"Emotional Skies" is the second Backyard Strut CD. It was produced in the Backyard Strut studio in Southbridge, MA. While Backyard Strut has maintained a reputation as a blues oriented rock and roll band, this effort represents the band's exploration in multiple directions. Compared to the 1996 self titled CD, this production has a harder edge. This is not to say, however, that there are no light moments. Check out the swinging blues-jazz talk of "Sweet Bobby"; the tongue- in-cheek mood of "Ghanja Man" or the simple innocence of "Sharon" compared to the crunch-grit of "Narrow Escape" and the way "FM Shoes" seems to leap out of the speakers. There is anthem-like social comment on "Freedom Riders" and a sense of the surreal in the two part song "Emotional Skies". This title track was originally a jam captured on the first take and ran almost fifteen minutes. Later, words and the chant-like melody was added as well as some sound direct from Mother Nature. Enjoy!

1. Narrow Escape
( J. LaFlamme, J. Sharp )
2. FM Shoes
( K. Igler, J. Sharp )
3. Sweet Bobby
( J. Sharp )
4. Freedom Riders
( J. Sharp )
5. Emotional Skies (part. 1)
( J. LaFlamme, J. Sharp )
6. Ghanja Man
( J. LaFlamme, J. Sharp )
7. Still Willing
( J. Sharp )
8. Insecurity
( J. Sharp )
9. Sharon
( J. Sharp )
10. Emotional Skies (reprise)
( J. LaFlamme, J. Sharp )
All rights reserved. Copyright James W. Sharp 1996 and 1999

Emotional Skies
Backyard Strut
Keith Sivret - Rhythm and slide guitars, Backup Vocals
Jim LaFlamme - Lead Guitar, Backup Vocals
Karl Igler - Bass, Backup Vocals, Percussion
Jim Sharp - Drums, Percussion, Vocals, Recording,
Photography and Production
Special Guests
Derick Cummings - Guitar and Backup Vocals on "Still Willing"
Backup Vocals by " Strutettes" :
Erika Trubounis
Dawn Winniger
Nancy Yacino
CD Artwork Design and Layout by
Derick Cummings