The Way Things Are

“Prologue”
This album has been a true labor of love for Lincoln, Heather, and the Band. As our first record, we want this to become a vessel that helps establish where we are in our musical journey today. When listening through the album we hope listeners will feel a sense of familiarity with us and our music. We aimed to make this album an accurate representation of who we are and “The Way Things Are.”

“Liner Notes”
Heather and Lincoln,

It’s always inspiring to hear good new songs.

A vocalist who has a soulful delivery and doesn’t sound like anyone else, always keeps a listeners attention.

Musicians who focus on quality tone, tasteful arrangements and music with a foundation that supports the singer and song will standout on stage and in the studio.

Heather Alley and Lincoln Mash have assembled a band and produced a recording displaying these attributes. I’m so proud of this talented group with Ohio roots.

Heather has matured into a triple threat – songwriter, singer and musician. I first got acquainted with her a decade or more ago as a youngster in my neighborhood who had the determination required to rise above the crowd.
Her partner, Lincoln Mash, is cut from the same cloth. I first heard him with Heather a couple of years ago. With just the duo on stage, his vocal delivery was and is captivating beyond his years. We get a sample of that duet sound with an old country song delivered here, “Suppose Tonight”.

Heather and Lincoln are supported by a solid band playing together with industrial strength precision. They put their own stamp on a few classics and cover a few forgotten gems. But the original songs from this band are my favorites on this album. I’ll be featuring Heather’s “Master Carpenter” on my radio program forever, and Lincoln’s sincere vocals on “Driving Nails” is another great gospel song in this collection. “Road Goes Both Ways” is a solid, new bluegrass selection written and sang by Heather. Good material and two standout vocalists – there’s a lot to like! And they’re blessed with youth – let’s cheer them on for years to come.

– Joe Mullins (Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Real Roots Radio, Xenia, Ohio)