looking back. Now (looking back LOL), I have so many fond memories of this place. Pancake Pantry (the sweet waitresses that remind you of Grandma), Bongo Java, and Café Elliston- we used to have out there till the wee hours of the night. Good friends, great songwriters and some of the most beautiful fall colors I’ve ever seen.  Yeah Nashville, it looks like maybe I do still love you.

Tonight will be really cool. I’m playing a benefit with country greats Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney and John Rich. I’ll be the lone R&B kid.

Lately I’ve found a new appreciation for country. I’ve been writing for country artists recently and I’ve fallen in love with the stories of love and heartbreak. Don’t worry friends, my blood runs R&B, but I love writing different styles of music.

Now that the Christmas CD is finished, I’m writing a bunch, which is always great.

So yeah, the Christmas CD...since we’re all friends here, let me vent for a moment. The idea for the CD was to bring on some great producers so that I could focus on the radio tour and other promo stuff for The Introduction. Let me just say that somehow that ended up taking way more time and, in some cases, I ended up having to reproduce some tracks. But as difficult as it has been, I am so proud of the Christmas CD. It’s called Home For The Holidays and it’s a mix of originals, classics and pop favorites! I can’t wait for you guys to hear it. It’ll be out in a couple of weeks to get you in the holiday spirit!

I’ll give you more info on Home For The Holidays and let you know all about my Nashville trip in next week's blog! Until next week friends!