PT:  I think the latest couple have been more like that.  I’m writing in the moment at the time, so that’s the way it comes out and who knows what will happen on the next one?

Smitty:  Yeah, and I especially like some of the things you did on the Brian Culbertson All Star Cruise back in January, man.  That was a kickin’ time, wasn’t it?

PT:  Oh, that was the best time.  I had a great time.  It was really cool seeing all the people interacting with all the musicians and the fans, and just kinda having fun at the same time.  It was really wonderful.

Smitty:  Yeah, I really liked that whole scene, you know?

PT:  Mm-hmm.

Smitty:  And it was just great to see everybody.  It’s almost like a reunion too, you know?  You get to see everybody and…

PT:  Exactly.

Smitty:  …and just everybody’s kickin’ and talkin’ and having a good time, great music and lots of good food.  I loved the food.

PT:  Yeah.

Smitty:  Yes indeed, man.  And you’re gonna do that again, right?

PT:  You know, I did sign up for the next one, so I should be there.  Yeah, I will be there.

Smitty:  Oh, wow.  Man, that’s gonna be a kickin’ good time too.

PT:  You know, I thought one of the best things they did was the trading cards and you did all the info on the trading cards.  I think that was one of the best things and I really treasure that and I’m gonna keep those forever.

Smitty:  Oh, you mean the trading cards I did?

PT:  Yeah, that was so cool, yeah.

Smitty:  (Laughs.)  I had fun with that.  When they approached me and asked me to do that, I first said to myself—I didn’t say it to them, I said to myself—they want me to do this?  (Both laugh.)  But then once I got into it and got to thinking about everybody, it was like, man, I love this, you know?

PT:  You know, who wouldn’t want their own trading card?  I mean, that’s the greatest idea and then plus fans can trade them or have them sign them or whatever, you know?

Smitty:  Yeah, it was kinda cool.  And you’re right.  It was a hit.  People were loving that.  Man, and so I have my collection of them.  (Laughs.)

PT:  All right.

Smitty:  Yeah, that’s cool.  It would be nice to have those on hand all the time, you know?

PT:  Exactly.  They should make them like they have the sports trading cards and everything, like Smooth Jazz cards, exactly.

Smitty:  Yeah, I like that, man.  So we must give Mark and Tony some serious props for that. That’s cool.  I’m glad you mentioned that.  Thank you.  Yeah, it was a pleasure to do that, and it was easy to do yours, man, ‘cause I knew, you know, here’s Paul Taylor, man, he’s got that whole sensual groove and he’s got the sax smokin’ and it was easy to do that one, you know?

PT:  All right.

Smitty:  But it was fun, yeah.  So, now, the record’s out when?

PT:  It comes out on May 22nd.

Smitty:  Yeah.  Well, this is an exciting time.  I always say this, but it is an exciting time when you’ve been in the studio and you’re kickin’ the tunes around and you’re getting them the way you want them, you’re working with some great cats like Barry and Rex, and all the great musicians, and then it’s finished.

PT:  Mm-hmm.

Smitty:  And now you get to talk about it, you get to hear the reaction, and then you get to go out on the road and play and get the audience feel for it.  It’s a beautiful time.

PT:  No doubt, you know, it’s always a happy time is when you have a release coming up or even the times in between, but especially when you have an album coming out right around the corner with all the work you put into it, the culmination to it.  Yeah, they’re happy times, definitely.

Smitty:  Yeah.  You’ve got some smash hits on here, man.  This would be one of those things where I would have a hard time deciding which one goes to radio and which ones you want to feature on the first tour leg or what.  I mean, there’s some great hits on here.

PT:  Thanks so much.  It’s good to give them choices.  (Laughs.)

Smitty:  Yes indeed, man, absolutely.  And the artwork on here, man, is just fantastic.  Wow.  Somebody has a great imagination, great photos on here.