Sometimes, I take a look back at what I've recorded musically and lyrically and have a hard time recognizing myself in it or I find several reasons not to enjoy it. Back in the year 2000 (cue Conan O'Brien's song here) I spent some time with friends at Cactus Country Studios here in San Antonio, which was basically a nice home studio upstairs in Tony Francowiak's house. He played pedal steel guitar in a band called Cactus Country and for some reason, he let me come and record all my crazy music at his place!

Trophy Of Your Grace was recorded there. I played guitar, harmonica and sang. I had this idea for a piano melody and sung it for keyboard player Rick Brown who played my melody and then added organ to the mix. Shane Kyle played drums, Justin Graves played bass and Sarah Martin added her voice in mostly Chris Taylor Choir of vocals during the chorus. The original mix can be found on the LoFi Project but I think I like this version a little better. Thanks to Bruce Neher for mastering the new version.

Due to the recent world events, listening to this song again for the first time in years, I found it quite emotional. I never want to lose myself because of outside circumstances. I don't want to become jaded and bitter... though I can feel it creeping in. This song became a reminder, through sweet melodies and a younger version of me encouraging the me of today.

“Hallelujah, you’re my love. Hallelujah, you’re mine all mine. Hallelujah you’re my love. Hallelujah...”

I can only hope it's an encouragement to you as well.