What was your intention for this new project, "Blue Eyed Soul" when
you first started to conceptualize it?

I wanted to start the new year with something light and fresh. Branching out from my gospel roots, I wanted to create something that’s light and smooth, yet soulful. I've been called 'Blue Eyed Soul' many times by some of the black gospel preachers in the Birmingham area. My intent for this project was to combine my love for rhythmic grooves with smooth, soulful melodies.

Do you have a personal favorite track from this album or your
discography… one that has special significance for you? (No fair
answering just “yes” or “no”!)

My personal favorites are ‘Let’s Get Started,’ ‘You Can Do It,’ ‘In My Soul,’ and ‘Get it, Got it, Good,’ but the one that has the most significant meaning for me is the song I wrote for my wife, Teresa. This year we celebrated our 25th anniversary. She has been an inspiration to me since the day we first met. A lot of my music is based on my love and my feelings for her.

If you were to choose to learn a new instrument that you’ve never
played before, what instrument might that be?

I would have to say the bass guitar. I watched my friend Alvin Garrett play bass on this album. He calls the bass line the backbone of a song, and I believe that’s true, because it can make or break a song. Alvin was able to interpret the song and add elements of groove that really gave it a special life. So if I were to learn a new instrument, I would like to learn to play bass guitar because it provides such an important element to music.

Going back in your life as far as you can remember, what song or performance is the first you recall hearing and being affected by?

Music has always been a part of my life. To define one moment or one song would be impossible, because I have been touched by so many great performances and so many great songs. When I heard the sound of the saxophone, I was moved with emotions that I can’t explain to this day. There is something about the vibrant, rich tone of the sax that touches my soul like no other.

Is there one over-riding belief or philosophy that drives you, even
when you’re up against seeming impassable roadblocks and challenges?

Yes, there is. I believe that things happen in life for a reason. My faith has always sustained me through the challenges of life. I always try to see the positive in any situation and believe that things will work out for the best.

Are there any social causes that you have a special attachment to, and
work to support?

Several years ago my mother-in-law passed away with Breast Cancer. Since then I have participated in many events to raise money for research and increase awareness. I also have helped with several groups that provide food, clothing and shelter for needy children in the Birmingham area.