"Summer State of Mind" features Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefers Band alumni Doyle Grisham on pedal steel guitar and Amy Lee on saxophone. Also performing is Judy Hyman, who found time to play her fiddle on the CD in between tours with Natalie Merchant and leading her own “newgrass” band The Horseflies. Like their previous two CDs, "Summer State of Mind" blends elements of Cajun, country, folk, rock and reggae styles, exploring the types of fusions that have brought such great success to Jimmy Buffett, Alan Jackson, and Kenny Chesney. Also, as on previous CDs, "Summer State of Mind" sings truthfully of life--the good, the bad and the ugly. These past several years things have been tough all over, and that is reflected in some serious songs on this album, such as "Leave it Behind" which takes a hard look at the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina; and "What’cha Thinking", about what happens when frivilous lawsuits are allowed to replace personal responsibility and common sense. The trials and tribulations of Paris Hilton and her crowd are chronicled in "Must Be Nice". "Summer State of Mind" is a light-hearted response to what have been some troubling times in the world. The title track is about a friend who dreams of selling off his old life, buying a boat, and spending the rest of his days cruising the Caribbean--an escapist fantasy all can identify with. "It’s Different Here" finds paradise much closer to home, in a touching tribute to hometown life. While "Summer State of Mind" also wrestles with personal issues such as taking stock of life as one ages in "Where’d My Time Go?", it celebrates the often difficult but ultimately rewarding lives these musicians have dedicated themselves to with songs such as "Night People" and "Nothing Better Than This". No matter what the weather outside the window might be, this CD will always put you in a Summer State of Mind!