I left the band in 1974 to focus on raising a family and moved back to Ft. Lauderdale where I am originally from. I soon found some great musicians there, one of which is Bob Marcus Who plays bass and co-produced this CD. I think Bob can put this story in it's best perspective by finishing off with the piece he wrote for my CD. 

"So, I was talking to NS in the engineering room of the studio one Sunday afternoon, observing Tom lay down this free style drum part to his impressionistic song, "Shape Shifters," and we commented about the raw horsepower being generated -- the flurry of hands, the wild abandon. I was watching and listening to the rise and fall of emotions, from thundering crashes of bull - like strikes of drums begging forgiveness to the onslaught, to the most delicate playful taps on the cymbals, with the playfulness of a little child, being that little child. It was more a workout for me, I think! 

I all of a sudden realized I wasn't talking with NS anymore. I was totally into Tom and what he was saying. It was Sun Ra. It was Elvin Jones, New York, Florida, and the entire experience of a man and musician who is this music and more. This isn't just a technician. This is real love. 

I'll never forget the day I was introduced to Mr. Tom Staley through mutual friend, Scott Kirkpatrick, at Tony Chance's in Ft. Lauderdale around 1975 or so. Scott looked at me and said, " Now, there's a drummer!" This perplexed me because Scott was kick ass himself. Shortly there after I was asked to a rehearsal with Tom, legendary ex - NRBQ guitarist Steve Ferguson, Hammond organist Billy Burke and I think we hit it off, even though Billy's first choice was the late, great electric bassist Jaco Pastorius. Understandable. But that told me of the calibre these gentlemen were capable of musically and I've been pretty humbled to have been associated with Tom since that time, going to Amherst, Mass. in 1977 to form the L & M (Louisville and Miami ) Soul Drivers with Steve. It was happening for short while, until the money ran out. The thing, however, that has endured is Tom's energy, consistency, and integrity. I don't think I've ever known anyone who has these qualities. I mean, whatever barrier seems to be standing in the way, he'll get through and it will be done and it's like, he's always known. even through the horrid 70's and 80's -- both of us hooking up in various local bands, playing 6 nights a week, 5 sets a night until 3: 00 A.M. ( I was so thoroughly disgusted at this one gig I took off my Urban Cowboy hat at the end of one evening, threw it on the floor and stomped it flat ). But Tom had the responsibility of two small children and did whatever it took to keep his family going. A lesser man would have crumbled. If he did he never showed it. 

Well, now the kids are grown. It's Tom's time to play again. I think "Nya, Nya, Nya," Al and Terry Andersons's tune , says it best. A man with two grown children, still snubbing his nose at authority with perhaps more of a purpose than ever before. You hear that on "The Girl Ain't Right", with all the wackiness of a Spike Jones or a Warner Bros. cartoon. You have to listen to the lyrics! There's some real great words in there! I had to look up at least one. Tom reads alot -- something I don't do often. " Scuzzoid Bop" is a flat out, roadhouse R&B asskicker if ever there was one, with the exception what is this man talking about? It's explained here somewhere, I think, but it goes back to someone capable of taking adversity and putting it into a proper perspective -- laughter. I mean, isn't life really a game after all? if not, listen to this CD about 10 times and I think your attitude will change. 

This CD definitely goes from the sublime to the ridiculous. "Losin Hand" is a tremendous song of hope and reconciliation. "Desperate Heart" is haunting. It leaves the listener dangling. rooting for the hero in an old western serial. yet, "Tornado", the Dale hawkins song jumps! There's just so much more I could say about each and every song, but suffice it to say I am very proud and honored to have been a part of this project. It was done out of love and respect. Aside from that, this CD puts back something perhaps omitted from today's music -- FUN!" 

Bob pretty much summed it up I think , all that remains is for you to give the music a listen , I'm rather proud of it, it's the best thing I've done since NRBQ. I had a hell of a lot of fun making it, I hope you have as much fun listening to it. 

Tom Staley