CREDITS
Written by: Tom C. Reed
Vocals: Tom C. Reed
Keyboards: Andy (Doc) Roberts
Guitars: Yang Han
Bass: John Gingerich
Drums and Percussion: Chris Loser
Saxes and Flute: Dave Shultz
Trombone: Dominic Mascaro
Trumpet: Garrett Faccone
Horn Arrangement by: Andy Roberts
Produced by: Tom C. Reed, Andy Roberts, & Mike Furst
Recorded by: Mike Furst
Recorded at: TriForce Audio, Lancaster, PA
Mixed by: Dale Penner
Mixed at: Paradise Studios, Winnipeg, Canada
Graphic Design and Logo by: Megan Coffing
Image Licensed by: Megan Coffing
Business and Creative Consulting by: Barry Coffing
"STRETCH"
Tom's Words In His Own Words
My daughter participated in dance classes for many years. She was actually good at it, but then, I'm a proud dad and might be a little bit biased. One year, the Dance studio wanted to have an event with the dads of the students performing a routine. I decided to write something that could have been used and that's how this song started.
Of course, the central idea of the lyrics is the need to extend oneself in order to grow. With performance, self doubt is never far away. It's important to continue to push personal limits and not be overtaken by doubt. This is autobiographical and a third-person personal call to push through obstacles, both imposed or self-created that brings apprehension and insecurity.
WHAT WAS THE PROCESS OF CREATING,
"STRETCH"?
This one came when my daughter was taking dance. I began thinking about the need for performers to take risks and push themselves to make the most of their abilities. The subject is somewhat autobiographical and speaks to the struggles many of us face with self-doubt. I sing, “Stretch or doubt will pull you in/If you slip, just reach again!”
In the key of G, the chords reach out, in an effort to overcome, find strength, and evade anticipation and to provide a foundation for the melody. The melody pushes me as the singer to explore a broader range and provide tension and relief. Again, I search for unusual interval jumps that still promote a flowing and easy to follow melody. I look for “whistleable” tunes that linger. I love having those horns!