Rebel Road Music and Lyrics

Rebel Road Liner Notes

Rebel Road: that’s the story of my life. I’ve always considered myself something of a musical rebel. Somehow I never seemed to fit the categories people tried to squeeze me into. It just made me want to break out; so that’s what I did.

I guess I never bought into the idea of labeling music and selling it as a product in the first place, even though I knew in many cases that’s exactly what was happening. If you look at music as a business or profession, it’s always been both advantageous and profitable to follow the latest trends. I know I could have made a lot more money jumping on the endless succession of bandwagons that have come rolling through. It all comes down to this: I’d rather blaze my own trail than follow in the footsteps someone else has left behind. So for better or for worse, I’m on a rebel road.

Originally, I was going to call this album “Rockin’ The Blues”. By the way, I still think of myself as making albums rather than CDs. Albums are a collection of musical pictures. Each song is like a snapshot in time that captures a feeling, a memory, or an emotion; and together, they tell a story. So, an album is really a musical book that opens up and unfolds into a living experience.

Anyway, as I was saying, “Rockin’ The Blues” is honest, sincere, and straightforward. It’s something real that I’ve been doing all my life. I knew there would be a song called “Rockin’ The Blues” and I wanted my brother, Johnny, to play guitar on it. All this came to pass. Johnny was touring in California and came by the studio one night after his show. Man, he tore it up! It was everything I hoped it would be. I closed my eyes and it took me back to when we were kids.

As much as I love that song, as time went by and the project began to take shape, it became increasingly clear to me that “Rebel Road” was truer to the spirit of the music that was being created. This is so much a road album. The road winds through it the way it’s wound through my life. “Rockin’ The Blues” is one stop, but for me the deeper meaning of the road is that no matter how far it goes, it always leads back home, and that’s where my heart will ever be.

My intention in writing these liner notes myself is to give you some idea of who I am and what I’m all about as an artist, as well as to provide some insight into this music and the people who have helped to make it. From start to finish, it has been very much a team effort. I wrote two to the songs myself; all the rest were written with two friends of mine, Curt Cuomo and James Baker.

Curt is a very talented singer-songwriter-producer, who also plays drums and keyboards. I first met Curt back in 1999 when we collaborated on a ballad called “You Are My Song”. He owns the studio where we recorded, and has been writing and co-producing with me from the beginning.

When we first started talking about the project, Curt told me about James, one of his friends and writing partners, and suggested we try working on it together as a team. One of the things I had mentioned was classic, signature guitar riffs that you can write a song around. James is a guitar player, and that just happens to be one of the things he’s great at.

Each of us is a real songwriter on his own, but together I think we have something really special. We all felt it immediately; it was one of those things that just instantaneously clicked. It’s hard to explain: a sort of synergy in which the whole is somehow greater than the sum of its parts. Whatever it is, all I know is it feels good, and it works. There’s no way to describe what it’s like when ideas seem to flow so effortlessly, a song emerges, and you just know it’s right.

I mention all this because it ties in with “Rebel Road”. You see, we play a lot of biker shows–the big Buffalo Chip Sturgis rally, the Easy Rider tour, and Jay Leno’s Love Ride (one of the biggest biker related charity events in the world). I really love doing the biker shows. “Frankenstein” rocks, “Free Ride” always goes over great, and everybody has a real good time. So I was thinking … you know, we really ought to have some new songs with that kind of vibe.

I relate this little story because people seem to be so interested in how songs come about, and it illustrates how the simple turn of phrase in a seemingly idle conversation can really get something rolling. As for the concept behind the title, I think bikers and musicians have a good deal in common: a certain defiance and disregard for authority, the status quo, and the powers that be. To me, the idea of the open road is a symbol of freedom, and freedom is what music is all about. It’s saying I’m not going to be told who I am, and what I’m supposed to believe. It’s about living life on your own terms, and that’s what rebel road means to me. I like it because it’s not only a biker song, it’s my song and my story as well.

There’s one more element that made this song absolutely perfect and solidified in my mind as the title track, and that is a gentleman we all know as Slash. We met at the New Millennium Celebration in 2000 and played together in an all-star band with John Fogerty. It was an amazing event with everyone from Sophia Loren to Mohamed Ali. There was a grand ball afterwards, and we all got to meet the Clintons and hang out with all the stars at the White House. With his top hat, Slash fit right in. Monique and I danced romantically into the new millennium together. It was really something!

Anyway, as I was saying, Slash is one of my all-time guitar heros, and I don’t think there’s anybody out there more on a rebel road. When I called him up and asked him to play, and he said yes, that was it! He came in and just killed it. I mean he took the song to a whole new level. Thanks Slash! I’ll never forget it. I owe you one.
There’s another aspect of this album I haven’t touched on yet. As you may know, I was born and raised in Texas, and believe me when I say–you can’t grow up in Texas without a feeling for country music. I could strum chords and sing country songs back as far as I can remember. Strangely enough, this is an influence that has never come out in my music, until now.

I had written a whole set of lyrics to what I thought was a blues song called “On the Horns of a Dilemma”. Curt and James took one look at it and said “Wow, what a great country song.”

“What?” I said.

“This is a great country-rocker.” I was amazed to realize, they could be right.
“If you like that one” I said, “I’ve got a whole bunch of those layin’ around. How ’bout one called The Power of Positive Drinkin’.” They just busted out laughing. I came up with literally a dozen of those in only a couple of days, but we decided we’d better quit before it turned into a country album.

And then, another twist of fate. I knew I wanted some really country-blues style harp on both these songs, and suddenly, inspiration struck. I knew Clint Black! Everybody knows what a great writer, singer and country artist Clint is, but not everybody knows how well he plays the harp. Let me tell you, Clint is the real deal. He doesn’t just mess around; he can really play!

Clint had invited me to play sax on his song “Burn One Down”, which was an honor and lots of fun. So I figured, why not ask him? He said yes, and it was another one of those magical, musical moments you dream about. Clint literally blew us all away (no pun intended). It’s the truth. It means so much to me that Clint would take the time to come in and play on these songs between shows, just out of friendship and human kindness. Thank you, Clint. God bless, and I hope our paths will cross again sometime soon.

Another part of the team that’s there year round is my band. My guitar player Doug Rappoport (we all call him DougE Rapps) has been with me the longest, over five years now. I am noted for having played with many great guitarists, and believe me, Doug is no exception. He was young and exceptionally talented when he joined the band and has improved steadily year by year, developing into a phenomenal player.
My tour manager, Dave Lopez, goes back even further. Dave is also a great front-of-house mixer who has been there through thick and thin, keeping it all together.

I want to thank Mark Meadows (the bass cowboy) who has played bass with us all the time up to half-way through the making of this album. Mark is an amazing player, and I wish him much success and all the best.

We have a new bass player, Koko Powell, who plays on the last four tracks doing an incredible job. Koko is fantastic both live on stage, and in the studio. He really lays down the groove with great feel and authority, right in the pocket (which I love) plus he can really sing!

We’re in between drummers right now. A ton of world-class drummers played on this album. They will be acknowledged in the credits, and I thank them one and all for a superb job, well done. But here, I want to thank the two main guys (who’s playing I love) that were out with us on the road: Chris Frazier (with us for years), and Jimmy Paxson (who did a great job on Texas Tornado).

There is one more person who contributed immensely to this project, although he didn’t enter the picture until near the end. Ross Hogarth mixed nine of the eleven songs, and I’ve never been happier with any mixes in my life. After the songs are written, the performances are done, and the recording is over, it’s all up to the mixer. Mixing is an art, and Ross is a true master. He literally lived this music for the last month, putting in every waking hour. Ross, your artistry, passion, and attention to detail are truly amazing. My deepest and most heartfelt thanks. I hope we will have the opportunity to do it again. There is no one else I would rather work with.

I’ll say goodbye now, but first I want to thank the most important team member of all, the person I love, trust, and respect more than any other, the most valuable player of all time in my heart forever: my wife Monique. She changed my life, showed me the meaning of true love, and made me a better person. Without her, I simply would not be who I am. I love you, Monique.

Finally, to everyone who hears this music, I want to thank you all for listening. Off and on, it’s been happening over two years of my life; we’ve all had a great time doing it, and hope you will enjoy it as much as we have making it. So, kick back, relax, and have a great trip down “Rebel Road”!

 

Keep On Rockin’,
Edgar and Monique

Click on the song titles to open and close

By Edgar Winter, Curt Cuomo, James Zota Baker, and Jake Hooker

(verse 1)

Flying high, riding free
Fast forward and no reverse
Do me right, I’ll do you better
Do me wrong, I’ll do you worse

Feel that thunder a’ready to rumble
Rollin’ those dice Gonna see how they tumble
Know it aint nothin’ but a king of the jungle code

(chorus)

Out On a rebel road
Gonna chase that midnight sky
On a rebel road
You know I was born to ride
On a rebel, On a rebel road yea

Pump it up, kick it out
Full throttle, straight ahead
They tried to sell me a nine to five
I’ll do it my way is what I said

Rockin’ across this American nation
School a’hard knocks is a real education
Livin’ on the edge yea is all that you need to know

(chorus)

Out On a rebel road
Gonna chase that midnight sky
On a rebel road
Fast as the wind can fly
On a rebel road
This is where I live and die
On a rebel road
You know I was born to ride
On a rebel road yea

(break down)

Time time tickin’ by tickin’ by now
Your life goin’ by goin’ by now
Get up, get out on that rebel road yea

On a rebel, on a rebel,
On a rebel, on a rebel road

(solo)

(chorus out)

In the summer of 2006 I was invited to play the tour with Ringo and his All-Starr band. For me, this was the thrill of a lifetime and a dream come true. Ringo is one of the realest, coolest, most genuine people I’ve ever met. He is also the greatest drummer in the greatest band in rock ‘n’ roll history.

I stand in awe of the Beatles. What they did transcended music. They were bigger than life, bigger than music, bigger than the world stage onto which they stepped. They caused a paradigm shift that changed the mindset of an entire generation.

They brought about a revolution without firing a shot or even causing any resistance. It was a revolution in the freedom of thought and a spiritual renaissance. I know my wife, Monique was touched in the same way, along with millions of others the world over.

Playing with Ringo was certainly an honor and a privilege, but beyond the music it was Ringo, himself, that impressed me the most. He is such a sincere and heartfelt advocate and spokesman for peace and love. Ringo and his music truly carry on the spirit that the Beatles came to represent.

It is not just something he does, but something he is. He and his lovely wife, Barbara, both emanate serenity, and radiate peace and love. Just being in their presence, Monique and I felt spiritually uplifted. Sometimes the simplest things are the most difficult to say. I love the Beatles, and I love Ringo simply for being who he is and what he stands for. It was such an inspiration, I just had to write about it.

One night at the studio I was talking with Curt and James about Ringo, and what an amazing experience it was to meet and play with him. Of course, they’re huge Beatle fans (who isn’t?) They both love Ringo, and had just seen the All-Starr show in LA and couldn’t stop talking about it.

Finally we said, “OK, that’s it. We’ve got to write a song for Ringo.”

Curt said … “You actually know him, what should it be about?”

I didn’t hesitate. “If it’s a Ringo song, it’s got to be about peace and love.”

James said, “OK, well, maybe that’s it.”

“Yea, of course that’s it. What else can it be?” I said.

So we started recording, James strumming acoustic guitar, all of us singing and playing Ringo air fills, and within an hour we had the whole form of the song down. We stopped recording and just looked at each other. Wow, I can’t believe we just did that!

I left the studio elated. I called Monique on the way home to tell her about it. She was so excited; when I got back she was all smiles, hugs, and kisses. So, this song is dedicated to Ringo Starr, in memory of George Harrison, and to the brilliance of John Lennon and Paul McCartney whose music will live on in our hearts, forever. I hope the song will say it better than these words. This one is for you, Ringo … Peace and Love!

Peace And Love

By Edgar winter, Curt Cuomo, and James Zota Baker

(verse 1)

Think about another world
Everybody wants to believe
It’s all about the change

Something in the atmosphere
Something that was always so near
Is it really all that strange

No surprise
Everybody’s shown it
You realize
That you’ve always known it

(chorus)

Peace and love, peace and love
Changing our reality
Looking through the eyes of
Peace and love, peace and love
Take me where I want to be
That’s the world I dream of
Peace and love, peace and love

(verse 2)

If I were an airplane
We could get so high you would see
Our problems seem so small

There would be no boundaries
There to separate you and me
Just one would would be all

Here it is
This life that we’ve been given
There’s a way
Everyone can live in

(Chorus)

Peace and love, peace and love
Changing our reality
Living in the light of
Peace and love, peace and love
Take me where I want to be
That’s the world I dream of
Peace and love, peace and love

(bridge)

No space no time
No yours no mine
No use pretending we’re apart
When we’re living all together

(In) The darkest night
There’s always light
Your heart knows
All we really need now

(chorus Out)

Peace and love, peace and love
There can never be too much
The world could use a touch of
Peace and love, peace and love
Think of all who went before
Opening the door to

Peace and love, peace and love
There’s no one you have to be
Living in a world of
Peace and love, peace and love
I keep dreaming of the day
When we all believe in
Peace and love, peace and love

By Edgar Winter, Curt Cuomo, and James Zota Baker

(verse 1)

Wake up, everybody’s watchin’
Look sharp, you’re on TV
Don’t talk, someone could be listenin’

(That’s me)

It’s a crazy situation
You know, freedom aint free
They got too much information

Now they’re watchin’ from the sky
Sneakin’ like a spy
Better just act naturally

(chorus)

(I got my eye on you)
Got nowhere to hide now
(There’s nothing you can do)
They’re messin’ with my mind
(Watch every single move)
It oughta be a crime now
(I got my eye on you)

(verse 2)

They got satellite surveillance
Cell phone, tappin’ that too
Keep on lookin’ for assailants

(That’s you)

It’s all a lota smoke n’ mirrors
Don’t know who to believe
Can’t tell criminals from heros

Now they’re watchin’ you on line
Can’t you see the signs
So long to your privacy

(chorus)

(I got my eye on you)
I Got nowhere to hide now
(There’s nothing you can do)
Your messin’ with my mind
(Watch every single move)
It oughta be a crime now
(I got my eye on you)

(bridge)

I wanta get away
Run away from it all
So much technology
There’s a price to pay
For the games we play

(solo)

(chorus out)

(I got my eye on you)
I Got nowhere to hide now
(There’s nothing you can do)
Your messin’ with my mind
(I got a perfect view)
It oughta be a crime now
(I got my eye on)

(I got my eye on you)
I Got nowhere to hide now
(There’s nothing you can do)
You know your messin’ with my mind
(Big brother’s on the crew)
S’like livin’ in a zoo now
(I got my eye on you)

Every album I do, I dedicate one special love song to my wife, Monique. These are the most personal songs I write, and are always my favorites. This one has a little story.

I try not to play on holidays, especially Valentines Day; it’s so much nicer to be home with Monique. But this past Valentines Day was an exception. I had just been invited to play at the grand opening of Planet Hollywood with the Bruce Willis Blues Band. This Valentines date was at Bruce’s club in Sun Valley, so that made it a special occasion.

We were looking forward to a romantic get-away together, but at the last minute our little dog, Mimi, developed respiratory problems and was having difficulty breathing, so Monique decided to stay home with her to make sure she was alright. We would just extend Valentines Day until I got home.

It turned out to be a beautiful day of rehearsal. The band was excellent and it felt as though Monique was right there by my side. It all came together and the show went great. I had finished a late dinner in my room. Monique and I had talked back and forth on the phone all day, and finally said goodnight.

Lying in bed, I was thinking how close we were even though we were thousands of miles apart. I could picture her so clearly in my mind, it felt as though I could just reach out and touch her. I was reflecting on how inconsequential time and space truly are when it comes to love, and suddenly, this idea just flashed into my mind. The further I go the closer I get to you.

I got up and started writing on one of those little pads they put next to the phones. I do a lot of my best writing when I’m in that alpha state, either just falling asleep, or just waking up. So I would write a while, and then go back to bed so I could drift back into that dreamland where thoughts bubble and flow like little streams, and ideas seem to float down from heaven like gentle rain. By the time the night was over, I was done. I took the sheets from the little pad and put them in my bag. I hadn’t slept, but I felt great!

When I got home, we had our own Valentines Day celebration. After dinner, I lit some candles and asked Monique to come sit next to me at the piano. Then I played her the song. She loved it, and I was a happy man.

Next year, Monique and I will be celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary. She is my inspiration, and I love her more than ever. They have been the happiest and best years of my life! So I dedicate this song to my beautiful wife. Monique, this song is for you.

Love, Edgar

The Closer I Get

(verse 1)

You know I’ve come such a long long way
From the person that I once knew
And looking back there were times I thought
I never would make it through

The road goes ever onward
One thing I know is true
The further I go
The closer I get to you

(chorus)

Where ever I am
What ever I do
The further I go
The closer I get to you

(verse 2)

I miss you so when I’m far away
Even though we may be apart
I close my eyes and I see your face
You always are in my heart

I’m on my way back home now
The journey is almost through
The further I go
The closer I get to you

(chorus)

(verse 3)

When I was young and a carefree boy
The years would go on and on
As time goes by they just slip away
And I’m wondering where they’ve gone

I fell in love forever
That was the day I knew
The further we go
The closer I get to you

(chorus)

Where ever I am
What ever I do
The further I go
The closer I get to you