Which artists and/or musical groups have been influential to your style of music?

Cole Coleman: Well, Lynn and I have varied musical backgrounds that include R&B, Jazz, Rock, Pop, Electronica, Classical, Folk, and probably more. For Forward Motion, we decided to approach this album from a singer-songwriter angle with orchestral production and no rhythm section. Once we did that, our classical, folk, and pop influences came to light; which allowed me to use this interesting and rare instrument I have called the Laud. Yet, this album does maintain a relaxed feel which has allowed it to cross over into the Smooth Jazz market. Most notably, we made Top-Ten on KJZA Smooth Jazz in Columbus Ohio, and were flown out to KJZS Smooth Jazz in Reno, Nevada for a live performance and interview.

Lynn Davison: I have pretty eclectic taste, and a profound love for jazz as well as the album oriented rock I grew up with. I can also appreciate a great pop song that really touches people. It's hard to choose, but some of my favorite artists include Steely Dan, Sting, Pat Metheny, Alanis Morissette, Annie Lennox, Chaka Kahn, Joni Mitchell, Kenny Rankin, Chick Corea, Bill Evans (pianist), The Who and early Chicago (with Terry Kath).

The Laud (a mandolin/12 string guitar mix) is such a unique instrument. What led you to play it?

Cole Coleman: I first heard the Laud when I was a kid. Steve Howe of the band Yes played a very similar instrument on a couple of their songs and I was captured by its unique sound. I've always remembered it. Later, when I became a musician myself, I kept one eye out for it. I'd drop into guitar shops here and there and ask about it. I didn't know what it was called then, so I'd describe it -- but no one knew. Eventually, I found it and have dabbled with it here and there waiting for a chance to really use it. When we decided to do an acoustic album produced with orchestration -- the moment seemed right. Using it as my primary instrument on this album has given Forward Motion a truly unique sound.

When you are not performing/recording together, what are your favorite projects to pursue individually?

Lynn Davison: I recently completed my Ph.D. in Psychology and really enjoy teaching college. I love passing on valuable information and inspiring students to think for themselves... I'm especially interested in how the principles of quantum physics can be applied to psychological functioning; how everything is inter-connected and everything affects everything else. There's still a lot to be learned about the subtle 'energetic' aspects of why we think and feel as we do. Someday I'd like to write a book on the subject. Really, I've always approached songwriting from a psychological perspective, and hopefully that will keep evolving... it's all the same thing!

Cole Coleman: When we're not working together, I record guitar for other people around the Los Angeles area where I'm based. It's a lot of fun to make the rounds to different studios, meet different producers and artists, and record in various styles. I also perform live with several bands in the LA area and sometimes on the road. And, I work on my own recordings.

What album or artist could you never get tired of listening to?

Lynn Davison: "Silent Feet" by ECM, artist Eberhard Weber, and anything by Chick Corea!

Cole Coleman: Imogen Heap and Yes. They're both so multi-dimensional that their music will always entertain and inspire me.

Is there a special place that you find inspirational?

Lynn Davison: Natural beauty -- the ocean, mountains, and I love Europe for its amazing history and different cultures being so close together...

Cole Coleman: Nowhere in particular. Inspiration can hit me at anytime anywhere... even when I'm asleep! In fact I've written three songs I can think of in my sleep and in dreams. That's why I carry with me a dictation recorder. I can be anywhere and if I get an idea - I can sing it into my recorder for development later.

Finish this sentence: I can go a day without...?

Lynn Davison:Television.

Cole Coleman:Politics.