Rock n Roll, 1955, I'm in the seventh grade! Rock Around the Clock, and I can't keep my feet still! This new joyful passionate music has swept me away and found a comfortable home in my soul. Two years later I would write my first song which led to the formation of my first band, Vince Valley and the Chain Gang, soon to be the Viceroys, before moving on to Don and the Goodtimes, then Paul Revere and the Raiders. Now, 70 years later I still can't keep my feet quiet!
Over the years I've composed hundreds of songs in different genres but Rock n Roll still takes the cake! So now, "Hidden Gems," my newest collection, a retrospective, from 2024 with my new band, The Jim Valley Project to 1975 with The Shoestring Orchestra and Jim Hoke, multi-instrumentalist, who adds his magic to ten of these songs. I hope you enjoy the sunshine, the whimsy, the ballads and... and the Rock n Roll!
Special thanks to the gifted talented amazing musicians who contributed to these recordings. Larz Nefzger, Jim Hoke, Marc Willett, Danny Deardoff, Don Wilhelm, Jon Keliehor, Rick Boice, Mike Garland, Alec Jupp, Denny Davison, Russ Salton, Billy Odden, Pete Beresford, Jamie LeMessurier, John Stephan, Murl Saunders, Sabrina Brazier, Valerie Rosa, John Goforth, Rusty Reid.
Cover photo: Patty McFerran
Back photo and graphics: Chuck Woodstock
Mixing and mastering: Larz Nefzger
Buy Jim Valley's "Hidden Gems" CD
($15.00 Personally autographed by Jim, plus free postage)
COMBO OFFER: Buy ANY 3 of Jim Valley's Adult Contemporary CDs
"Hidden Gems" (2025), "Toward the Sacred" (2023), "Sit Upon the Moon" (2021), "A Garden Faire" (2020), "Rolling Sea" (2002)
($35.00 CDs personally autographed by Jim, plus free postage)
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Now in his eighth decade of rockin', Jim Valley still isn't ready for the rockin' chair, even if, yes, he has a song about that. His 2025 release, "Hidden Gems," is his, well, we've lost count on how many albums this authentic Northwest rock and roll icon has let loose in the world. Certainly, there can't be too many.
Of course, seven of those are classics of children's music, beloved by fans around the world. But Jim started out, and has always been, a rocker at heart, albeit with a style all his own, not content to fall square into any genre.
This latest album is a good example of the breadth and originality of his playful fusion of rock, folk, jazz, blues even a little country every once in awhile, with the mix always tasty. It's also perhaps Jim's most personal album, a collage of authentic thoughts, feelings and experiences encountered and recorded through his remarkable life. With this compilation, Jim has included some old fan faves, plus a selection of goodies that have been reclaimed from old vinyl LPs long out of print and hard to find.
Take the masterful performance and arrangement of "Cowgirls."
And "Chickens?!" It's a quirky, autobiographical snapshot that somehow becomes a tour de force performance of Jim on piano and vocals, accented by a kitchen sink of instruments going places thematically, lyrically and melodically that no song has ever gone.
With "Always," Jim delivers a rare cover tune, this one the classic Irving Berlin song. He enthusiastically knocks it out of the park on vocals and piano. Sometimes even the best songwriters need a cover tune to explore just where their vocal talent can go.
"Dorian Van" recounts another autobiographical moment in time, channeling the free love 1960s (though recently recorded), bringing us right along with him and a hot lover as voyeur-passengers. It's a hoot.
Alluded to above, "Rockin' Chair" is another time capsule, a nostalgic assessment of the domestic, sweet life, emblematic of Jim's ever-sunny disposition and love for the world.
"Switzerland in the Rain" employs a unique theme: a traveler abroad in the most beautiful of lands, yet unable not to dote on his children back home. It all really happened, on Jim's first trip to Europe, the same excursion that also inspired "Street Dance."
"Rabbits in the Park" channels the joy of childhood in picking up the pieces of a backslide in life, making a new start. "I'll start work on my heart," Jim offers words of wisdom to anyone listening to this song with an unexpectedly funky groove.
These and the other selections on "Hidden Gems" offer some of the best songwriting of Jim's long and colorful career. The lyrics, the melodies, the arrangements, the playing are all top-notch. Yet the weight that ballasts all of his work is his fabulous, endearing, soulful voice, as with all great singers, one of a kind.
And then there is the ever abiding gentleness toward humankind and love for nature that are imbued in virtually every single song from Jim Valley. The mystic Gaelic singer-songwriter Donovan has claimed that he is the sole heir to the gentle vocal and thematic approach of Bing Crosby. He must be unaware of Jim Valley. And wouldn't you know Jim and Bing were born in the same city, Tacoma, Washington.
It's just a shame that the golden age of the album is now decades past, for surely "Hidden Gems" would have been one of those that everyone just had to have, and would listen to over and over again.
-- Rusty Reid
Jim Valley's new "Hidden Gems" album is a beautiful feel-good experience for this world full of unbearable heaviness.
The 15-tracks of "Hidden Gems" are wonderfully creative songs overflowing with melody, rhythm, and surprising vocal arrangements spiced with a wry sense of humor.
My ears hear track 3, "Blinded By Love," as the Americana radio contender... among several!
-- David Bean, KSQD FM, Santa Cruz, CA
Just put the needle down! Loving "Natural Man"... the band is great. Sounds like Jim Valley has Delaney & Bonnie & Friends with him! IMHO, this is Jim's best album, and most personal, though there's something here for everyone to relate to. Jim and his stellar band let their spirits lead them wherever they wish to go on extended tracks such as "Dorian Van", "Switzerland In The Rain" and "If I Were A Bird Tonight". I agree with David Bean's comment that "Blinded By Love" is the runaway frontrunner for Americana airplay, evoking the Byrds' Sweetheart of the Rodeo, and any comparison to such a landmark album can't be bad. Having said that, Jim is a true original, unbound by format categorization. Still, you're bound to detect some classic essences of Loggins & Messina, Jefferson Airplane, Joe Cocker, Tulsa and Muscle Shoals. It's a postcard from Jim's youth, showcasing the landscapes he's traversed through his wonderfully broad musical mastery.
--Jeff Green, author of The Metrics of Music: A Field Guide to Music Research
Wow, Jimmy - what a treasure! Such a variety of melodies and themes. And, as usual, your vocal style shines through each and every tune. The songs are rockin', nostalgic, fun, whimsical and deeply personal - from ballads to poetic ditties. Every listen presents something new, something unexpected, with honest and clever lyrics. And, the musical arrangements are something special. Jimmy - you really put a lot of yourself into this album and have many great reasons to be proud! My favorite song shifts every time I listen - my current Number One is "Blinded by Love." Feel free to dive deeper into my responses and for sure let me know if I can add more! I love your Hidden Gems - out into the world now and not so hidden. Your sweet soul lady -
-- Linda Edlund
Jim Valley is a celebrated singer-songwriter and producer known for his unique voice and profound storytelling ability. Jim has captivated audiences worldwide with his heartfelt music and insightful lyrics. "Hidden Gems" marks his latest contribution to the music landscape, solidifying his reputation as an artist who creates music that resonates on a deeply personal level.
"Hidden Gems" is a stunning collection of fifteen tracks that showcase Jim's extraordinary talent for weaving poetry and storytelling into unforgettable melodies.
Every song on "Hidden Gems" serves as a testament to his creative proficiency to capture the essence of the human experience, unveiling deep feelings with lyrics that shine like precious jewels. From heartwarming ballads to evocative narratives, Valley's music invites listeners to embark on a journey through the intricacies of love, loss, and the beauty of imagination in everyday moments.
In "Hidden Gems," Jim Valley proves once again that no one sings quite like him. His voice carries a warmth that transcends the ordinary, evoking empathy and honesty in every note. As a talented producer, Valley has meticulously crafted each track, ensuring that the melodic arrangements complement his evocative lyrics and allow the stories to unfold seamlessly.
This album is not just a collection of songs; it's an experience that resonates deeply with audiences of all ages. Fans and newcomers alike will find themselves captivated by the glistening stories that only Jim Valley can tell. With "Hidden Gems" he invites listeners to explore the depths of their own emotions and discover the beauty of "Hidden Gems" within their own lives.
-- Brian Bahr
Alright, let's see what a root through Jim Valley's musical treasure chest brings today. AHA! A plethora of rockin' tunes! Also the sublime dream-scape that is "Switzerland In The Rain" (with yours truly on slide guitar) and even some country. Dig it!
When Jim and Wendy visited us in Nashville a while back, after years since some of these recordings, we and a couple friends adjourned to my music room for a jam session. Jim went to the piano and launched into a spirited rendition of Ray Charles' "Hallelulia I Just Love Her So", making it instantly clear that the rock 'n roll flame burns as bright as ever in his Northwestern soul. It's what you hear on many of these "Hidden Gems" tracks, notably his New Orleans-style romp thru the Irving Berlin classic "Always."
Rock 'n roll is like a best friend; maybe not the smartest, the funniest, or the most anything, but that's got nothing to do with it. The Rolling Stones say "it's only rock 'n roll, but I like it". Jim Valley says "it takes the cake."
Imma have a slice right now.
-- Jim Hoke
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L Y R I C S & C R E D I T S
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All songs Copyright Rainbow Planet Music (ASCAP)
Except:
"Blinded by Love" - Jim Hoke, Hochanadel Music
"Always" - Irving Berlin, Public Domain
NATURAL MAN
Building up inside... long time
Got to let it out got to ease my mind
Got to ease my mind
I can sing dance swing this world around
Walls come tumbling down and
Whoa yeah mama Natural Man
Oooo yeah yeah oooo yeah yeah
Birds in the trees
know the breeze can please
So Let the wind blow within
And brighten up my heart
Song bird give your song away and
Don't ya save it for a rainy day say nay nay
Whoa uh ah mama I'm a Natural Man
Dogs in the fields know the woods can heal
So come out to the meadow
Show me how that you feel
Green tree touch the blue sky
Tell me no lies... no lies
Green tree touch the blue sky
Lift me so high... So
Building inside long time long time
Got to let it out got to ease my mind
I can sing dance swing this world around
Walls come tumbling down
Whoa yeah mama Natural Man
Jim Valley - Piano and vocal
Russ Salton - Guitar and backing vocals
Billy Oden - Bass and backing vocals
Pete Beresford - Drums
Jim Hoke - Organ and saxes
Recorded at Red Roof Studio- Gig Harbor
and Hillside Studio - Nashville
COWGIRLS
Got outta bed feeling half dead
Worn out schemes you had a bad dream
Feelin' hazy going crazy
Sooner or later even Cowgirls get the blues
S'all right mama ain't got nothing to loose
Can't make the rent moneys all spent
For weeks on end been a dismal trend
All alone disconnected your phone
Sooner or later even Cowgirls get the blues
Hold on to your union card
Still paying your dues
Rock n roll Friday night
Band's playing hot and tight
Come on let your feelings go
Bodies swaying to and fro
Round and round round and round you go
This can last forget the past
Home on the range is nice for a change
Give yourself a treat Cuz life is sweet
Come on Cowgirls!
Ha ha ho ho hee hee hay hay
Jim Valley - Piano, acoustic guitar and vocals
Jim Hoke - Harmonica, electric guitars, baritone sax
Barry Curtis - Electric guitar
Chris Leighton - Drums
Mike Cox - Bass
Martin Lund - Rhodes piano
Horn section - Mark Williams, Doug Canning
Backing vocals - Kelly Harlan and Heidi Stern
Arranged by Martin Lund
Recorded at The Music Farm -Seattle
Engineering Jim Wolf
Mixed at Kay Smith Studios - Seattle
By Buzz Richmond
BLINDED BY LOVE
I drove into a cop car last night
The cop said are you loaded you know I wasn't even tight
It wasn't marijuana or the darkness of the night
But this love that had deprived me of my sight
Blinded by Love I am helpless
in vain I try to see
I live in shackles it's your tenderness
That holds the key
Blinded by Love I can't find my way
I just sit alone and pray
Oh darling that you'll forgive
And come back home
I went down to a nightclub with a friend
The man said I like the way
You play electric mandolin
He handed me a contract I said pass the gin
I guess I'll never see a dollar sign again
Music & Lyrics by Jim Hoke
Jim Valley - Vocal
Marc Willett - Bass and backing vocals
Don Wilhelm - Electric Guitar and backing vocals
Jim Hoke - Piano, harmonica & high strung guitar
Drums - Alec Jupp
Recorded at Kay Smith Studio- Seattle
Engineering and mixing Buzz Richmond
STREET DANCE
We sang and we danced in the streets last summer
In Lands called the Old Country
Amsterdam to Scotland Athens to Italy
We couldn't speak the language
As was plain to tell
But with smiles and gestures
We got along quite well
The first time we made money
Was in the subways of Paree'
We blew it all on one French dinner
Vanderslice and me
Street Dance... we sing and dance for you
Street Dance gather around
This crowded avenue
Famous castles we did see
Mona Lisa made my baby cry
They were little compared
to the love of the people
Who helped us by
On the Isle of Eos, clear blue Grecian Sea
Two hundred hearts from different lands
Blended harmony Oooo Oooo...
Blowin' in the Wind, had Dylan been there
We'd had one common friend
As this world goes it's crazy way
I never will forget...
Street Dance we sing and dance for you
Street Dance gather around this crowded avenue
Street Dancer
Street Dancer a hey yeah
Jim Valley - Piano, acoustic guitar and vocal
Sabrina Braizer - Vocal duet
Marc Willett - Bass
Don Wilhem electric guitar
Ricky Boice - Drums
Denny Davison - Organ & Flute
Valerie Rosa - Backing vocals
Recorded at Triad Studios- Redmond, WA
Engineering, mixing and mastering- Larz Nefzger
Produced by Larz Nefzger and Jim Valley
CHICKENS
Life became a river spilled into the sea
Ocean too deep to handle for me
Found myself a mermaid swam to the shore
She laid me on the beach
I said I can't take no more no how no way
Then I climbed up to the high country
Thought I would never ever come down
Tripped might've stumbled and I turned
Into a sad old ragged clown
Now I'm living on a farm
Trying to do no one no harm
Got three kids by the same Lady
Sometimes I think I'm going crazy
" Harpo won't you feed the Chickens again"
Ah but lately I been feeling low down
I keep on walking keep walking
Homeward bound, homeward bound
I'm homeward bound
Life is a river runs to the sea
Ocean will welcome me
This time round don't go sinking down
Swim to the surface gonna get around
"Harpo won't you feed the Chickens again
Harpo won't you feed the Chickens again
Harpo won't you feed the Chickens again"
Jim Valley - Piano and vocal
Jim Hoke - Saxes, Bass, Dobro & Woodwinds
Recorded at Triad Studios -Redmond, WA
Hillside Studio- Nashville, TN
Engineered by Jim Hoke and Larz Nefzger
Produced by Jim Valley, Mastered by Larz Nefzger
GREY SKIES AND WENDY
Grey Skies and Wendy I can fly with you
Beyond the reach of a world grown cold
Fallen afternoons
Rising over meadows hills of deepest green
Our destination in our hearts
A haven seldom seen a unicorn of purest
White will guide us in our flight
Share her spirit strong and free
Keep us safe tonight
Grey Skies and Wendy I can cry with you
Release the tears held through the years
Find a changing view
If the spell gets broken I'll shield you in my arms
And rock you slowly down to sleep
And mend a broken heart
Grey Skies and Wendy I can fly with you
Jim Valley - Piano & Vocal
Jim Hoke - Soprano Sax and Bass
Recorded at Triad Studios, Redmond, WA
Hillside Studio, Nashville, TN
Mixed and mastered by Larz Nefzger
LILAC TOE-TRIMMER
She's a Lilac Toe-Trimmer
Slimmer than me
Trims toes on the run sometimes
She bites 'em just for fun
She don't know much about the ocean
But she's got great motion
If you know what I mean say motion
She's a D minus freeway driver
Slows down when she's changing lanes
Turns around she makes me nervous
I'd rather ride a plane
But when she slips on her dancin' feet
All my blues seem obsolete
She's a Lilac Toe-Trimmer slimmer than me
On the run... just for fun
Don't know much about the ocean
But she's got great motion if you know
What I mean! Say motion
If you know... what I mean!
Jim Valley - Acoustic Guitar and Vocal
Jim Hoke - Lap steel and organ
Jamie Lemesure - Drums
Recorded Cromwell Studios Gig Harbor, WA
Engineering. John Jacob
Hillside Studio, Nashville, TN
Mixed and mastered- Larz Nefzger
Around Sound Studios - Kirkland, WA
LONG LOST FRIEND
You got me walking in the rain
You got having fun again
You got me feeling like child
Now I can play with you while
You got me singing in the shower
Songs from way back when
Got me goofin' off for hours
You are my Long Lost Friend
I'll be your friend forever
When your hair is turning white
We can laugh by the river
But honey, let's kick out the jams tonight
Doit doi...
You got me acting like a clown
You fill up you spin me all around
Probably throw me outta trees
And I'd land lightly on my knees
Got me singing in the shower
Songs from way back when
Got me goofin' off for hours
You are my Long Lost Friend
I say you... you are my Long Lost Friend
Jim Valley - Guitar, Piano and Vocal
Ricky Boice - Drums
Marc Willett - Bass
Valerie Rosa, Sabrina Brazier - Backing Vocals
Jon Goforth - Sax
John Stephan - Slide guitar
ALWAYS
So I'll be loving you always
With a love that's true Always
When the things you've planned
Need a helping hand I will understand
Always Always
Days may not be fair Always
That's when I'll be there Always
Not for just hour not for just a day
Not for just a year but Always
Jim Valley - Piano and Vocal
Jim Hoke - Saxes, bass and congas
Engineering Larz Nefzger and Jim Hoch
Recorded at Triad - Redmond WA and
Hillside Studio Nashville, TN
DORIAN VAN
Riding down the highway in your Van
Riding down the highway in your Van
Playin' rock & roll music
Remembering who I am
Well you move my passion stir my desire
Each passing mile I'm riding higher
I'm a happy go lucky got nothing to do
Oh sweet mama wanna make sweet love to you
When you smile at me you turn me inside out
Shake your your maracas make me wanna shout
A whole lot sexy a little bit shy
Kinda baby can't let pass by
Roll me over lay me straight
I got a whole for you I can demonstrate
Riding down the highway in your Van
Rock & music who I am
Move my passion stir my desire
Each passing mile I'm a riding higher
Down the highway in your Van
Riding down the highway in your Van
Jim Valley - Piano & Vocal
Russ Salton - guitar and backing vocals
Billy Oden - bass and backing vocals
Pete Beresford - Drums
Jim Hoke - Saxes
Recorded at Red Roof Studio Gig Harbor, WA
Hillside Studio Nashville, TN
Engineering by Russ Salton, Jim Hoke and Larz Nefzger
ROCKIN' CHAIR
Rockin' Chair going no where
I wanna sit here without no cares
Take me back to places I've been
Take me way up high
And bring me down again Rockin' Chair
I wanna be in the forest air
Wanna play guitar for you and share
Tell bout all the spaces you've seen
Tell you bout the cave I had and all that's in between
Rockin' Chair, Rockin' Chair
Rockin' Chair take me there
Wanna be here with here out no cares
Rockin' Chair now it going somewhere
My dream is coming true
And I'm flying in the air Rockin' Chair
Forest air air so fair Rockin' Chair
I'm flying flying I'm flying
Flying Rockin' Chair
Jim Valley -Acoustic Guitar and Vocal
Marc Willett -Bass
Don Wilhelm - Electric guitar
Mike Garland -Drums
Recorded at Northwest Studios Seattle, WA
Engineering by Steve Penn
Mixed and mastered by Larz Nefzger
TINKER-BELL
I saw a fairy she was dancing on a leaf
In the hour of my lightest sleep
She was so fair and I saw her dancing there
And I smelled the scent of lilac in her hair
She said I dance in the morning and I dance in the Spring
And I dance on the day when the bride groom sings
Danced on the stars she said and way outside the moon
Inside your heart inside the smallest room
I saw a fairy she was praying on a leaf
In the hour of my deepest sleep
She was so fair and I saw her laying there
And I smelled the scent of jasmine in her hair
She said I dance in the morning
And I dance in Spring
And I danced on the mountain high and the valley far below
And I dance where the rivers flow
And where the mermaids grow
On the stars outside the moon
Inside your heart inside the smallest room
Yeah...
And I dance on the mountain high
Valley far below Lord I dance where the rivers flow and where the angels grow
On the stars outside the moon
Inside your heart inside the smallest room
Jim Valley - Acoustic Guitar and Vocal
Don Wilhelm -Electric Guitar and Harmonies
Marc Willett -Bass and Harmonies
Alec Jupp - Drums and percussion
Jim Hoke - Steel Guitar
Recorded at Kay Smith Studios Seattle WA
Engineered by Buzz Richmond
Mastered by Larz Nefzger
SWITZERLAND IN THE RAIN
Ridin' on a train...
Switzerland in the Rain
Playing my guitar...
For Margaret and Gretchen in this second class car
My mind skips across the sea
To the faces of my children three
Vicki Rae, Jamie Lyn and Timothy
Mountain pass is drawing near
They say on the other side the weather's clear
Victoria, child number one
Regal Sagittarian your path has begun
Angel voice, you're an ancient friend to me
Jamie Lynn, blue eyed soul
Conquer this world with a smile I'm told
You've got the courage to ride your dream
Alpine villages look so sweet
They got steeples and shepherds
And cobblestone streets
Timothy, set me free, laughing boy
you're a mirror to me
I teach you and you teach me
That's how I think it's supposed to be
So my children I sing to you
Hoping and wishing that your life Is true
And green as Switzerland in the Rain.
Jim Valley - Acoustic Guitar and Vocals
Martin Lund - Rhodes piano
Chris Leighton - Drums
Jim Hoke - Steel Guitar- Slide guitar
Mike Cox - Bass
Murl Allen Saunders - Accordion
Jon Keliehor - World Percussion (includes
Metal instruments:
Five chime-bells from China
Bells from Turkey, India and Switzerland
The Shaker sounds: Qrageb from Morocco
Caxixi from Brazil and Shekere from Africa
Drums include:
Talking frame-drum of Brazil
Two frame drums from Africa
Small Roto Tom drum from USA
Extra Spicy perc includes
Piccolo Woodblock from China
Small Woodblock from China
A Whooshing cymbal or two
RABBITS IN THE PARK
Learn how to play again
Learn how to skip down the streets and then...
Find ways to say how much you really mean to me
Learn how to sing again
I'm gonna have a fling again
If I open up my door there's
So much more in store
For instance...
Playin' Rabbits in the Park
After dark can be very fun you see
Chewin' on grass and a'hoppin' fast
But now it's kinda hard on your knees
When we were young we had so much fun
Cuz we had no memory
But with years we've added on fears
That clouded our reality
But now it's time to make a new start
I'm gonna start work on my heart
Learn how to love again
Learn how to laugh at myself and then
I'm gonna send my dreams all home to you
And Learn how to live again
Find a way to give again
All the joy that a loving boy can bring
Learn how to paint again
Colors in the rain again
I'll draw a funny face for you
Can you make one for me.
Come again now!
Playin' Rabbits in the Park after dark
Can be very fun you see
Chewin' on grass and hoppin' fast
But now it's kind of hard on your knees
Colors crayons playing in the sand
Swimming naked in the sea
Swinging on rope, building hopes
I'm wanna set you free I'm gonna set you free
I'm gonna set you free
I'm gonna set you free
Jim Valley - Rhodes piano and Vocal
Marc Willett - Bass and backing Vocals
Don Wilhelm - Guitar and backing Vocals
Jim Hoke - Electric Guitar, Clavinet and Recorder
Alec Jupp - Drums
Recorded at Kay Smith Studios Seattle
Engineer- Buzz Richmond
Mastered by Larz Nefgzer
IF I WERE A BIRD TONIGHT
(yrics by Jon Ren McDonald music by Jim Valley)
If I Were a Bird Tonight I'd fly away home
Home to the place where the wind is warm
And summer's sweet breath that knows no harm
I would fly so high and I'd sing so free
And sit in the tree by the window at home
And sing to mother that I no more will roam
And sing to my mother that I no more will roam
If I were at home tonight I would not cry
I'd do all the chores without being asked
I'd chew very slowly so I wouldn't eat fast
I'd chew very slowly so I wouldn't eat fast
If I Were Bird Tonight I'd fly away home
I'd sleep in my bed with the moon on my face
And dream through the night at peace in God's grace
And dream through the night in peace
Jim Valley - Guitar, Keyboard and Vocal
Murl Allen Saunders - Accordion
Garret Smith - Bass
Nancy Rumble - Oboe
Recorded at Triad Studios Redmond WA
Engineered mixed and mastered- Larz Nefgzer
Produced by Danny Deardorff
COPYRIGHT © 2025 RAINBOW PLANET MUSIC (ASCAP)
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