These are songs culled from what would have been my first album, "I Will Stay". I was a young, idealistic (and energetic) 20 year old when I took myself in the studio, initially to experiment with songs that I was writing, my first time letting them evolve beyond little acapella, homemade demos that I made in my bedroom. I thought they might serve as a collective demo that I would send to record companies in hopes of a deal.

I had never produced before or even directed a band...I was a church singer who went wherever he was called. I had merely listened to many self-produced artists and was determined to try and re-create in some way what I heard on those albums. I was, however, blessed to work with great musicians who did their best to help me create cohesive and coherent drafts of these songs.

These recordings did land a deal and were set to release in the mid-90s, but there were financial issues with the label and ultimately, it was the master plan. I had to live alot more of this life and settle into my skin more before my first statement could be made.

Some of the songs we recorded found their way onto other albums. The original version of "I Will Stay" was created in these sessions. "Thank You" was re-recorded for my "Gospel" project (and will be released later this year). Some will remain buried...forever.

But the ones that I pulled out for this EP release are the ones that most showcase my unabashed, growling heart that had such confidence, strength and conviction. I would learn pacing, form and subtlety in the years that would follow.

After years of being ashamed of these recordings, I dug them out in the recent months and felt like some of the songs should live on. There's an innocence here that refreshes me, almost 20 years later and I wish I had an inch-worth of this kind of energy.

What makes me feel the best about these songs is that the core of my influence has remained the same. These songs were inspired by Reba Rambo, my gospel roots and Teena Marie. The themes expressed are early incarnations of what I would explore on LIOMM, The Muse & Gospel. When I was making those subsequent works, I didn't even realize that. I felt worlds away from these songs, but as I listen, I hear that my heart has always had the same beat.

So here's a glimpse at my young heart.