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Artist: Chris Burgan
Title: Different Phases
Released: 2001
Description: A compilation CD containing what Chris feels to be the best recordings from the 541 Baseline and first solo EP's. The sound ranges from rock to acoustic.
Musicians: Chris Burgan, Larry Roland, Bill Roland, Jim Bollier, David Olivas, Danny Gorden, Alen Nuenschwander

Different Phases
A collection if songs that represents "Different Phases" in my life. Although some points are better than others, each one reminds me of people and memories I hold dear. Hopefully you can identify with where I have been along this journey... Maybe you will even recognize a few stops along the way. Thanks for listening. Chris 5/22/01

1. Closer to reality* This song appeared on the original 541 Baseline demo. It was written about 10 min. before leaving for one of my grandmother's funerals. I have always had a bond with this song. Considering the content... it was the most upbeat song in the Baseline set. Check out the homage to Robert Deeble's "Old Man" in the reprise verse. Thanks Robert.

2. Anyone* A tongue in cheek nod to longtime friend and Baseline band mate David Olivas. We were always joking about it... and oddly enough the words proved to be sort of prophetic. I really dig the twin guitar solo with Jimmy Bollier in this one. This song reminds me of good times.

3. Perfect world* I took a covert stab at addressing the issue of world peace... or the lack thereof. There is a touch of "A Farewell To Kings" in this one. Very fun to play. Quick and to the point! Bill Roland used to really tear it up live on the drums in this one!

4. I AM* If I had to pick one song that sums up my idea of the musical journey... this one is it. It takes me to another place every time I hear it. To this day I have to listen to the whole thing....often by the end of the song I've realized that I haven't taken a breath for at least a minute. I love playing this in the acoustic set! It is a song of healing and certainly calms my soul.

5. Live another day* Looking back in time I can remember a few key moments where important life decisions were made; and, paths were chosen. It is very cool to know that others identify with this one! It's almost a battle cry for doing the right thing. It is always a charge to hear the audience singing along with this song!

6. Places and faces* The only song on "The Road Less Traveled" to get any radio airplay. (KFSG in Los Angeles played it from time to time while the band was still together) This is the song we used to close our encores with. It must speak to people in a comforting way. I am often asked to sing it at funerals.

7. Gathering stones "Sticks and Stones may break our bones"...but words stay with us forever... Unfortunately, in working with youth I have heard some terrible things that kids say to each other. I prefer to look to the positive and hold childhood in high esteem. It is a good thing to help children enjoy their youth.

8. Beat our sorrows down+ Always striving for the best... When life gives you lemons... you know... This is a transitional song. I think a stylistic change can be heard in it. Danny Gorden makes his first sounds on the CD playing drums. Baseline opened with a variation of this song when we played with Jars of Clay. It is a rocker in the acoustic set!

9. Though we deny it If I could play piano... this is what it would be like. Very droning, kind of folk meets jazz. I really like the overtones produced by the guitar in this one... so, I just left it as a solo acoustic with a vocal. Subject matter could have been mired in despair... yet, shouts out in a confident cry: "Who'll be the one to stand for changes? When sorrow comes, we'll sing to heaven. So, I'll raise my voice to be heard." Sort of says what I wanted to get out. A battle cry if you will.

10. Set free+^ This was the first collaboration with Danny Gorden and Allen Nuenschwander (The band Lessons). We wanted to present a soothing mix of complex instrumental textures and vocal harmonies. This song's powerful mix of sound and content lands very much in the vein of contemporary acoustic worship music.

11. Could be you This song started as an acoustic demo back in the '80's.... it didn't really fit into the music of the day... so I shelved it. 541 Baseline liked it, so we recorded the song for "The Road Less Traveled." Jimmy Bollier sang the lead vocal on that CD. However, I always missed the sound of the original demo recording... My wife Jennifer suggested that I re-record the song the way it was originally written. I think she was right:-)

12. Open just once I tried to picture myself as a single parent... a lifetime of mistakes...a lifetime of joys... a lifetime of experiences to help guide my own child who had to live with my choices. What would I say about the choices in my life so that they might help my child's? Sometimes waiting is the best choice...

13. Faded chair I think this is the most beautifully honest song I've ever recorded.

* Performed by 541 Baseline

+ Performed by Lessons

^ Words and music: Chris Burgan and Danny Gorden