"THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED "

Copyright 2007....by CRYSTAL MAGIC MUSIC (ASCAP)
Music Written and Arranged by Michael Foster and Mark Easton in June, 2007. 
Lyrics Written by Michael Foster in June, 2007. 
Recorded at ROUGH CUT STUDIO (Eastford, Conn.) in July, 2007. 
Mixed at GOLDEN SUN STUDIO (North Palm Beach, Florida) in September, 2007. 
Michael Foster: Electric and Acoustic Guitars (left) First Outro guitar solo,Vocals. 
Mark Easton: Electric and Acoustic Guitars (right), Final Outro guitar solo, Background Vocals. 

This song was written to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Avalanche's formation in September of 1977. It is "classic" Avalanche music...but with a very fresh sound...reflecting our roots as a band...and hopefully, it reflects our growth as a band as well. As in many Avalanche recordings...this is a song that was co-written by myself and Mark...and clearly reflects how well we can think as one, musically speaking. Each of us brought very essential musical elements to this track...and the result is a sum that we feel is greater than it's parts. The arrangement of acoustic and electric guitar parts...as well as the rhythm section, all played in true Avalanche style...and lyrics that reflect our long musical history and friendship with each other...combine to make this a track that really exemplifies the musical identity that Avalanche has spent 30 years developing. It truly represents a little bit of all the many facets of the band...from soft Acoustic guitar work...to intense electric guitar chord and lead work...with bass that explores the melodic as well as the rhythmic...and drums that never let up. The vocals try to relate the trials and tribulations, as well as the joys of being a professional performance and recording entity..and the harmonies add a texture that we feel added the finishing touches to this track. 

The Road Less Traveled" went from just a chord pattern I sort of stumbled onto during one of the first days we got together for these current recording sessions in June, 2007...to the recording you now hear...and the entire process from conception, to writing and arranging, to being rehearsed, recorded, and completely "finished"...required only a total of 30-35 studio hours....and at least half of that was rehearsal time. When we rehearse a song...the solos are played "live"...as if we are on stage. For the actual recording phase...Mark and I both play our rhythm parts (rather than the leads) in the room when the basic tracks are recorded. The solos, vocals, and acoustic guitars we add as overdubs in order to be able to mix them properly. I know from my own experience playing in many different professional groups that this kind of tightness and empathy between players never happens on new material...in such a short period of time. Something very special seems to happen whenever we get into the same room to play music together. 

Things just happen when we get together. Music seems to "come together" in an almost "magical" way. We are very proud of this track...and the fact that through some very tough times..."we're still rolling along....and we're still singing our song" 

We hope you all enjoy this little piece of our musical history. 

Mike (NAV)

VERSE #1

It's been thirty years....has it been that long?
This road's been hard and long...
When life shows up...and things seem wrong...
We just keep moving on.
The twists and turns along the way...
Are the things that make us strong...
Ain't nothing new...we've been here before...
This path is clear...but worn.

CHORUS

We're on a road less traveled...and we keep rolling along
We're on the road less traveled...and we keep singing our song
And when the road unravels...we keep driving towards the dawn
We're on the road less traveled...

VERSE#2

In a different world...in a different time...
The many shows we've played....
New friendships forged...old friends we mourn...
The price that we have paid...
This journey's not for faint of heart...
Nor the easily dismayed...
To shine in lights...up on that stage...the sacrifices made...

SECOND CHORUS

For the road less traveled....
It's too late to be afraid...
We're on the road less traveled...
Though the music's been betrayed...
We're on the road less traveled...
And we keep singing our song...
We're on the road less traveled...
Would you like to come along?
We want to take you there.