Gratitude

On the eve of An Ape’s Progress’ album release, I’m feeling really excited to send my “baby” off into the world.

But I’m also profoundly grateful for the brilliant collaborators, advisors, and friends who helped me along the way.

At the center of the action was my co-producer and mixer extraordinaire, Thom Flowers. Thom’s astute musical sense, sonic skills, and expert guidance were absolutely indispensable from start to finish. Having known Thom for 25+ years, it was an honor and a privilege to finally make a record with him, and I’m proud of what we achieved together. Cheers, Thom!

Many of the performances on An Ape’s Progress flowed from the hearts and minds of the brilliant session players who graced this project. A hearty raising of the glass to Jake Hayden, Dean Dinning, Mike Keneally, Roger Joseph Manning, Jr., Dallas Kruse, Allen Hinds, Travis Carlton, Lyle Workman, Alastair Greene, Angus Cooke, Libby Patten, and Michal Patten. Your wonderful tracks elevated these songs! Cheers also to Adam Ayan for his masterful mastering, and Tom Ryan who assisted him.

The visual element of An Ape’s Progress sprang from the creative mind of Igor Koutsenko. Igor painted the haunting cover image, a series of eleven unique illustrations, and a surreal portrait of yours truly. Igor’s genius took the album’s artwork to a level far surpassing anything I had imagined. Cheers, Igor — За тебя!

In the “above-and-beyond” deparment, my wife Libby deserves a medal for tolerating my year-long obsession with this project, and perhaps even a sainthood for her kindness and patience throughout my roller-coaster ride. Thank you, my love — et salut!

Finally, a number of friends provided assistance and encouragement along my journey. Thanks in particular to Hale Milgrim, Dave Collins, Todd Stanton, Rick Martinez, Greg Matis, Joe DeWitt, and Paolo Masini.

Now my simian adventure moves on to the next chapter: sales and promotion!

Go get ‘em, Ape!

Cheers,

-Pawlie.