This project was born over lunch and date shakes in Yuma, Arizona, where we first discussed recording a couple of songs together. Over the next few years, the songs multiplied, and we were joined by our cousin Jeff and Ellen’s son Kiñalla in a virtual band that reached from California to New York and Ontario. Jason’s daughter Cayla inspired our first song, “Adventure”, and sang on it at age 8. Since then, she has kept us company for many hours in the studio.

We are very fortunate to have Duncan Moore anchoring the band on drums and percussion. Marc Volz programmed the second sax part for “Manhattan Scenes” and provided valuable technical advice as we struggled with the mysteries of digital recording.

On the bonus tracks, we make way for the younger generation. “Straight Shot” features Caitlin Macdonald, a very talented singer and daughter of a good friend in San Diego. Kiñalla gives a memorable performance on vocals and guitar on “The Day You Walked Out on Me”.

A huge thanks goes to Yanela for the delicious meals that sustained us, for the patience while we recorded and mixed endless tracks, and for the original painting that became our cover art.

We call ourselves McKinstry after the road in upstate New York where we grew up with our family listening to Ellington and Sinatra on our parents’ stereo, and rock and roll on the radio. This album is dedicated to the memory of Art and Rusty Dedrick, our father and uncle who also came from McKinstry Road. They gave the world a rich gift of music and exemplified lives of grace, honesty and humor.

- Jason and Ellen Dedrick, July 2011