The idea for Red Bird was born while I was doing mission work deep in the heart of Appalachia, and inspired by an old Irish blessing. At the time, I was working alongside some of the most resilient, rugged and talented people you will ever meet who just happen to live in the most poverty-stricken region in the United States. My roots also trace back to that area and beyond; to the Scots Irish people who settled it. Thus the Celtic influence in the solo, mixed with a little blues and country (I come by those honestly as well…). 

But as this song developed, its idea began to encompass many other aspects of my life. Those whom I had lost, with the firm belief that I will see them again. Those that I had to part from, knowing that they had tough times in front of them. This song captures those emotions for me, and it speaks to the strength that we find when we stand beside each other for no other reason than to lend a hand. Those moments return more to us than any other investment we can make.  

But it also celebrates the resiliency of the human spirit, the beauty of the human connection, and the solemn but spiritual reality of the in-between and what lays beyond. 

It just seemed to belong on this album.