About Us
What struck me most about the songs you’ll hear is the optimism these musicians have created. The thread running through these compositions isn’t desperation or hopelessness, but rather grace and mercy. When I see my Laguna Beach friend, Holland—those sparkling blue eyes, his feet tapping out the beat to one of his songs—I can’t help but stop and listen. When he sings Ain’t it Just a Wonderful Life (recorded on this benefit CD by Jason Feddy), about how living out of his car for so long caused him to forget what love could be like, I know his words are real. Or when Jolani Diaz, who currently lives at the Village of Hope in Tustin, CA, tells me he feels blessed just to be given the opportunity to participate in this project, I’m humbled by his faith.
This benefit CD makes it possible for Holland’s and Jelani’s thoughts to be heard by those in our community who can do something about their plight, and thousands of others like them.
Shelter Me brought together dozens of talented people and inspired everyone involved. Songwriters such as Shayne Fair, who co-produced Bill Medley’s CD Damn Near Righteous; Dave Nachmanoff, who’s been back out touring with Al Stewart (Year of the Cat); Shawn Jones, who last year performed for the U.S. troops in Iraq; Alec Bridges, who has performed at several benefit concerts over the years; Richard Bredice & Poul Pedersen & Missiles of October, whose original songs have been overlooked by the major labels for way too long; Jason Feddy, an English bloke with an extraordinary ability to express himself creatively; the prolific and multi-talented Kevin Danzig; Mick Overman, doubtless one of the most-traveled independent musicians around; the rock ‘n’ poet Michael Ubaldini; and Lisa Lofthouse, who has opened for such musical legends as Michael McDonald and Seal.
We’d also like to thank individuals such as Ivan Spiers and Eric McClure and Jamie Browning with MZB Recording Studio in Tustin, who offered their studio and equipment to record many of these songs; co-executive producer, Bob Francis, and my longtime friends Pete & Vickie Neumann, who sponsored many of the expenses related to production; and Barry Hovis, Freda Danzig, Marcel Longwell & April Spain, Tricia Freeman & Girls Night Out, and Danny McCloskey, whose knowledge and experience contributed invaluably to this Benefit CD.
And of course all the other songwriters, musicians, and friends—and especially my homeless friends—who contributed to such a worthwhile cause.
Thank you. Enjoy the music. Help the homeless.
Scott Hays, Founder
Weed Patch Productions
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