When I first heard Mike and Olivia Haberman play, I was immediately struck by how superb their songwriting abilities were. These songs are warm, friendly, and present subjects and people in such an intimate light you almost immediately feel that you know these people personally. This is songwriting at its best.

This album is simply but elegantly produced (Paul Ely Music), with instrumentation perfectly balanced to the subjects and the fantastic songwriting. Mike and Olivia take turns on acoustic guitar, Olivia soars on the penny whistle, and Mike simply rocks on the mandolin. Mandolin/fiddle legend Richard Kriehn and musician/producer Paul Ely Smith lend their fantastic talents as well to the songs, adding fills and solos just where they fit best.

More at BigDogChair.com! It's been my honor over the past several months to work with Brad Bramlet and Suzi McHone in the design, layout and publication of Stories from the Big Dog Chair.  This book is the funniest thing I've read all year.  It'll have you laughing so hard your stomach will hurt, then it'll have you in tears and nodding your head.  This is an amazing book... just a really great read.

Trust me, you won't want to miss the book release party at 7:07 pm on December 12, 2009; at New Bridges Community Church.  Tickets will sell out fast, so you'll want to secure your own today (there's a free copy of the book included with each ticket).  Get set for awesome entertainment and some of Brad's best stories; I'd tell you who all is going to be there but Brad's being close about dropping names.  Suffice it to say that you really, really don't want to miss this.

For tickets, a preview of the book, and more info, head over to BigDogChair.com!  All proceeds from this event benefit ministries at New Bridges Community Church.