FoBluCo n. 1). A musical sytle borrowing from the genres of folk, blues, and country. 2). A sound blending the following ingredients: a pinch of back-woods, a smidgen of back-porch, a dash of delta, with sprinkes of twang

Recorded & Mastered at Dan’s House Studio

Mixed by Friends of Tom and Dan McKinney at Dan’s House Studio

Cover Art by Kate Morgan

Friends of Tom is:

Liz Younger: vocals

Chris Younger: Guitar, Mandolin

Rob Fedorczyk: Guitar, Slide, Banjo, Pedal Steel

Jim Thompson: Acoustic Upright Bass

With our talented special guests:

John Carelli: Tenor (www.johncarelli.com)

Cliff Cole: Drums, Hammered Dulcimer, Scratchy thing (www.daybreakfolk.com)

Dan McKinney: piano, organ (www.danshousestudio.com)

Tom Walz: Harmonica (www.myspace.com/tomwalzragtimeguitar)

Jeff White: Drums

A special thanks to:

To our families, friends, and fans who have supported us throughout this project.

To our special musical guests who added their personal touches that made our songs not only special, but better.

Dan McKinney for his engineering excellence and his guidance, patience, and “counseling” in the studio.

Friends of Tom call their CD FoBluCo because this four-piece mixes up folk, blues, and country into their unique Americana mix. Or as the CD notes secondarily define it all: “A sound blending the following ingredients: a pinch of back-woods, a smidgen of back-porch, a dash of delta, with sprinkles of twang.” And that sounds about right, as this music is miles away from the main road and its cosmopolitan music.

The best part about this recording is the way the group inserts plenty of great acoustic instrumentation. The Dobro on “Broken Memory Blues” stands out, as does the mandolin on “Tell Me Now” and “Grateful Ed”.

Those who don’t create firm walls between musical styles (country on this side, rock on that side, for instance) will likely appreciate the way Friends of Tom have created a friendly atmosphere for multiple forms to coexist happily together.

1). East Coast Woman 3:21 Words & music Christopher J. Younger (BMI)

I estimate that I spent a quarter of my life waiting for my wife. The instructions I gave Liz was to sing this like an arrogant, self-absorbed woman, not that I’m implying anything. This one is for you dearJ

Vocals: Liz Younger

Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin: Chris Younger

Dobro Slide: Rob Fedorczyk

Bass: Jim Thompson

Drums: Jeff White

2). Broken Memory Blues 4:21 Words & music Rob Fedorczyk

Don’t remember what this song is about.

Vocals: Liz Younger

Acoustic Guitar: Chris Younger

Dobro Slide: Rob Fedorczyk

Bass: Jim Thompson

Drums: Jeff White

Harmonica: Tom Walz

3). Just Because 4:10 Words & music Christopher J. Younger (BMI)

A war cry for integrity, decency, change, and good old common sense. Everyone can make a difference.

Vocals: Liz Younger

Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin: Chris Younger

Dobro Slide: Rob Fedorczyk

Bass: Jim Thompson

Drums: Jeff White

4). The Men In My Life 5:04 Words & music Christopher J. Younger ( BMI)

Ok, this is a musicians song and non-musicians my not get it. I had fun with this one, writing from the perspective of a woman who had a string of bad relationships and then finding her true Love(s).

Vocals: Liz Younger

Acoustic Rhythm and Lead Guitars, Electric Lead Guitar Solos: Chris Younger

Electric Guitar Lead Embellishments: Rob Fedorczyk

Bass: Jim Thompson

Drums: Jeff White

Organ: Dan McKinney

5). Tell Me Now 5:00 Words & music Christopher J. Younger (BMI)

A love song is nice. A love song after 22 years of marriage…….priceless.

Vocals: Liz Younger, Chris Younger

Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin: Chris Younger

Bass: Jim Thompson

Drums, Hammered Dulcimer: Cliff Cole

6). "Bear" Bones 4:54 Words & music Rob Fedorczyk

A tune for those who do not subscribe to the theory that the one with the most toys wins. Rob "bears" his sole on this one.

Vocals: Liz Younger

Backup Vocals: Chris Younger

Acoustic Guitar: Chris Younger

Dobro Slide: Rob Fedorczyk

Bass: Jim Thompson

Drums: Jeff White

Harmonica: Tom Walz

Acoustic Piano: Dan McKinney

7). Grateful Ed 4:43 Words & music Rob Fedorczyk

The tale of a fabulized mandolin strumming folklore legend.

Vocals: Liz Younger

Mandolin: Chris Younger

Acoustic Guitar: Rob Fedorczyk

Bass: Jim Thompson

Drums: Cliff Cole

8). House of the Rising Sun 3:36 Traditional, Arranged by Friends of Tom

Hopefully a fresh spin on a old chestnut. BTW, Dylan didn’t write this even though he claimed credit for it.

Vocals: Liz Younger

Acoustic Guitar Finger Picking, Mandolin: Chris Younger

Acoustic Guitar, Rhythm & Lead Embellishments: Rob Fedorczyk

Bass: Jim Thompson

Drums: Jeff White

9). Never Said Goodbye 5:01 Words & music Christopher J. Younger (BMI)

A good friend made a bad choice, this one’s for you Mike.

Vocals: Liz Younger

Backup Vocals: Chris Younger

Operatic Vocal Intro and Bridge Vocal: John Carelli

Acoustic Guitars: Chris Younger

Bass: Jim Thompson

Drums: Jeff White

10). So Well 5:30 Words & music Rob Fedorczyk

No finer man has ever walked this land, for him God broke the mold. Dedicated to Gene.

Vocals: Rob Fedorczyk

Backup Vocal over chorus: Liz Younger

Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin: Chris Younger

Resonator Slide, Pedal Steel, Egg: Rob Fedorczyk

Bass: Jim Thompson

Drums: Cliff Cole

11). Would It Be Me 4:35 Words & music Christopher J. Younger (BMI)

The inspiration for this song came from an essay contest in a magazine where the topic was, “If you could spend a day with anyone in the world, who would it be and why”.

Vocals: Liz Younger

Acoustic Guitar: Chris Younger

Dobro Slide, Banjo: Rob Fedorczyk

Bass: Jim Thompson

Drums: Jeff White

12). Wait For You 5:19 Words & music Christopher J. Younger (BMI)

It’s a shame bad things happen to good people. For Ellen, in memory of George.

Vocals: Liz Younger

Backup Vocals: Chris Younger

Acoustic Guitar: Chris Younger

Dobro Slide: Rob Fedorczyk

Bass: Jim Thompson

Djembe: Cliff Cole

Harmonica: Tom Walz

East Coast Woman

Well I’ll bring home the bacon, and cook your gourmet meals

I’ll wash your dirty laundry, and ask you how ya feel,

I’ll shower you with love and let you know you’re mine,

Just don’t expect me to ever be on time

CHORUS

Now everyone is crazy, counting minutes like their gold

I get a little distracted, at least that’s what I’m told

No disrespect intended, when I get there you’re all mine

I’m just an East Coast Woman, living in central time

Lead

The whole world has a problem with my life don’t you agree

Why can’t you just wait for me, I’ll get there eventually,

I try to be punctual, and all that it has shown,

Hell I can’t help it if I’m livin’ in a different time zone.

Bridge

Vocal Improvisation

You seem to have a problem with my always running late

I – can’t – help – it, If I can’t keep a date,

You know that I’ll get there, most likely when you finish – but

How can I help it if my hour has 90 minutes.

Chorus

Outro

I'm hear...............

Back

Broken Memory Blues

Your brain’s supposed to be, a memory location,
A recall machine, full on information,
Ande when you're young, I guess that's the way it is.

But as the years pass by, brain cells melt away,
It comes with age, at least that’s what they say,
But I’m tellin’ you now, it’s reality.

CHORUS:

Cuz I … got the broken memory blues
You might not approve, but it’s my excuse … excuse to keep forgettin’
It’s why I can’t remember, the day of the week,
Sometimes I get so tongue-tied, I c-c-c-can’t even speak
Cuz I … got the broken memory blues

I walk into a room, firmly on a mission,
Start spinnin’ round in circles, I lose my ammunition,
Cuz I can’t remember, what I came to look for
I bumped into a fellow, we had a little chat,
We talked a half an hour, he knew me like old hat,
Then afterwards I’m thinkin’, Who the hell was that?

CHORUS:

LEAD

My forgetter’s getting better, my recollector is broke,
My overlooker is on fire, my reminder’s up in smoke,
You might think it’s funny, but I say it ain’t no joke.
So it’s the lifestyle I live, not like I have an option,
No chances of improvement, what’s done cannot be undone,
And if you don’t get it, you’re time will surely come

CHORUS

So when we meet from time to time, please try and have compassion,
I really think forgetin’ is gettin’ quite in fashion
So join in my journey nothing left to loose
Cuz I … got the broken memory blues

Back

Just Because

Just because you pay the rent

Salute the flag, or are the president

Just because you are a celebrity, Drive a Prius, or give to charity,

It doesn’t mean you’re a good person,

It doesn’t mean you’ve got something to say.

Just because you’re educated,

and can understand what Niche stated,

Just because you’re on T.V. or wrote a book, or won a Grammy,

It doesn’t mean you’re a good person,

It doesn’t mean you’ve got something to say.

Where have all the good people gone,

Heroes few, morals none,

Why can’t we all just get along,

Just Because, Just because

When I look up I’d like to see,

Decent people with integrity,

Instead I see corruption and shame,

With no solutions, only blame.

Lead

Just because you go to church, and pay the piper and support the troops,

Just because you’re an MVP, and play the best that best can be,

It doesn’t mean you’re a good person,

It doesn’t mean you’ve got something to say.

Where have all the good people gone,

Searching hard and finding none,

Why are manners and morals done,

Just Because, Just Because,

When I look up All I see,

Is a world filled with hypocrisy

Let’s all fight for a change,

With solutions, and no blame.

Just Because………..

Back

The Men in My Life

The men in my life are the best men in the world,

They never give me trouble, and are always respectful,

Always treat me like a queen, and boy do they like to play

Mr. Martin, he’s a classic indeed,

Keeps getting better with age, and I think you will agree,

He stands a head above the rest, with a reputation that’s guaranteed.

Mr. Fender, he’s not out to impress,

A legend for sure, His look and feel surely suggest

He’s the master of casters, His Telly and Strat are the best.

Lead

The men in my life, no they don’t cheat on me

They’re not obsessed with sports, or other bad T.V.

Forget the Viagra, they’re always ready for me.

Mr. Taylor is sure coming into his own,

He’s sweet and bright, with a smooth and consistent tone,

He’s a little reserved but his reputation sure has grown

Mr Gibson is surely a treat,

His Les Paul Deluxe and Standard surely can’t be beat

When he pulls out his Custom, makes my knees go weak.

Lead

The men in my life are the best men near and far,

They don’t talk trash and they treat me like a star,

They’re always there for me, Yeah - they’re my favorite guitars.

Back

Tell Me Now

Tell me now what I want to hear

Tell me you love me, without any fear

Because I know,

That it’s true,

Tell me now, Tell me now, I love you

Tell me now you’ll care for me

From today to eternity

Because I know,

That it’s true,

Tell me now, Tell me now, I love you

Chorus

Show me now that you’re here to stay

Touch me now in you own special way

Tell me now what you want to say,

Because tomorrow will soon be yesterday

One look in, into your eyes

Reveals the truth, no disguise

Because I know,

That it’s true,

Show me now, Show me now, I love you

Catch me now I’m falling for you

One more kiss and it will prove

What I know,

That it’s true,

Catch me now, Catch me now, I love you

CHORUS

Should we be together

Will it last forever

Only time will tell

Now’s the time To set sail

CHORUS

Back

Bear Bones

I’m sitting all alone, on a Saturday night, watchin’ a TV show,

A couple cold beers a pizza pie, but I ain’t got no place to go,

Well I think about life and the way it is now,

and the way that it’s always been,

Yes I think I’m headed, back to bear bones again,

Yes I think I’m goin’ back to bear bones again,

CHORUS:

Now everybody tells me there’s lotsa ways to be,

Beds of roses and laps of luxury,

But that doesn’t seem to give me a thrill, And I don’t think it ever will,

So no more useless tips, don’t give me no advice,

On how to race the rats and come up with a win,

Cuz I think I’m headed back to bear bones again,

Yes I think I’m goin’ back to bear bones again.

Don’t need no fancy clothes, don’t need a mansion home,

Don’t need a flashy, speedy set of wheels,

Just a tee shirt and jeans, a hole in the wall,

and an operating automobile,

But when I get weak, and need to scratch that itch,

I know just where to go to sin that sin,

And I think I’m headed, back to bear bones again,

Yes I think I’m goin’ back to bear bones again,

CHORUS:

LEAD

So when life’s expectations are gettin’ kinda high,

And it’s getting tuff to keep up with the jones,

And when you walk down the street, and all the people you see,

Look like a bunch of baby-boomin’ clones,

Well it’s the world not you, that’s way off base,

and I’ll share the perfect medicine,

I think you need to head back to bear bones again,

Yes I think you should go back to bear bones again,

Back

Grateful Ed

Well it was nineteen thirty eight, or maybe thirty nine,

I have a hard time rememberin’

When Bill Monroe was at the Grand Opry

Strummin’ on his mandolin

Right around then, in Knoxville Tanasie

Was a fella called Grateful Ed

He was blind since birth, but he could pick that thing,

Better than Bill ever did

Chorus:

Pick me a tune Ed, Strum me a song, a Dixieland melody

Cuz there ain’t no finer mandolin player

That anyone could see

So pick it again just one more time, Pick it again for me

Just as sure as the sun would rise

Bill would grab his mandolin

And start each day with a mando revilee

So the Town's day could begin,

Mens and wimmens and Children too

Would gather up to hear him Play

Rag after rag and reel after reel

They be singin’ and dancin’ all day

Chorus:

Mandolin Lead:

Well Ed liked his whiskey and his thunderbird wine

Be sippin’ it all day long

But once lubed up and feelin’ fine

He couldn’t play no wrong

Well Time rolled on and years passed by

Ed Lived the life he knew

As he got old his number came up

But the legend of his playin’ only grew

Chorus:

Pick me a tune Ed, Strum me a song,

Play me a melody

Well the very last song that he ever played

Was will the circle be unbroken

Back

Never Said Goodbye

Packed your bags with a, trip in mind

Running is the easy way,

Not thinking ‘bout, who you left behind

The hard thing is to stay

Left in a hurry, Destination unknown,

Course was charted and the winds that blown,

May have cleared the, Problems in your way,

Left too soon, Should’ve prayed

CHORUS

Leave us wondering asking why,

Could we have changed your mind if we tried,

Should we hate you or should we cry,

For never saying goodbye,

Never said goodbye

Would a phone call, Have made a difference,

Would a visit have turned back time,

Would we all be, At a party,

Instead of a fun--eral line,

CHORUS

BRIDGE

Is it the anger within,

That fuels decisions, not understood

Is it the silence of sadness,

That deafens reason and judgement

Does anybody, really know anyone

CHORUS

Never said goodbye…………………

Back

So Well

Verse1:

His life had been tuff, and he learned soon enough,

it’d never be very easy,

He’s had the blues, and he’s paid his dues,

nothin’s ever for free

Hurdles and snags, sometimes really a drag,

hardship, he’s had his fill

a journey bestowed, with forks in the road,

each step would be uphill

Verse2:

He came to this land, at his father’s command,

to live the american dream,

He had a plan, to be a happy man,

yes that’s the way it seemed

He found a spouse, and a suburban house,

four kids, what else could there be?

but a lesson to learn is how fast things can turn,

in life there’s no guarantee

Chorus:

and he paces the floor, And he walks thru the halls,

rethinking times from the past,

each year passes on, yet another is gone,

they fly by so fast

but he reflects without guilt, on the life that he’s built,

now it’s easy to tell,

in his heart so sincere, it becomes perfectly clear,

that he’s done it all so well,

yes he’s done it all so well …

Lead

Verse3:

His wife said goodbye, she found another guy,

time to pack up and go,

His choices were few, it was time to start anew,

but where, he did not know

It all seemed so obsurd, was this what he deserved,

after working his fingers to the bone?

his family broke, it’s all up in smoke,

gotta live his life all alone

Verse4:

But there’s a part of this man, maybe hard to understand,

it’s found deep down in his soul,

You can knock him off track, you can try to push him back,

but he’ll never lose control

He’s got God up above, and his children’s love, a clear conscience,

and a heart of gold

No finer man, will ever walk this land,

for him God broke the mold

Chorus:

Back

Would It Be Me

If you had 24 hours, Yeah, just a single day

To spend with anyone, here or gone

What would you do and what would you say

Who would it be, who would it be now,

Who would it be, would it be me

Would you have the courage, To face your past,

Could you ask any question, Or would you be afraid to ask,

CHORUS:

Who would it be, who would it be now,

Who would it be, would it be me,

Who would it be, who would it be now,

Who would it be, would it be me,

BRIDGE:

Would it be your mother, your father,

Your spouse or your lover,

A world leader, mother teresa,

Your god or your own demons,

Someone who shaped history, Or would it be me,

Lead:

Would you relive a memory, or make a new one,

Would you talk on endlessly, or hold hands and walk in the sun

CHORUS

Did you say what you wanted to say, are you satisfied,

Or, are you longing for more, go in peace and live your life

CHORUS

Back

Wait Wait for You

No one said life was fair,

Good job, nice house, not a care

Then it happened,

Struck like lightning, um hm

Bright lights, Dark Nights, Never the same again.

Friends they come, Friends they go,

Treat you different, They don’t know

How that look in, In their eyes show, um hm

Better you than me, Sorry I need to go

Chorus

Let me live, Let me die

Free my soul to ride that Harley, In the sky,

Don’t you worry, Don’t you cry

I’ll wait for you, To finish our dreams in style

You can’t always get what you want,

You don’t always want what you have,

You can try, But will find, um hm,

Every straight line, Will eventually wind

CHORUS

Bridge

Hold my hand I am scared,

Know when I’m going, don’t know where

Thinking of you as I stare,

At a life without you

Lead Break

It’s hardest for those left behind,

To look deep and to find,

A way to carry on,

Without guilt from those beyond um hm,

Gone but never, Never for-got-ten.

Chorus

I’ll wait for you, To finish our dreams in,

I’ll wait for you, To finish our dreams in style

Back

Friends of Tom

FOlk-BLues-COuntry

East Coast Woman

Tell Me Now