Acknowledgements & Credits - Collaboration with multiple local musicians has been a blessing for me. All the contributing musical talent has given my music wings and I am often amazed how well their musical inclinations mesh with mine. Whether it's Andy Warr's sax or Jo Boozer's fiddle, Stephanie Slade's vocal or Aaron Moore's bass, David Ott's harmonica or Lino Alessio's guitar, every one of my collaborators made my music better. Special thanks to producer, Lino Alessio. He takes my music to another level of awareness. My worn out ears often need another's help and my arrangements sometimes as well, but my confidence in Lino's bag of production skills is 100 percent. My songs are raw meat when I bring them to the studio. Lino helps me cook them to perfection. Thank you, Lino! Given the name of my featured song on the album, "Packy", I want to bring special attention to our brothers and sisters on the street. Everyone deserves a protected space we can call home. The Homeless/houseless crisis will only get worse if our communities continue to play shell games by moving camps from one location to another. A financial commitment providing temporary housing and policies that provide services for the homeless should be a part of every city's budget. I hope those of you listening find comfort in our music and enjoy the sounds of this amazing collaboration.

Peace, Dirk

Let's talk credits - The credits for this album must begin with Lino Alessio, my producer. Once again, Lino is a river of musical creativity. The instrumental intuition Lino brings to my songs is genius. I bring Lino the best cut I can and he cooks it to perfection. My music rises to a new high after arriving at Lino's "kitchen". Our collaboration and subsequent alchemy are a wonderful gift. In addition to Lino's contribution, I want to thank Stephanie Slade. Her impeccable backup and vocal harmonies are found throughout this album and her contribution is priceless. As in my previous releases, I am joined by the mazing Andy Warr. His saxophone absolutely makes the tracks "Better World" and "Without You" the best they can be! I can't imagine an album of mine without Andy on it. I want to thank Lino, Stephanie, and Andy for blessing my music with their extraordinary talents.

• Dirk

I've had the pleasure of collaborating on this album with a few of the many talented musicians in Central Oregon. Specifically, Jo Boozer's amazing fiddle on " Get Up Get Down", made that song one of my favorites. Andy Warr's stellar saxophone on " Jet Blues" and "Safe Place To Fall" Stirs up a jazz component unavailable without his contributions on the sax. My vocal partner, Heather Fossmo, blessed four of my songs with her beautiful harmonic touch. Heather's voice fit my expectations like a glove. Words don't properly express my appreciation for all of the above. Without a doubt the contributors of Lino transcend all others in his productions of this album. Lino wears many hats! Whether mixing, mastering, engineering, or creating countless magical guitar solo's, Lino is my man! Collaboration with Lino has been the single greatest blessing i've experienced in my short lifetime-of music. As a friend and fellow musician, I will always be grateful for the privilege to create my music with Lino. Last, I want to point out tracks 11 and 12 represent my parents, Don and Bobbi Van Houweling. I've been blessed to be their son. Their love for each-other has made my life rich and spiritual. None of this would be possible without their blessing.

• Dirk