Okay! Okay! I'm Awake Already! An Ode to Dulcet Tones and Good Friends.

In my many years on this planet, I've been blessed quite a few times. I have great parents. Certainly not Ward & June (who let's face it were boring) but without a doubt...very awesome parents. I have a wonderful wife that puts up with my annoying quirks & interests. Sure...there's the occasional eye roll but it's done with love. An awesome job that makes me feel business savvy. Belle & Lucy who we've discussed. But I also have some pretty incredible friends.

As with most people, my friends display common interests with me. There's Bill V. who knows the upwards & downwards of movies and excellent (and most often undiscovered) music. There's David I. with the love of B-Movies, Comics & Theology. There's Keith who marvels me with his creativity & design prowess. Jody shares my love of Football & Beer (not necessarily in that order). Astor is a great sounding board, animation aficionado and all around good guy. Tony is a strong businessman and stealthy prankster. Brian is a bit of a prankster too but also one of the kindest souls you'll ever meet. David L is my oldest & dearest friend whom I've shared many confidences & adventures (not necessarily in that order). Of course, there's more to these friends & our friendships than what I've stated here but for more info...you have to come to poker night. And our wives...they're so awesome...they might just get their own post. But back to the task at hand...

The next friend on deck is Brent...

Brent is, put simply, a genius. With that statement...now HE'S rolling his eyes (As you may have gathered...I get that a lot from people). He is without a doubt a truly great guy. Knows exactly what to say to make me laugh. Knows what record to put on to make me tilt my head (much like a dog hearing a high pitched whistle that signals something good is coming-Think Pavlov with three part harmony).Was my long suffering roommate during my Athens years. But, even beyond that...He's also a incredibly skilled musician & songwriter.

Through hard work, personal toil & outright unbelievable skill, Brent released his debut CD/LP "Brent Cash : How Will I Know If I'm Awake" on the Marina Label. He poured his heart, soul & an occasional harp into this masterpiece & every drop of talent shows through.

I have delayed trumpeting this album due to our friendship. Selfish? Most likely. But I wanted Brent to get a taste of the lavish praise others outside of our circle of friends would heap upon him. In years past, both Brent & David L. (also another tremendously talented musician/songwriter) were difficult to convince that I was not being a "yes man" to the songs they played for me. I truly liked them from a musical enjoyment stand point. Trust me...I can be painfully honest and am not any easy "sell". If Don Johnson were a close personal friend, I would have advised him against recording Heartbeat and stick to the day job. You know you would too. But I Digress...

If you haven't heard it, go to www.brentcash.net. Give a listen by pressing the 'Sounds' link. What you'll hear is music made like it hasn't been in some time. No Phony hi-tech wizardry. Actual Instruments. Well Crafted Songs. High Quality Production.

Some have said that the songs sound as if they are from another era. I can understand that somewhat. But only by the virtue that they are created with the mindset and intent that has long been missing in the Music Biz. ..."What it has in common music of the 60s & 70s is the craftsmanship & artistry that was given to the songs...even innocuous three minute odes to love. Brent delivers songs like 'Only Time', 'Everything That's Grey' 'Digging The Fault Line' and 'Good Morning Sunshine' that display a similar creative mindset. Even my current favorite 'This Sea, These Waves' displays all the vibe of a classic Bossa Nova song by Jobim. But, there are also songs that defy the "Sunshine Pop" label like 'And Had We Ever', 'More Than Everything' and the incredible duet 'Love Is Burning Down Tonight ". Ok. At least that's what YOURS TRULY eloquently stated at amazon.com. Bashful I aint.

However, it was described best by Bill V. The album "sounds like a Sunday Afternoon." Quite right. So if you don't have it...get it. Brent Cash How Will I Know If I'm Awake is available at most retail outlets like: amazon.com, Barnes & Noble or cd universe.Get it on CD, mp3 download or the ever groovy White Vinyl LP.

I'm as proud as I could be. Brent has created a critically praised pop masterpiece. Congrats Brent & Well done!!

I've always said that I have brothers & sisters that I was born with. They're great folks that I don't see enough of. But, I also have a family that I chose. My Mates. We Band of Brothers. We haven't fought in any wars but I'm sure there's a story or two that would instantly perm your hair.

Now...it's time to get David L. back in the studio. Once that's done, I might be able to finish my novel.

I have a novel? In due time good peoples...In good time.