Al Goodwin

The new album “Birth, Death And In Between” is the album I’ve been trying to make for what seems a lifetime. Now in my 40’s which maybe seems a little late to start a career as a singer songwriter and also becoming a father twice over in the same decade (they do say life begins at 40) although I’d starting writing some 20 plus years previous it’s now that matters and the songs on the album are me wanting to tell my story. The songs are honest and I guess the title could be seen as somewhat pompous but my life has certainly seen light and shade.

Birth- is the amazing against the odds arrival of my first daughter, doctors had told us we would be childless, needless to say this put strains on the relationship but whilst travelling in Vietnam I visited a temple and was asked to touch one of two stones. One would bring wealth and the other a child, the birth of Alicia inspired me to write “The Stone That Brought The Girl” also “Human Touch” is about the twist of fate that came my way and the adult responsibilities I now face whilst still aspiring to be a successful singer songwriter and balance my two passions which are my family and music.

Death- The song “It’s Hard To Believe” is dedicated to my best friend and co writer who I’m afraid did not make 40 and his desire for me to make great acoustic music still drives me to this day, also “Beyond The Sky” is me looking at my own mortality and realising we have one life only and don’t delude oneself that we get a second chance.

In Between- Half of the songs on the album are from my time spent in bands in my 20’s but the lyrics still ring true today whether it be my aspirations, my descisions both good and bad or my fears for this world whilst maintaining a sense of hope. The artwork believe it or not did offend some people but the foetus is signifying birth and the songs gestating inside my guitar and mind and the subtle inscription on the guitar is somewhat like a gravestone with 63, ? & - stating the year of my birth, death unknown and the dash represents the in between they use for all of us after our demise, to think our life is represented by a dash on a gravestone has always left quite an impression on me.

I hope you enjoy the album and are moved by the content. Voila! Al.