Blue Tree "Reflects" on New Record page 2

"I wanted to make a more definitive statement with this record," he says. "Because the first disc was basically a demo, the production values were often lacking. With Brian's help I spent more time on song arrangements, which has made for a fuller sound. It also helped that the songs were in really good shape when I came into the studio. On the first record I was basically writing as I was recording, so there was less time to take the songs to the next level like we were able to do this time."

The new album has a pop/rock feel, but it also has a range of textures and emotions. There is the jazz-tinged pop of 'Let Us Hope & Pray,' which has the feel of a lullaby, along side the classic rock sounds of 'Gwen.' In addition to the 9 original tracks, there are two covers including one of Jeff Buckley's unfinished songs (Jewel Box) from his posthumous album.

"Making music for me is therapy," Lawson says. "Songs like 'Water Under the Bridge' were a way for me to put my father's life into perspective and allowed me to come to terms with his passing. And even though a song like 'Let Us Hope and Pray' is dealing with loss it also is about moving on and redemption."

"While it has been a difficult year for me, and a lot of other people, I wanted to make a record with a more hopeful tone," he adds. "Making music, like life, is a process of healing."