For my sophomore recording effort I set out to make something live and imperfect. Embers is a recording of nine songs written over the last nine years. I was blessed with an amazing group of players and singers who helped me bring this album to life. The base tracks of Embers were recorded live at the Slaughterhouse with Anand Nayak on guitar, Paul Kochanski on bass, and Strugis Cunningham on drums. The exception was the song "Lost Boys," which was recorded live in the band room at the Bement School. I play acoustic guitar and sing on all tracks. Many special guests rolled in to sweeten the pot. Much gratitude to the following musicians: My brother Chris Bartlett (All That Remains, Slowpoke) plays electric on "Find Joy." My sister Steffani Bennett sings on "You Don't Have to Try," "Separate," and Anand's amazing arrangement of "Brittany's Prayer." Fellow a cappella geek and good friend Judd Tomaselli sings harmonies on "Lost Boys" and "You Don't Have to Try." Anand has overdubs all over the record from reverse devil guitar sounds to keys to percussion. My lovely wife Megan Tady co-wrote the lyrics for "Find Joy" and "Separate." Brittany Plummer inspired and helped write "Brittany's Prayer." And Davis Nix helped arrange and write "Pick it Up."