Role Models
Our newest single is dedicated to those who show us how to live better
Notes from Neil, who wrote the tune:
The cover for Role Models features yours truly, lounging around with one of my best friends––Dale, my parents' benevolent black labrador. Dale, who died at age 13 in 2023, was a Role Model for me, and a homie of the highest order.
He had huge floppy ears (obviously the superior dog-ear type), a matte black coat that sunshine made hot to the touch, and a casual trot you could hear as his paws strolled around the wood floor of my parents' house.
Dale was a great person––and no that's not a typo––the type of person I want to be. He lived in the present moment, eagerly anticipated and savored every meal, and relished long walks in the forest preserve and lake swims in Wisconsin where my family spends our Sundays over the summer.
Above all, Dale loved people. For Dale, anyone walking through the front door of my parents' house was a major event. Whoever was around Dale had his full attention, interest, and slobbering kisses (of course Dale was a progressive dog, he always asked for consent). Dale loved everyone, and consequently everyone loved him.
Dale was a dog that inspired me to be a better human being. In "Role Models" I tried to capture his lightheartedness, his sage wisdom, and everything he taught me in our 13 years together.
Neil Carson - alto sax, composer/arranger
Connor Bernhard - trumpet
Anthony Bruno - tenor sax
Matt Kowalski - trombone
Andy Schlinder - bari sax (solo)
Brandon Hunt - guitar
Andrew Lawrence - piano
Tim Seisser - bass (solo)
Zack Marks - drums
Recorded November 2022 at Rax Trax Recording, Chicago
Mixed by Neil Carson
Recorded and Mastered by Andy Shoemaker
Cover art by Maureen Carson