Luke Sayers & The Last to Know - American Acoustic Roots Music

Music

Radio Flower

1.	Busy Signal	Play	Busy Signal sky overhead is crystal clear and the stars have put the sun to bed 400 miles of interstate without 1 good tune on the dial the music’s lost tonight - trapped by satellites i’ll take love makin’ grooves some heart breakin’ blues an old country tune by willie some soul to power that radio tower & cancel those commercial jingles on my busy signal* memories held in melodies and words - they tell your life in rhyme that was your song & don’t it take you back - to best and worst of times you sing when you’re alone - the song on your ring tone * tonight when i dream how that signal will beam from star to star to wherever you are they’ll play me on your station streaming clear and loud the request lines will light right up and you will be so proud i won’t need a video to make ‘em like my song they won’t need to see my face to dance and sing along and there’ll be no more - no more busy signal - clear that line for me Lyrics
2.	Delaying Disaster	Play	Delaying Disaster doin’ 80 on the 65 southbound to Tennessee the rhythm of the windshield wipers is putin’ me to sleep indiana gave me lots of time to get my story straight all that thinkin’ made my eyelids heavy and it’s gettin’ late angelina at the truck stop diner reads me w/ just one look says that “you got all the tell tale signs like an open book” she says “you been starin’ at your watch since you sat down in my booth” and as she leans in to fill my coffee, angelina spills the truth *“you’re lookin’ for the long way home biding time on the back roads ridin’ w/ trouble that you never bargained for delaying disaster, on the long way home”* met my brother on the blue line train in downtown chicago he’d been on the run for seven nights, but he didn’t know mama never had the bread for bail so our house was now at stake he teared up and nodded his head cuz he knew the path we’d take *my brother did 10 years in brushy mountain couldn’t walk his daughter down the aisle he’d done wrong and he was not strong could not take the pain so with my back turned he disappeared on the 7:30 train Lyrics
3.	I Hear You	Play	I Hear You wrapin’ up another session @ hitsville when they lay it down like that aint no way you can sit still from marvin gaye, to smokey they would say “nothin’ changes but the changes” (on the pages) you played the role w/ fearlessness and soul without the fame but by any other name it always came back to you lay that rhythm down set them blues a walkin’ i hear you yes i hear you now like the sun above the clouds your groove comes shinin’ through and i hear you* standin’ there in the shadows of Motown left out of the dream - no warning came when they shut down overnight your world had taken flight to the city of the angels (fallen angels) turn the page on the funk brothers’ age a legacy & a family to feed it always leads back to you *i hear the love in every note the pride & power ebb & flow i hear the pain that had yet to come the music broke the heart it came from Lyrics
4.	Bitter Wine	Play	Bitter Wine isn’t this familiar keeps trackin us down tried to outrun it … but i guess we’ve been found just one last kiss to burn in my mind it’s gonna be a long night bitter wine it’s all up to you now release me once again i was once inspired now i’m just blue and i know that you’re so tired what else can I do? Lyrics	Bitter Wine Credits Guest Artists: Jill Jack - vocals Pat Shanley - electric guitar Info
5.	Wayfarer	Play	Wayfarer turn the porch light out as she pulls safely away linger at the doorstep cold november wind brings a chill to the water wellin’ in my eyes pain reminds me to breathe my old friend misery sing your lullaby to me wayfarer shed no tears for what you’re leaving wayfarer you have given all you can restless dreamer time to lean into the wind let your heart fly free to find its way again* searching for the words behind a vacant stare used to be so easy stranger in your place-same ol’ face with a crisis of identity raise my glass to your memory *somber end to the year in the distance i hear (carry on) Lyrics
6.	Uncle Rude Plays The Blues	Play
7.	They Don't Want Me	Play	They Don't Want Me they don’t want me where i’m from i say my name - they all play dumb they don’t send rsvp’s so i crash all their parties *no they don’t want me* you won’t find me on that list there aint no proof that i exist but my friends are all inside & they say you’d love me if ya tried but *no they don’t want me* if i’ve darkened up your doorstep please take my apologies ya say you hate to see me go but you know ya love to watch me leave aint it funny how rejection seems to save me from myself you can’t measure up my worth by some paper weight upon your shelf they don’t want me where i’m from their hearts went hard and their souls went numb ya aint somebody till ya are & you just can’t shine till you’re a star so *no they don’t want me* Lyrics	They Don't Want Me Credits Guest Artist: Bobby Parker (aka Jim Adams) - trumpet Info
8.	What I Should've Said	Play	What I Should've Said what i should’ve said when i didn’t say i am mystified i get swept away it was in my heart but it left my head when i didn’t say what i should’ve said what i should’ve said if i’d done it right is i need you here throughout the night it was in my heart but it left my head when i didn’t say what i should’ve said *i don’t know why i’m so afraid destined to relive every last mistake i’ve made could’ve saved a lot of pain and every tear you shed pages full of words i should’ve said* sometimes we blend like sweet harmony sometimes we sing in 2 different keys but you’ve touched my heart and i lose my head it’s never what you say or what you should’ve said what i should’ve said when i hurt you so is take me there & don’t let me go it was in my heart but it left my head when i didn’t say what i should’ve said *lost in translation from my heart to your ears short of expectations it’s what you feel not what you hear Lyrics
9.	The Letter	Play	The Letter those who wonder aimless lost and all alone forced to face their demons on their own them folks got real troubles - but they’re not you ya see? not as long as there’s one breath in me pour it into the ocean like rain into the deep blue sea cry yourself a river and let it wash your feet put the cross over your shoulder carry what you can on your back i’ll follow behind you and cover up your tracks i have stood in your place walked miles in your shoes felt the weight of nothing left to lose maybe I got lucky but we both know i’m right you’ll be saving more than your own life *everyone is sleepin’ - ‘cept for me tonight so i’m finishin’ this letter by the cell phone light like pen onto this paper ink into your skin blood is blood forever there until the end Lyrics
10.	This Love Intro
11.	This Love	Play	This Love if you were tryin’ to hurt me if you wanted the cut to be deep rest assured that you hit the mark a scar for the memory to keep i am an easy target stripped of my armor for you hoping to let your love in yet willing to be run through silence is the sea that separates stranded on an island i will wait for signs of life on the horizon one ray of light to set my eyes on this love* clenched fists and tears of anger bruising your body and pride hair trigger lifts up defenses guarding the heart safe inside damned if that will happen here again pain is pain and men are always men fear obsesses on survival faith will be your soul revival i don’t bear his name i won’t share his blame if you were trying to hurt me maybe i could understand conflict has been your condition you need only reach out your hand peacefully surrender if you choose giving up the fight don’t mean you lose broken dreams that you are leavin’ something real you can believe in Lyrics
12.	Keeping Up Appearances	Play	Keeping Up Appearances we’ve been keeping up appearances but lengthy disappearances lead to lots of whispers and stares the who what when the wheres and whys pressing me for alibis mistaking me for someone who cares we knew of potential consequences back when we were sittin on our fences so let ’em have their fun for when all’s said and done we still got each other ain’t a damn thing gonna change so don’t you ever second guess the Tao of our togetherness we got to be who we is yeah so momma if you want your daddy to play along we’ll keep keepin up appearances* Lyrics
13.	I'm A Worried Man	Play		I'm A Worried Man Credits written by Johnny Cash (Song of Cash, Inc./Bug Music/ASCAP) Info

Download "Radio Flower" now at: DigStation.com
individual tracks $0.99, full album $9.99

There are two options for ordering the CD secure thru PayPal:
1) for $15 - CD ONLY

2) for $25 - CD + Luke Sayers & The Last to Know T-shirt. The shirts will feature our logo with the name of the new CD to commemorate this new release.

Luke Sayers is pleased to present a soulful collection of 11 new original songs for people who like honest, melodious, & deep grooving music on the new CD "Radio Flower", his third release as a solo artist.

"Radio Flower" touches on themes that connect us through the common human experience. Searching the radio for a familiar tune while you're lost on a long stretch of unfamiliar highway; being unappreciated in your home town; sticking your foot in your mouth; trying to save a loved one from themselves; even getting involved in an inappropriate workplace relationship. The arrangements are delivered by the tightly knit trio of Luke Sayers (lead and harmony vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, upright bass, mandolin, and percussion), Mark Iannace (harmony vocal, accordion, keyboards, and percussion), and Mike Gabelman (drums). Special guest appearances by Jill Jack (duet vocal) & Pat Shanley (electric guitar) on the two sides to every story-punch drunk love-just leave the bottle torch song "Bitter Wine", as well as Bobby Parker (trumpet) on the New Orleans influenced groove of "They Don't Want Me" give the recording some wonderfully unexpected flavor.

"Radio Flower" features Luke's song "What I Should've Said" which won first place in the 2005 Great Lakes Songwriting Competition. Here it is stripped down to a duo performance with the seamless harmony that is the result of Luke and Mark singing together at hundreds of shows at the forefront. Another highlight is Luke's arrangement of Johnny Cash's "I'm A Worried Man" which leans naturally towards the songs Jamaican roots while inspired by Willie Nelson's guitar playing and Paul Simon ala "Graceland" African rhythms.

"Radio Flower" is full of the sound that Christian Czerwinski of the Lansing State Journal NOISE called "easy to listen to even for the hardest of rockers and the most casual of pop fans".

WANT TO DO EVEN MORE? - We love what we do, and we love you for loving what we love to do too! If you would like to make a monetary contribution in support of this process you can simply contact us for more information, or make a secure online donation now by clicking the donate button below.

Our generous donators: Tom & Lois Sayers, Larry & Cindy Wolfe, Lora O'Donnell, Ohtsuka Yusuke

Pre-Order supporters: John Sayers, Bill & Heidi Keith, Becca McNulty, Katie Orrell, Maggie Darula, Frank Hartman, C P Gillies, Chris Keck

Long Way Back

$10.00

Credits

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1.	There With You	Play	There With You Written by: Luke Sayers Empty chairs and bottles from the show the night before Surround me ‘neath the sun on this San Francisco morn’ Hummingbirds are keeping all the bumblebees at bay But their nectar aint as sweet as my baby far away My heart is not a prisoner trapped within my chest My mind don’t live inside my head So no matter where I lay my body down to rest They will be there with you in your bed Majesty of mountains I was fortunate to see Clouds so close they cool you with their mist along the breeze Answering the calling just as I was meant to do But the journey aint complete till it leads me home to you Long nights in Nevada California on my skin Straight shot across the country Back to Detroit once again I left from Union Station aboard the Wolverine looking more like Jesus- I’m ragged yet still clean Guitar’s in the luggage rack, the bags under my eyes You’re the sight they’re sore for and they’ll get their fill tonight Lyrics
2.	Long Way Back	Play	Long Way Back Written by: Luke Sayers I hadn’t let it go like that for a long, long time Yeah everybody’s got their point The one that breaks like a levy in a hurricane Yeah everybody’s got their point Everybody’s known that pain I’ve fallen victim to my best laid plans Angel I’m placing my heart in your hands It’s a long way back to that place Where love held us in its warm embrace Faith conquers doubt and turns shadows to light To lead us back to love again I’m staring in the mirror at the face of my greatest foe Yeah everybody’s got their ghost Rattling his chains as he haunts me in my sleep Yeah everybody’s got their ghost Everybody’s gone that deep Lyrics
3.	The Solution	Play	The Solution Written by: Luke Sayers If I were a feather on an eagle high upon the wing in flight Then I wouldn’t be a slave to gravity though it pulls with all its might The weight of the world couldn’t drag me down and I wouldn’t have a heart to break…anymore Make my nest on a mountain, safe in the land of the free No rent due to the landlord, aint no gas or electricity And my brothers the hawk and the sparrow won’t give a damn that I’m brown and white…no no no Soarin’ over land and sea As darkness settles over me What has happened to this world that I should want to leave? If I was the dream of the doctor, set free at last I’d wake up the world as I came true and set the future free of the past As the waters recede let them wash away the stain of inequality and cleanse our souls…forever more Spinning human tragedy Into some free publicity What has happened to this world that I should want to leave? If I were the truth everlasting, a light that eclipse the sun I’d elucidate the deception of hatred before everyone I’d fill every heart with compassion and each mind with the ability…to know, that Kindness is the solution Greed it is the polution Love can bring revolution And one day we will overcome Lyrics
4.	Don't Bother	Play	Don't Bother Written by: Luke Sayers We can’t go livin’ like our time on earth is long So don’t bother singin’ if your soul aint in your song He stepped out and his heart had nearly leapt out of his chest As a thousand pairs of eyes looked on he tried to do his best To conjure up the image he worked so hard to sell But the masquerade was over and he knew they all could tell He was caught up in the story he had thought up long before Escape was then attempted but he couldn’t find the door The empathetic audience could hardly stand the sight As he crawled into a corner they slipped out into the night Sticks, stones, and chicken neck bones You curse, you cry and steal Fools gold - you’re store bought and sold You cannot fake it real Lyrics
5.	Uncloudy Day	Play

Download "Long Way Back" now at: iTunes - PayPlay

2008 Detroit Music Awards Nominee for
Outstanding Acoustic/Folk Recording
2007 WYCE Jammies Awards Nominee for
Best Local Folk Album

"The flavorful folk on this five-song CD by Sayers and Iannace
weaves together blues, rock, country, jazz and bluegrass, with the
duo's bang-up harmonies at times recalling Barenaked Ladies."
- The Grand Rapids Press

Luke Sayers and Mark Iannace released this EP length CD “Long Way Back” May 13th at The Ark in Ann Arbor. The duo, along with fellow former Tangerine Trousers Michael Hacala (drums) and Pat Shanley (acoustic/electric guitars & vocals), had been touring all over the Midwest as Luke Sayers and The Last to Know in 2006. Their travels included 3 performances as the only Michigan artists selected to showcase at the 2006 international Folk Alliance conference in Austin, TX, as well as returning to headline at The Ark in Ann Arbor last June. Luke’s songwriting continued at a torrid pace during this time, and The Last to Know’s performances of these new songs left audiences requesting a CD featuring this new and exciting sound. So the boys headed back into Ann Arbor’s Big Sky recording studio to work once again with their long time collaborator, engineer / producer Gregg Leonard. Luke wanted to capture all of the warmth, energy, and unity that had become the hallmark of the band’s live shows. With all of Leonard’s recent experience producing the nationally syndicated radio program Acoustic Café’s live in studio performances, Luke had no doubt that he’d be able to do just that. “Long Way Back” is both honest in its simplicity as well as polished in its arrangements and minimalist production. No additional musicians were brought in, and no additional instrumentation was added in order to maintain the integrity of the purpose behind making this EP.

"You have to get out and see Luke Sayers and Mark Iannace.
These two are wonderfully talented songwriters, but it is in
the live performance that their music takes on wings.
Their new CD, 'Long Way Back', is a must listen to
for fans of thoughtful folk rock."
- Bill Keith, Trinity House Theatre

The title has a double meaning. As the 2^nd song on the CD, “Long Way Back” tells the story of someone who has reached their lowest point and turns inward to find the strength to fight back against their self destructive personal demons. As the title of the CD, “Long Way Back” represents the journey of these 4 musical comrades who reinvented themselves through friendship and a deep love for making music.

"Luke Sayers has a powerful, passionate voice, and it's put to good
use on the heartfelt, beautifully written tunes on his new CD."
- Martin Bandyke, 107.1FM Ann Arbor

Songbook - the introduction

$10.00

Credits

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1.	Lay it on Me	Play	Lay it on Me Written by: Luke Sayers Heads turn Moods are elevated Strangers whisper And my heart skips a beat She’s got a baby in her arms Lovin’ her mama so She makes it look so easy But they know not how you suffered How you’ve held it all inside How you’ve thought of everybody else Won’t you giver yourself a try Lay it on me One step, Taken for the leavin’ Is one step closer To where she wants to be With her baby in her arms Lovin’ her mama so You know it aint that easy So if you’re tried and they convict you And they’re gatherin’ the stones They’ll have to take me down as well I won’t let you stand alone Lyrics
2.	Hannah	Play	Hannah Written by: Luke Sayers If the boys all had to be fed, they could count on Hannah Clean clothes and sheets on the bed, there was always Hannah Mama I’m sorry but I just can’t sleep Betty I need you to accompany me Grandma, bless my soul to keep Holy holy! The angels must have cried That day in heaven when Hannah arrived Our sweet child pure of heart and faith Welcome home to the kingdom in Jesus’ name It aint the nature of things, to outlive your children But the good Lord’s praises she’d still sing, despite the lot she was given Baby I know you’re gonna go so far Listen to your mama and follow your heart Love one another you know it’s not that hard What you forgave I can’t forget And the peace you prayed for hasn’t happened yet If we only had just a little of your grace Lyrics
3.	All the Way	Play	All the Way Written by: Luke Sayers 17’s a good place to begin senior year in North Branch, Michigan Growin’ up and growin’ out of this small town he didn’t think a soul would notice if he wasn’t around Jesse loved to sing his songs dreamin’ up the melody and played ‘em all night long His daddy told him dreams are best left in your sleep No son of mine’s gonna waste his life ya better learn to earn your keep So as his daddy slept that night Jesse left without goodbye And every choice that Jesse made led to the man he is today From leavin’ home to givin’ Jill his name Never was afraid to fail, never walked the beaten trail And through it all one thing never changed His feet followed his heart all the way 27 weary worn and blue livin’ hand to mouth and payin’ dues Made his home in Nashville for the last 3 years he’s seen a lot of one hit wonders and overnight careers Friday nights at Sunset Serenade Jesse plays from 9 to 1 and leaves it all onstage Jill sits at the bar, pride gleamin’ in her eyes and though he can’t bring himself to say the words, she’s the love of his life But when there eyes meet as he sings the last song He knows she’ll be there his whole life long The old inscription on grandpa’s pocket watch Pearls of wisdom in mother’s diary Unused ticket, one way to Jerusalem Fuel to the fire within his heart to live as he believes Sun came up on 40 years today a few more lines and just a touch of gray Never got the chance to set it straight with his old man but Jesse’s now the father his daddy never could’ve been Lookin’ back you know he’d never change a thing Open arms embrace whatever life may bring Lyrics
4.	For Me to Know	Play	For Me to Know Written by: Luke Sayers seems like you only just got here and now you're getting up to go i never got the chance to say i love you but that's just for me to know prying eyes we can never be too careful whispers carry on the wind and with all you stand to lose i ask myself am i worth all this trouble and can you really let him go that's just for you to know summer sun wilts the flower in your hair holding hands and walking slow seems like the perfect chance to say i love you but that's just for me to know simple words bring such awful complication like ice upon your wing people say it everyday past their lips without their heart's true meaning i'll choose to let it show that's just for you to know Lyrics
5.	Regret	Play	Regret Written by: Luke Sayers She was at the juke box makin’ requests 5 plays for a dollar’s how she invests Wild Horses, n’ maybe Mr. Jones Always made the best of company Stretchin’ closing time to half past 3 Never sleep and you’re never wakin’ up alone Smokin’ on the roof till morning Wished on every single star “If you’ll only grant me one thing Please find a home for this heart” Fall in love again And it won’t be long Till I’m comin’ home And I’m safe and warm Back where I belong 2 years later the wish came true Porch swing takin’ in the garden view Hit some rough spots, but they really try Seems she’s always workin’ on her social skills While he’s tryin’ to figure how they’re gonna pay the bills “he means well, mama now please don’t cry” She should learn to listen better He aint wicked as he seems Where’s all that shit gonna get her? After all they’re only dreams Fresh cut flowers and a pint of gin Tear drop dangling off his chin It’s the first one since she passed away Finally sees how he played a part Not as much the pills as her broken heart What he would not give for just one more day Gin is burning as it goes down Lays the flowers on her grave Dug his own hole in the ground One last soul they couldn’t save Lyrics
6.	Song for Peace	Play	Song for Peace Written by: Luke Sayers We are gathered here together Because we all believe That peace has been neglected And not to sound naïve, but Murder and aggression Even shrouded by a flag Have never solved the problem You’re just fillin’ up body bags Say na na na Say freedom ring All God’s children United we sing Say na na na Say hey hey hey Say peace be with you Let it start today One say he the progeny of father Abraham One he follow Buddha And one read the Koran, but Each was born of woman They love they laugh and cry We are bound by humanity products of geography Ya simply have to open your mind I’ll just fly away Far from all the fear Maybe hitch a ride with Peter Pan Don’t worry I’ll send for you tonight And we’ll slip out of sight We can build our own world Just as peaceful as our dreams For every life that’s taken Let one candle burn Let that light keep shinin’ Till the lesson’s learned And if the song is in you Ya gotta raise your voices high Stand up and be counted Come and testify Lyrics

Download "Songbook" now at: iTunes - emusic - PayPlay

Luke Sayers' debut solo CD "Songbook; the introduction", as the title suggests, serves as the perfect introduction to Luke's vast musical influences, his imagination, and his life. The former bassist, songwriter, singer, and acoustic guitarist for Tangerine Trousers {the band's last CD "Dressed for Success" received strong reviews from national magazines like Performing Songwriter "...damn cool", and No Depression "an unassuming powerhouse"} and current bassist with J T and the Clouds, Luke now brings his unique brand of songwriting to the forefront. Luke's songwriting style is steeped in the traditions of American music - blues, jazz, country, and folk - with a modern sound and an emotional edge. Fans of Luke's passionate and uninhibited live shows have described his voice as "soulful", and have compared his sound and style to that of Jason Mraz and Martin Sexton. During a recent live in-studio radio show appearance, the radio host remarked that "you walked in here with hair past your shoulders, a Willie Nelson t-shirt, and cowboy boots and I was expecting something country...but then you play a mean jazz guitar!" You can't judge a book by it's cover ( or in this case a CD by its cover ) and like his hero Willie Nelson, Luke crosses musical boundaries by finding the common thread which exists throughout American music.

The opening song "Lay it on me" is a Motown infused, Keb Mo style funky blues track about a strong and beautiful woman who needs to take care of herself as she does her loved ones. Next is the song Described in a review by Jenna Dixon of Arbor Web, "penned by ( Luke ) Sayers, the gospel-tinged 'Hannah' ... just gorgeous", is the emotional and honest tribute to Luke's grandmother. Track #3 is the semi-autobiographical "All the way" whose character's "feet followed his heart all the way". Timing and words play an important role in any relationship, especially when it comes to saying "I love you", which is the basis of the story in the achingly beautiful jazz flavored ballad "For me to know". Featuring just one acoustic guitar and one vocal, "Regret" tells the story of a man who only realizes his mistakes at the bitter end. Closing out "Songbook" is the plea for peace and humanity to be considered as a viable solution to global conflicts, "Song for Peace". This song puts poignant lyrics ( "we are bound by humanity, products of geography, ya simply have to open your mind" ) against the background of a funky reggae style groove. Luke keeps it simple, playing all the instruments including classical acoustic guitar, upright bass, steel string acoustic guitars, percussion, and all vocals. The emphasis is on the songs, and when you see Luke live you won't be missing a thing from the interpretations of the songs on this recording.

New Cuts not available on disc!!!

They Don't Want Me - WNMC

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Lyrics

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This is where you'll find all the latest cuts: some live, some recorded from radio station performances, and some in-home demos --- but all are hot off the presses and not available on any CD. This is our way of getting you all the tunes in the set list instead of waiting for the next CD. Keep checking back as new tunes will be posted on a regular basis. And check Luke's blog for insight into each tune.

Display all available music

Dec 5 8 pm	Madison, WI The Brink Lounge
Dec 10 7:30 pm	Frankfort, IL Galway Tribes
Dec 18 09:30 PM	Kalamazoo, MI Bell's Brewery (The Eccentric Cafe)