Though I am an artist, composer, and lyricist, I find it incredibly difficult to put into words my thanks and dedications for this record. For me, it is almost impossible to describe effectively my deep appreciation and gratitude or convey my love for all those who made so many sacrifices to make this record possible. There have been so many outward acts of kindness, love, and generosity that I will be sure to miss something or someone. For those who believed in me and my music, I thank you immensely. You all kept me going through all the obstacles, problems, and challenges (of which there were many).

There have been many people throughout my life who have had a profound impact and influence on me. They formed and forged my experiences which helped to sculpt this music. This work, of which I am so proud, means a lot to me to convey my sincerity.

I am so humbled and blessed to have the people in my life who mean so very much to me, the people I love and who love me. This, in fact, is what my writing is all about. In the end, though, it is more challenging to say “thank you” satisfactorily than any lyric I’ve ever struggled endlessly to conceive. Just please know that when I say I love you, when I say thank you, when I say without you this music, this record, hell, me, wouldn’t even be here, I mean it.

So, to that end, here goes. The mandatory “so sorry if I’ve forgotten anyone” clause is applicable here and wholly unintentional! You know I love you and I simply have the musician’s handicap known as MMLS (musician's memory loss syndrome). Thanks for your understanding!

Firstly, I thank Jehovah God for blessing me with sobriety and allowing me to realize one of my lifelong dreams.

This work is dedicated to my incredible partner and wife Maureen. I offer you my heart and my most sincere gratitude for your unending love and support. You amaze me every day. I am just amazed by your sacrifice. There is truly no higher calling than to give up one’s own life to support the life of another. You do this every day for both our daughters and, of course, for me as well. When I stop and think about your endurance through the indescribable daily trials of caring for our special needs child along with what it took to support the completion of this album, I just stand in awe. I thank you beyond any words I can conjure for your love and encouragement. Thank you for consoling me during all those late-night bouts of uncertainty, discouragement, and disappointment, and most importantly, for saving my life. Without you by my side, this record could never have been made! Thank you, honey, from the very bottom of my heart!

And to my children, Brittney and Brianna Dodson, who are an unending source of inspiration and my only real reason to “be.” You girls were always there with me, right by my side and in my heart, mind, and soul during every moment of the making of this record. The song “Sisters” is for you. You both astound me every day! You teach me lessons that only your innocence and depth of true clarity can impart. The beauty you both possess goes beyond all true understanding. Thanks for being patient with your dad, the “temperamental artist!” Yikes! If this work stands the test of time, it will be because of you! It exists to always remind you of your dad, his art, and his unending love for you both! This work was made because of you and for you! I love you beyond all words.

I also dedicate this work to my best friend and executive producer, Harry Fix, who believed in me and my work when it seemed no one ever would. When it seemed I would forever be “no one.” Without your friendship, support, musical contributions, and beautiful vocals, this record could never have been made! Thank you for your generosity, insights, advice, and the many talks that produced the only real viability for this album to ever be made at all! Your contributions musically and vocally are standouts on the record, and I am so very proud to have your talent and musicianship on this work! Thank you so very, very much, my brother! Couldn’t have done it without you!

And of course, I give huge, well-deserved credit and appreciation to my very gifted friend and musical partner/advisor, John Van Houdt. You came into this project because, as you put it, you “fell in love with the music.” I can’t think of any better reason to involve oneself in the “art for art's sake” world of progressive rock! Without your amazing support and expert help with engineering and production, as well as encouragement, belief, and amazing musical talent, I could never have brought this project to life! You stood by me when it looked like this work might never see the light of day, and I appreciate that beyond words and more than I could ever adequately convey! Thank you, my friend, for your amazing playing, valuable knowledge, and expertise that made this work a reality! I can’t thank you enough for it all!

I would also like to extend a very special thank you to Hajo Muller for his outstanding art and graphics work. You have an amazing approach and way of getting inside the album so as to convey the work and vision! It’s obvious that you truly care, and that means a lot these days! That is your cutting edge! And of course, the bonus is the newfound friendship. I value that so very highly! Thank you, Hajo!

Andy Vandette is a newfound friend and highly respected mastering engineer who has worked at Master Disk with Bob Ludwig and an amazing array of artists. His professionalism and good humor were immediately welcomed and put me at ease. I just knew we were in good hands! His sense of humor and easy-going manner gave me the confidence I needed to send these songs off to have the “magic applied!” He’s just a great guy! Thanks, Andy! You put this thing right through the goalposts!

A very special thank you to my lifelong friend and bassist Steve Springer for his amazing bass work on “Boat 5,” as well as his work on all of my previous tracks throughout the years. His loyalty to Madrigal and world-class playing on our first two albums will never be forgotten (available on the compilation release “Madrigal 1988-1996 - A Compilation - Waiting & On My Hands”). You can purchase the download on our website, www.themadrigalproject.com. Steve has been a support for me throughout the years, good times and bad, and for this, there are no words to convey my love and gratitude! Thank you so very much, my friend!

And Janis Bers for friendship, advice, encouragement, and support. I thank you for fulfilling a bucket list that led to the making and completion of this album! Take me to the bridge! Thank you for your sense of humor and contributions to the music and your “vocal treatments.” Spicy!

I also dedicate this work to my dear friends Craig Brandt and Chris Shay (RIP).

A special shout out to Kirk Herren from “Sea of Tranquility” and Rob Skarin of “Crystal Spotlight” for their amazing and generous help with the social media and promotional work for the album!

Of course, I would also like to thank all of the musicians who appear on this record! Your invaluable contributions are deeply appreciated! These include our special guests: Adam Holzman, Oliver Wakeman, and Billy Sherwood, as well as the following musicians and singers: John Van Houdt, Chuck Swanson, Harry Fix, Steve Springer, Michael Lewis, Jane Getter, Fred Cash, Greg Edgcomb, Dan McInerney, Craig Brandt, Janis Bers, Danny McCollim, Michael Lenke, Abigail Grimstad, and Toddie Downs.

And finally, if you bought this record, I thank you. If you borrowed it, thanks as well, but you really should get yourself a copy! If, however, you stole this recording (because a lot of people will), remember that musicians also have bills, mortgages, sons and daughters to put through college, car payments, etc., and you should put yourself in their shoes. How would you feel if your hard work and endless hours of sweat and toil were just taken from you with no compensation? If the arts are to survive, we need to be paid for our work, so go buy a copy and support original music!

In the end, though, this music is for you. It is my sincere hope that it enriches your life in some way. After all, this is what the music is for.