Music Industry Reviews   Mack's new CD was reviewed by "Music Monthly," a music news magazine, in  the August 2003 issue.  In her column, the Wollan Report, reviewer Laurin Wollan writes:     "Mack Bailey is tellin’ us all Why I’m Here.  Some spiritual music can be found on this folksy, bluegrassy release.  It is very Christian.  He’s got a good voice.  The flute really works it for me during some moments.  . . . it sure could bring a smile to someone’s face.  He sang back up for Vince Gill and Amy Grant in the past and Mary Chapin Carpenter sang back up on his first release.  Elvis’ backing singers, the Grammy award winning Jordanaires sing on this album so if you are into that sort of thing, well there you go."     About this CD:   “Why I’m Here” features four of Mack’s originals, one of John Denver’s last songs never recorded and Irish and Scottish hymns with the Grammy award-winning Jordanaires.  The Jordanaires were Elvis’ back up group for many years. Mack considers his four originals to be the most inspirational work he has done.  Just Because was co-written with Tom Paxton.  Mack remembers, “I had started this song that I really liked, but it needed something more.  Tom and I were at the Country Roads Festival and I played it for him.  Shortly after, the song was completed.”  The song, Listening Ear was co-written with his wife, Lauren and daughter, Caroline, as they were driving to North Carolina to visit Mack’s Mom and Dad.  “As soon as we pulled up, I sat down and played it for Mom.  She really liked it.  Five days later, she passed away.  I still play that one for her.”  Mack added two fast songs of his own.  Mack wrote High Gear many years ago and recorded a guitar and banjo-driven version with The Hard Travelers; that cut had even been featured on the popular radio show, “Car Talk.”   But he had never recorded his own version on one of his solo CDs.  He was looking for a slightly different sound and he achieved it here with a peppy, piano-based version.   Mack's newest song, Cross at the End of the Road, was the eventual product of a songwriting workshop he conducted during the summer of 2002 at the Country Roads Folk Festival in West Virginia.  When a  participant suggested writing about crosses or memorials placed at the side of the road in honor of accident victims, the resulting verses were too dark.   Months later, while driving home from a house concert in North Carolina, Mack had a sudden inspiration to write a new uplifting song.   Wandering Soul is one of the last songs that John Denver wrote, yet it was never recorded by him.  Mack says, “It is a powerful song.  We had three of John’s band members in the studio, piano/keyboard player, Chris Nole; World finger picking champion guitarist, Pete Huttlinger; and the renowned horn player, Jim Horn.  We felt John was there with us.” “One of the sounds I imagined, was having the Jordanaires on 'Be Thou My Vision' and 'Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown.'  I could hear the men’s voices soaring and would get chills.  They started 'Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown' sounding as a bagpipe and then split their parts into unbelievable harmony.  They sound like one instrument, not four voices.  They were a joy to work with, extremely friendly and professional.  I had to ask a few questions about Elvis, and they happily spent some time telling stories.”   The members of The Jordanaires consist of: longest-time member, first tenor Gordon Stoker; newest member of about three years and second tenor Curtis Young; member since the early 90's, baritone Louis Nunley; and long-time veteran member & bass singer Ray Walker.  Gordon and Ray had been with the group through all the Elvis Presley years when they sang backup on most of his albums and appeared in his movies.     Production:   Recorded at Sound Emporium Studios Nashville, Tennessee March 7-8 & 21-22, 2003 Producer:  Chris Nole Executive Producer:  Karen Ronne Tupek Engineering and Mixing:  Dave Sinko Mastering:  Erik Wolf   Contributing Musicians: Mack Bailey:  vocals - lead and back-up                     Chris Nole:  piano, synthesizer & organ Pete Huttlinger:  acoustic and classic guitars Jim Horn:  flute and recorder Dave Harrison:  percussion - drums, congas Dennis Belfield:  bass Jack Pearson:  guitar, mandolin and dobro Wanda Vick:  violins Brittany Allyn:  background vocals The Jordanaires:  background vocals   Credits and contacts: The Jordanaires - see:  www.jordanaires.com Chris Nole - see: www.chrisnole.com Brittany Allyn – see www.brittanyallyn.com  Pete Huttlinger appears courtesy of Favored Nations Acoustic; Pete uses Elixir Strings; see: www.petehuttlinger.com  Dave Harrison uses Yamaha Drums, Zildjan Cymbals and Vic Firth Sticks Jim Horn appears courtesy of Jim Horn Records; see: www.jimhorn.com   From the Studio Recording Sessions: Photographs of Mack singing, the studio, the musicians Behind the Scenes - A personal account of the recording of the CD,  by the executive producer, with photographs. Lyrics to the Songs:  (click on links or scroll down) Included is information for each song - writer, publisher, time, and musicians.   1.   Be Thou My Vision - with the Jordanaires     2.   Cross at the End of the Road     3.   Listening Ear (Why I'm Here)      4.   Wandering Soul (Love is the Answer)     5.   Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown  **     6.   Am I Ready?      7.   High Gear 8.   My Life Flows On (How Can I Keep From Singing)     9.   One Heart     10.  Just Because      11.   I Will Bring You Home     12.  Be Thou My Vision - solo           ** Mack's "Come O Thou Traveler" was featured on Weekend America of American Public Radio. Here's the link:     http://weekendamerica.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/06/26/soundtrack_biatek/     1. Be Thou My Vision    Ancient Irish Hymn (3:39) Vocals:  Mack Bailey                               Piano:  Chris Nole Recorder:  Jim Horn Background Vocals:  The Jordanaires (on Track 1)   Be  thou my vision, O Lord of my heart               Naught be all else to me save that thou art Thou my best thought by day or by night Waking or sleeping thy presence my light. Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true word I ever with thee, and thou with me, Lord Thou and thou only, first in my heart High King of heaven, my treasure thou art.   Great God of heaven, my victory won May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's sun Heart of my own heart, whatever befall Still be my vision, O ruler of all.   2. Cross at the End of the Road  Mack Bailey (Spa Creek Music ASCAP) (3:18) Vocals:  Mack Bailey                               Organ:  Chris Nole Guitar: Pete Huttlinger Percussion:  Dave Harrison Bass:  Dennis Belfield Dobro:  Jack Pearson Background Vocals:  The Jordanaires   As I travel this long lonesome highway My thoughts are heavier than my load Each mile marker sign is a sin I left behind 'Til I reach my Cross at the end of the road, 'Til I reach my Cross at the end of the road.   The Lord has surely been good to me, I wish I could say the same I came into this world an innocent child And I'll leave bearing Jesus' name, And I'll leave bearing Jesus' name.   My memory is flying down this dark, lonely road, Shadows of days gone by. Miles of lost chances seem to fade through the years, As I keep my eye on Heaven's Holy prize, I keep my eye on Heaven's Holy prize.   I've logged some miles just to share my song With nothing but this guitar in my hand, I'll sing 'til the Lord says, "My son, come on home, I want you here in Heaven's Holy Band," And I want to play in Heaven's Holy Band.   As I travel this long lonesome highway My thoughts are much heavier than my load Each mile marker sign is a sin I left behind 'Til I reach my Cross at the end of the road, 'Til I reach my Cross at the end of the road, 'Til I reach my Cross at the end of the road.   3. Listening Ear (Why I'm Here) Mack, Lauren, and Caroline Bailey (Spa Creek Music ASCAP) (3:00) Vocals:  Mack Bailey                               Piano:  Chris Nole Guitar: Pete Huttlinger, Jack Pearson Percussion:  Dave Harrison Bass:  Dennis Belfield   There was a time, I was surrounded By darkness, doubt and fear All of my questions, no longer had answers Like “what am I doing, and why am I here?”   And I found myself praying day after day, Looking for answers to show me the way,   That’s when I found out, you were my Savior, When I started praying with a listening ear. Chorus: Now I can hear You, I feel Your presence I know You're with me, holding me near I see Your power, I feel Your glory, Your love has shown me why I'm here. Call on the Lord, trust in Him always, The Lord will hear when you call his name. Bow down before Him and listen in silence Be still and know that He is God. Now I can hear You, I feel Your presence I know You're with me, holding me near I see Your power, I feel Your glory, Your love has shown me why I'm here.   Now I can hear You, I feel Your presence I know You're with me, holding me near I see Your power, I feel Your glory, Your love has shown me why I'm here. Your love has shown me why I'm here.   4. Wandering Soul (Love Is The Answer)  John Denver (Cherry Lane Music ASCAP) (4:55) Vocals:  Mack Bailey Piano and Organ:  Chris Nole Guitar:  Pete Huttlinger Bass:  Dennis Belfield Percussion:  Dave Harrison Flute:  Jim Horn   In this magic hour of softening light  The moments in between the day and the night  The instant when all shadows disappear The distance in between the love and the fear.   There’s a longing deep within the wandering soul. It’s like the half that understands it once was whole Like the two who only dream of being one Like the moon whose only light is in the sun.   There is a danger in forever looking outside You start to believe that all your prayers have been denied. And you’ll forget the sound of your own name, Thus begins the suffering and the pain.   I wanted an answer, I wanted a way  I want to know just what to do and what to say.  I wanted a reason, I want to know why Can there never be heaven right here on Earth and peace inside? Inside my heart, deep in my soul Within each part and in the whole?   There is a promise in the journeys of the mind You begin to believe that there are miracles you will find And that someday you’ll remember who you are The seed within a bright and shining star   It’s like a flame that lives within a hungering heart That only awaits the gift of love for it to spark Into a fire that burns forever endlessly, Like the river that can’t help but meet the sea,   In this magic hour between the dark and the dawn In the space between the silence and the song Suddenly the mystery is clear, That love is only letting go of fear.   Love is the answer, love is the way Love is in knowing just what to do and what to say Love is the reason, love is the why, And love is in Heaven right here on Earth and peace inside. Inside your heart, deep in you soul Within each part and in the whole.   Love is the answer, love is the way Love is in knowing just what to do and what to say Love is the reason, love is the why, And love is in Heaven right here on Earth and peace inside.     5. Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown Words: Charles Wesley, 1742, alt. Music: Traditional Scottish melody (3:04) Vocals:  Mack Bailey Piano/Organ:  Chris Nole Background Vocals:  The Jordanaires   Come, O thou Traveler unknown, Whom still I hold, but cannot see; My company before is gone, And I am left alone with thee, With thee all night I mean to stay, And wrestle till the break of day. With thee all night I mean to stay, And wrestle till the break of day. I need not tell thee who I am, My misery and sin declare; Thyself hast called me by my name, Look on thy hands, and read it there. But who, I ask thee, who art thou? Tell me thy name, and tell me now. But who, I ask thee, who art thou? Tell me thy name, and tell me now. Yield to me now, for I am weak But confident in self-despair; Speak to my heart, in blessings speak, Be conquered by my instant prayer. Speak, or thou never hence shalt move, And tell me, if thy name is Love. Speak, or thou never hence shalt move, And tell me, if thy name is Love. 'Tis Love, 'tis Love! Thou diedst for me! I hear thy whisper in my heart: The morning breaks, the shadows flee. Pure universal Love thou art; To me, to all, Thy mercies move, Thy nature and thy name is Love. To me, to all, Thy mercies move, Thy nature and thy name is Love.   6. Am I Ready?  Chris Nole, Bonny Moon (Strathmere Music BMI) (Love Puppy Music BMI) (3:34) Vocals:  Mack Bailey Piano and synthesizer:  Chris Nole Guitar:  Pete Huttlinger Percussion:  Dave Harrison Bass:  Dennis Belfield Dobro:  Jack Pearson   I had a dream last night and woke up crying, I was holding on for life but then let go, I hit the ground in silent desperation Wondering why I gave up.  Will I ever know?   There's no crystal ball telling the future. There's no wise man to explain the past. I'm on this road and don't know where I'm going It takes strength, it takes courage, and the will to last.   Chorus: Am I ready for the challenge? Am I ready for the race? Am I willing to give it everything it takes? Would I climb the highest mountain, With a cold wind in my face? Would I walk away from comfort and put my trust in faith? Am I ready?  Am I ready?   I want this life of mine to have a reason I want my heart open to joy If I have the chance to make a difference Will I play it safe, or not be afraid to make the right choice?   Am I ready for the challenge? Am I ready for the race? Am I willing to give it everything it takes? Would I climb the highest mountain, With a cold wind in my face? Would I walk away from comfort and put my trust in faith? Am I ready?  Am I ready? Am I ready?   I had a dream last night and woke up cryin'.     7. High Gear   Mack Bailey  (Spa Creek Music ASCAP) (3:12) Vocals:  Mack Bailey Piano:  Chris Nole Guitar:  Pete Huttlinger Mandolin:  Jack Pearson Bass:  Dennis Belfield Percussion:  Dave Harrison Background Vocals:  Brittany Allyn   Driving down this long stretch of black top Gives a man some time to think about his worth, All the dreams that he had as a young man, The mark he would leave upon this earth.   But the years have ways of moving faster Hidden in the seasons and the tide If you feel that life has passed you by, The desire is fading in your eyes. Reach a little deeper down inside.   Chorus: Put it in high gear, don’t let your wheels just turn, Put it in high gear and make that fire burn. Lay your life before you, be a teacher while you learn Put it in high gear and make that fire burn.   Put it in high gear, don’t let your wheels just turn, Put it in high gear and make that fire burn. Lay your life before you, be a teacher while you learn Put it in high gear and make that fire burn.   Make it burn.  Make it burn.   Bridge: Stoke those fading embers Make them shine so bright Share it with the world, Be a beacon in the night.   Put it in high gear, don’t let your wheels just turn, Put it in high gear and make that fire burn. Lay your life before you, be a teacher while you learn Put it in high gear and make that fire burn.   Put it in high gear, don’t let your wheels just turn, Put it in high gear and make that fire burn. Lay your life before you, be a teacher while you learn Put it in high gear and make that fire burn.   Make it burn, make it burn, make it burn, make it burn. Make it burn. Put it in High Gear and make that fire burn.     8. My Life Flows On (How Can I Keep From Singing) Robert Lowry (3:08) Vocals:  Mack Bailey Piano:  Chris Nole Background Vocals:  The Jordanaires   My life flows on in endless song Above earth's lamentation. I hear the clear, though far off hymn That hails the new creation   Chorus: No storm can shake my inmost calm While to that rock I'm clinging. Since love is lord of Heaven and earth How can I keep from singing?   Through all the tumult and the strife, I hear that music ringing; It finds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing?   No storm can shake my inmost calm While to that rock I'm clinging. Since love is lord of Heaven and earth How can I keep from singing?   What though my joys and comforts die, I know my Savior liveth. What though the darkness gather round, Songs in the night He giveth.   No storm can shake my inmost calm While to that rock I'm clinging. Since love is lord of Heaven and earth How can I keep from singing?   The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, A fountain ever springing All things are mine since I am His, How can I keep from singing?   No storm can shake my inmost calm While to that rock I'm clinging. Since love is lord of Heaven and earth How can I keep from singing?   No storm can shake my inmost calm While to that rock I'm clinging. Since love is lord of Heaven and earth How can I keep from singing?   9. One Heart Jamie Houston, Wendy Waldman & JD Martin (Scoggins Songs, Might Be Music & WB Music Corp ASCAP; Spirit Line Music & EMI Longitude Music BMI) (4:23) Vocals:  Mack Bailey Piano/Organ:  Chris Nole Guitar:  Pete Huttlinger Bass:  Dennis Belfield Percussion:  Dave Harrison Background Vocals:  Brittany Allyn, Chorus:  Mack Bailey & Karen Ronne Tupek There's a new church on the horizon, Made of light, not of stone. Calling out to all creation, "You are not alone." Lions and lambs; saints and sinners; Best of friends; enemies; Woman and man; losers and winners; They are all in you and me, Chorus: We are one heart looking for answers, We are one soul finding our way in the dark. One dream we share together, We are all a part of one heart. Out in the cold there are faces, Hidden by the wind and rain. Hold out your hand; someone will take it, And bring you home again. We are one heart looking for answers, We are one soul finding our way in the dark. One dream we share together, We are all a part of one heart.   Bridge: Around the world tonight, Oh, the fires are burning. Tears are falling from the sky, Still the world keeps turning. We are one heart looking for answers, We are one soul finding our way in the dark. One dream we share together, We are all a part of one heart. We are one heart looking for answers, We are one soul finding our way in the dark. One dream we share together, We are all a part of one heart. We are one heart, One soul, One dream, we share together We are all a part, of One Heart.     10. Just Because  Mack Bailey, Tom Paxton (Spa Creek Music ASCAP) (Pax Music ASCAP) (3:38) Vocals:  Mack Bailey Piano:  Chris Nole             Guitar:  Pete Huttlinger Mandolin:  Jack Pearson Percussion:  Dave Harrison Bass:  Dennis Belfield   Just because you can't see me doesn't mean I'm not there; Just because you can't hear me doesn't mean I don't care; Just because you can't make me appear out of thin air, Just because you can't hold me doesn't mean I'm not there.   Just because I am gone now an ocean away, Doesn’t mean you can't listen to every soft word I say, It's your name I whisper in every Prayer, Just because you can't hold me doesn't mean I'm not there.   Just because you can't see me doesn't mean I'm not there; Just because you can't hear me doesn't mean I don't care; Just because you can't make me appear out of thin air, Just because you can't hold me doesn't mean I'm not there.   And on the loneliest night when it's so dark you can't see tomorrow, Listen deep down in your heart to the sweetest voice say:     Just because you can't see me doesn't mean I'm not there, Just because you can't hear me doesn't mean I don't care, Just because you can't make me appear out of thin air, Just because you can't hold me doesn't mean I'm not there.   Just because you can't hold me doesn't mean I'm not there. Doesn't mean I'm not there. Whatever may come, love, I'll always be there.   11. I Will Bring You Home    Michael Card  (Bird Wing Music and BMG Songs, Inc.  ASCAP) (3:14) Vocals:  Mack Bailey                               Piano and Synthesizer:  Chris Nole Guitar:  Pete Huttlinger Violins:  Wanda Vick   Though you are homeless, Though you're alone, I will be your home. Whatever's the matter, Whatever's been done, I will be your home. Chorus: I will be your home, I will be your home, In this fearful fallen place, I will be your home.   When time reaches fullness, When I move my hand, I will bring you home.   Home to your own place, In a beautiful land, I will bring you home.   I will bring you home, I will bring you home, From this fearful fallen place, I will bring you home.   I will bring you home, I will bring you home, From this fearful fallen place, I will bring you home. I will bring you home.     Cover Graphics:               Cover (alone)                  Cover w/ Back of Booklet    Inside Booklet                    Back Tray Card

This page was updated:  Tuesday, June 15, 2010 10:27:41 PM