Brick By Brick
November 1st, 2020 – January 1st, 2022

Produced by David Granati & John Vento

With the single “America (The Saints Come Marching Home)” released on
11/1/20, the first piece of ” Brick By Brick”, is in place. On the first of
each proceeding month a new track will be released with an accompanying
video. Instead of publishing an entire album of music at one time, Brick By
Brick will be constructed from singles released on digital platforms only,
there will be no physical distribution. As Vento says, ” I typically create
a concept and thematic approach to albums, but with this one I’m just going
to let the writing process and the music created from it, take me where ever
it wants. I look forward to an interesting and fulfilling journey over this
next year.”

TRACK 1 – America ( The Saints Come Marching Home)
Released 11/1/20

Download now –
https://music.apple.com/us/album/america-the-saints-come-marching-home-singl
e/1535643564

According to co-writer/artist Frank Ferraro, “The song was written to call
out the injustices being committed by the people against its own people, by
both the general population and those seated in power. It conjures up the
ghosts of our past and holds them in parallel to the hurtful acts being
committed today. ‘America’ is not a battle cry for more acts of destruction.
It is a simple call for universal peace.”

Vento adds, ” Extremists from both political spectrums are committing
horrible acts of violence. Even though these groups represent a very small
fraction of our citizenry, they seem to get all of the TV and social media
coverage. When, in truth, most of us are peaceful and despise such violence.

AMERICA ( The Saints Come Marching Home) – J. Vento, F. Ferraro, J. Fox

Reverends and diplomats
Blood on their swords
Rich, fat aristocrats
Above the hungry and poor
America, America
The saints come marching home
The holy ghost is on his knees
Crushed by sticks and stones

Cold blooded murder in the streets of my town
The devils daughter took another good soul down
Her reputation was lost and then found
Hurricane thunder on a federal freight train

Reverends and diplomats
Blood on their swords
Rich, fat aristocrats
Above the hungry and poor
America, America
The saints come marching home
The holy ghost is knees
Crushed by sticks and stones

Big brother stirring up the bones of destruction
You see the drones as they struggle for redemption
Another one led astray by deception
Kicking up dust on the backs of the weak
Kicking up dust on the backs of the weak

Reverends and diplomats
Blood on their swords
Rich, fat aristocrats
Above the hungry and poor
America, America
The saints come marching home
The holy ghost is on his knees
Crushed by sticks and stones

Reverends and diplomats
Blood on their swords
Rich, fat aristocrats
Above the hungry and poor

Listen & Download – Click Here

Love, Lust & Other Wreckage – Released November 3rd, 2018

Produced By – David Granati

Soundtrack to the upcoming stage performance by playwright Amy Hartman

“Love, Lust and Other Wreckage; A new experiential performance effort by John Vento works as a theatrical confession. Original  songs, intimate storytelling and scenes bounce a unique tension between one man’s journey into the inside of an almost compulsive lust to create music, an insatiable desire to love and the struggle of climbing from the wreckage ensued by this pursuit.  And it’s mostly all true.”

Amy Hartman/Playwright

“I absolutely love this album, great production by David Granati, with standout track, “Let Me down Easy”  !”

Rich Engler – Rich Engler Presents

“I just finished listening to “Love, Lust, & other Wreckage”, and everything about it is awesome. Wonderful production, top notch performance, great lyrics, and interesting arrangements throughout. So creative, and fun, congratulations to everyone involved  ! “

Lee Marks – Lematt  Productions

“Thank you so much Everyone! Being on this Project was very special to me. I loved working with you all & hope to do so again in the future. I spent all day listening & the Mixes, Vocals, & Tones sounded amazing ! Thank you for having me!”

Joffo Simmons/ Drummer Joe Grushecky & The House Rockers

“I’ve been listening to music from John Vento for almost as long as I can remember and supporting local music through my websites for over 22 years. “Love, Lust and Other Wreckage” shows yet another facet of his writing and vocal skills that I had not seen yet. He never ceases to entertain me. Beautiful and melodic are probably the best words I can use to describe this soundtrack! “

Bill Domiano –  buildthescene.com

“This album is filled with grit and world-wearied vocals still hanging on stubbornly to hope. All sorts of catchy guitar textures emerge, overseen by the highly skilled hands of producer/Beaver County musical icon David Granati. Well-timed female vocal harmonies by Cherylann Hawk add some pretty touches.”

Scott Tady – Entertainment Editor – Beaver County Times

 

Good Life Made – B. Lauble, J.Vento, D. Granati

Had two grown kids, a happy ex-wife, like an old cat, lived all 9 lives, man paid the tolls. Meet his friends at the end of the day, throw a few back, with the money he made, that’s how he rolled. Those times we know, too much fun but so much love, and the price he paid was a good life made. Back in the day, when we would hide, deep in the park, on a moonless night, that’s all we knew. Cold case of beer, a little smoke, roaring laugh, to a stupid joke, we told the truth. Raise up your glass and stand with me here’s a toast to eternity, swallow hard and look around, might be heaven in this old town. See in their face, when you fade away all the kind light, be able to say a good life made.

Let Me Down Easy – M. Vincent

Let me down easy, when you say goodbye, speak to me softly, look into my eyes. You said that you love me, but that was just a lie, let me down easy tonight, let me down easy tonight. Talk about the weather, late night news, what you did at work today, where you get them shoes. Speak to me softly, please don’t make me cry, let me down easy tonight. I never noticed you were slipping away, I didn’t see the look in your eyes. I didn’t notice you were drifting away, no I just didn’t realize. Speak to me softly, please don’t make me cry, let me down easy tonight, let me down easy. Whisper sweet words, I long to hear, say that there’s some chance, you will stay near, if you don’t mean it, well that’s alright, let me down easy tonight, let me down easy tonight, let me down easy tonight.

Baby Blues – B. Lauble, J. Vento

Heard a song, that got me down, as I drove around, thought of all the hell I put you through. We were in the sun and it sank below, waiting on the beach for a fireworks show, glitter in the sky, reflected from your eyes, baby blues, baby blues they were, I didn’t see the light. baby blues, baby blues, so damn bad tonight, without you. Wake up cold, I’m on my own, in a twilight zone, thought of all the hurt I put on you, we were in a cloud when the day would dawn, coming to the end of a marathon. Gentle daybreak chimes, your morning eyes would shine, baby blues, baby blues they were. I didn’t see the light baby blues, baby blues I got’em so damn bad tonight. From that mud there came my lotus, too late for you to notice. It was wrong, to play the part, with a coward’s heart,thought of all the truth in your tattoo. We were drunk on love when you got that rose, hidden safe and sound underneath your clothes, it’s a mystery why I set you free, baby blues baby blues they were. I didn’t see the light, baby blues, baby blues so damn bad tonight, without you.

Well Yeah Maybe – B. Lauble, J. Vento, D.Granati

I can be there if you want me to, at our place on the avenue, well yeah maybe, we can talk it through. We can go there if it’s good for you, resurrect our old taboo, well yeah maybe, learn something new. Under cafe lights, enchanting breeze we tease wine words flow, we both know it’s all played out, and it’s all fine and way past time to breath. I can tell you that my aim was true, but the arrow didn’t have a clue, it’s not crazy, just a point of view. We don’t have to have a bitter end walk away and still be friends, well yeah maybe, but.. we can’t pretend. Under cafe lights, enchanting breeze we tease, wine words flow, we both know, it’s all played out, and it’s all fine, and way past time to leave.

Just Don’t Care – J. Vento, A. Hartman, J. Fox

Autumn stirs the air, all of me in fear, the end is near summer’s dawn, nothing is clear, the ghost of us reappears. Slipping sliding on a frozen glass, falling into that funeral mass, look what happened to me my friends, busted and broken, and I’m numb in the end, I don’t even care. Days to months, months to years, the myth of us laughing, turns to tears, opulent holy hope so near, a dead love affair and I just don’t care. Hey honey pour me a gin, open your sweet spot and let me in, I‘m a dead man looking for a little sin, love weary on a losing end, oh, I just don’t care. Days to months, months to years, the myth of us laughing, turns to tears, opulent holy, hope so near, a dead love affair and I just don’t care. Ride the road, rough and blue, I won’t lie, I miss the mess of you, can’t stand my mind, the way it’s true, running scared, that’s what I do, this ugly love ain’t enough for you, makes me a sinnernow we’re through now we’re through.

I Hope I Don’t Fall In Love With You – T. Waits

Well I hope that I don’t fall in love with you, cause falling in love just makes me blue. Well the music plays and you display your heart for me to see, I had a beer and now I hear you calling out for me,  and I hope that I don’t fall in love with you. The room is crowded, there’s people everywhere and I wonder, should I offer you my chair. Well if you sit down with this old clown, I’ll take that frown and break it, before the evening’s gone away, I think that we could make it and I hope that I don’t fall in love with you. I can see you’re lonesome just like me, and it being late, you’d like some  company well I’ve had two, I look at you, you look back at me, the guy you’re with he’s up and split, the chair next to you is free and I hope that you don’t fall in love with me. Well the night does funny things inside a man those old tom-cat feelings you don’t understand, well I turn around to look at you, you light a cigarette, I wish I had the guts to bum one, but we’ve never met, and I hope that I don’t fall in love with you. Now it’s closing time, the music’s fading out last call for drinks, I’ll have another stout well I turn around to look at you, you’re nowhere to be found I search the place for your lost face, I guess i’ll have another round and I think that I just fell in love with you.

Eye Candy  – B. Lauble, J. Vento

Is it so wrong to sport a slack jaw diamond, valet jump, fight to open her door, leaves the gate like a thoroughbred racer, sinewy paces, she turns their faces to stone. Eye candy much to their dismay, eye candy takes their breath away. She enters the club with a drop dead shadow, watch her flow, go, and ignite, strobe lights flash, freezing her movement, with each frame, another mind is blown. Eye candy much to their dismay, eye candy takes their breath away. All I know it feels right this perfect sight, in my beautiful life. Enter the gig with a fine-tuned motor, sit front row shakes the front man low, pulled on stage like an amazon killer, it’s a thrill, watch her steal the show.

Only Love Stays Alive – B. Lauble, J. Vento, D. Granati

Under cover tan line dove marque, she broke bad and stoney, high times, with the dope dime king kong crazy, my dead end game. Go talk about lust without me, you’re still blinded by our broken light, oh turn around, oh turn around lady, only love stays alive, when our heavens collide only love stays alive, when God takes a side only love stays alive. The boy wonder your mojo guarantee, he was just your pony, you had a fine time on the long cheap, touche’ baby, we share the pain, go cry about love without me, don’t waste tears on your red-eye flight. Only love stays alive, when our heavens collide only love stays alive, when God takes a side only love stays alive.

Rainbows and Lightning – D. Granati, C. Hawk, J. Vento

Pictures of pictures, and pictures of frames, looking through lenses for a spark or a flame, if I can see a love that looks like success, then maybe next time I won’t make such a mess, searching for something with no shame and no blame, a picture perfect love that’s not just a game. Like in a movie on a bench in the park, thought I could find the look of love from afar, then into focus, much to my surprise, there stood an angel looking into my eyes. Pictures of paintings I put love in a frame, from that perspective it just isn’t the same, as being there and seeing how hard I fell, catching my breath between heaven and hell, love can be frightening but it’s beautiful too, rainbows and lightning between me and you. Like in a movie on a bench in the park, thought I could find the look of love from afar, then into focus, much to my surprise, there stood an angel looking into my eyes.  Every day when the sun comes up, I pray to be a better man, as the storm clouds form above, lightning strikes again. All that’s left is a barren wasteland, from the pain and baggage, slice the veins, the blood runs free, broken bones and wreckage.

Humble Way – B. Lauble, J. Vento

Thunder road on the radio, promise land for that romeo, kept the faith kept hope alive, took a bite of humble pie. Man in black on a tv show, surrender sweet baritone, from his heart he did the time, learned to love and walk the line yeah. I’m the phoenix burned by the sun, to rise up another day, I want to become your man in a humble way. My arrogance had laid me low, it’s so rich the taste of crow, vanity with all its might, superman and cryptonite yeah. I’m the phoenix burned by the sun, to rise up another day, I want to become your man in a humble way. Conceit a fuse to light, up in flames like dynamite, my fireball made no sound, as it tumbled to the ground. I’m the phoenix burned by the sun, to rise up another day, I want to become your man in a humble way.

With You-  D. Granati, C. Hawk, J. Vento

When I see you, I see sunshine, you take my breathe away, when you speak softly, whisper with bright eyes, I know with you is where I want to stay. With you I feel like I can rise above the past, baby, with you I learned to love in ways I never knew, with you i’m ready for the road ahead at last, ’cause every day I fall in love with you. When I heard you, calling out for me, I couldn’t face another lonely night, ’cause you just love me, you really love me, I’m the luckiest man alive. Well yeah, my baby, this is what they call the good life, cause I can say that I can finally see the light, this might sound crazy, I see heaven there in your eyes, only love can shine that bright, I’m gonna love you, you’re gonna love me, my heart knows what I need with you.

Follow Your Heart -D. Granati, C. Hawk,  J. Vento, B. Lauble

Silverado Colorado, how I love the west, dusty skies and orange sun, your ink on my chest. When I travel through the winds of the world, I think about you, when I go away, away, I’m blue. Here we are now, ready to begin, let’s just enjoy the journey love, it’s not about the win, sometimes you’ll be behind me, and sometimes you’ll be ahead, and when the bridge is broken down, remember what I said. Follow your heart follow your heart, let it take the lead, right from the start, hold on and keep believing, your heart knows what you need. Follow your heart follow your heart, let it take the lead follow your heart, right from the start, hold on and keep believing, your heart knows what you need. Follow follow follow your heart, your heart knows what you need, your heart knows what you need, your heart knows what you need, your heart will set you free, you heart will set you free, just enjoy the journey love.

I’ll Be Still – B. Lauble

Goodnight, starry skies, August moon, sweet nothing lies, listen to my lullaby, promises you can’t deny, drift away, close your eyes, right beside you darlin’ I’ll be still. Goodnight, fireflies, perfume air, paradise, listen to my lullaby, rapsody I won’t disguise, right beside you darlin’ I’ll be still. Crucify the monster, made to make you small, celebrate the creature, hid inside us all. Goodnight summer rain, drizzle on my window pane, listen to my lullaby, Bella Rose I miss you so, right beside you darlin’ I’ll be still. Now it’s time to say goodbye, Bella Rose I miss you so, right beside you darlin’, right beside you darlin’, right beside you darlin’, I’ll be still.

Love, Lust & Other Wreckage – Project Credits

John Vento – Vocals, Cherylann Hawk – Vocals, David Granati – Acoustic & Electric Guitars (mostly Rickenbacker), Bass Guitar, Keyboards on 9, Hand Percussion, Jules Granati – Drums 2, 9, 11, 12, Congas – 5, 12 Joffo Simmons – Drums 1, 4, 8, Bob Fetherlin – Drums – 6, 7, 10, Hermie Granati – Keyboards – 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, Joey Granati – Keyboards – 8, 13, Ian Arthurs – Acoustic Guitar – 5, Cheryl Rinovato – Electric Guitar Lead – 8, Wil E. Tri – Harmonica – 1, 6, Produced by David Granati Assisted by John Vento & Cherylann Hawk, Recorded & Mixed at Maplewood Studio, Ambridge, Pa. Mastered by – Brian Foraker , Nashville, TN, Graphic Design by Dominec Mollica, Photos by Q2 Photography (Paulette Quinten & Mary Alice Foote) Photo direction – Amy Hartman Models – Nicole Ross & Jenna Weiss

Listen & Download – Click Here

Wayward Soul – Released March 15, 2011

Produced By Buddy Hall & Frank Ferraro

”Simultaneously haunting and rousing, These songs will stir your soul” Brian Czarnecki WYEP Radio, Block Party Host.
 
 
”Wayward Soul is a remarkable album, It is at times touching, Heart-Wrenching, Soul-Baring and even groundbreaking for its genre” Rob Garrison, Formely of the Buzzpoets.
 

Wayward Soul Music Featured In Documentary Film

Five tracks, including a powerful live performance of “Betrayed”, from the “Wayward Soul” album are featured in Frank Ferraro’s critically acclaimed documentary, “Wine & Dust”.

 

KINGDOM COME

There ain’t no kings In kingdom come The sun only rises When the night is done I pass through the fire By the way of the cross Heavy is my sorrow Of my albatross Of my albatross Of my albatross Lyrics and Music – Frank Ferraro John Vento Lead Vocal Buddy Hall – Piano, Percussion Tim Hadley – Electric Guitar

WAYWARD SOUL

Hear the bells ringing in the valley below Sweet is the sound that takes me back home If I should fall before I grow old Ring them bells softly for this wayward soul Lead me Saint Christopher, to open roads Cold are my feet as I walk through the snow When I am lost I’m never alone Ring them bells softly for this wayward soul Hear the bells ringing in the valley below Sweet is the sound that takes me back home If I should die before I grow old Ring them bells softly for this wayward soul Ring them bells softly for this wayward soul Lyrics – Frank Ferraro Music – Buddy Hall John Vento Lead Vocal – Buddy Hall Acoustic Guitar, Organ, Percussion

MAMA

Mama, oh Mama, please pray for me today I’m lost alone and I can’t find my way Got nothing left to give this world Can’t face another day Mama, Mama, give me strength Mama, Mama, there’s a shadow over me Everywhere I look, men ain’t free These times are changing quickly But I just can’t let it be Mama, oh Mama, set me free Mama, Mama, Mama I’m feeling blue There’s darkness in my heart, holes in my shoes I lost my job yesterday And I don’t know what to do Mama, Mama, I miss you Mama, Mama, I miss you Mama, Mama, I miss you Lyrics and Music – John Vento John Vento – Lead Vocal Buddy Hall – Piano, Organ Susan Halpin – Outro Vocal

BE MY LOVER

She struts into the room Well I don’t know her But with a magnifying glance I just sort of looked her over, hmm We have a drink or two Well, maybe three And then suddenly she starts telling me, her life story She says, baby if you wanna be my lover You better take me home ‘Cause it’s a long, long way to paradise And I’m still on my own I told her that I came from Detroit City And I played guitar in a long-haired rock and roll band She asked me why I gave up all my music I said listen, baby, you really wouldn’t understand And I said, baby if you wanna, be my lover You better take me home ‘Cause it’s a long, long way to paradise And I’m still on my own On my own On my own On my own I said, baby if you wanna, be my lover You better take me home ‘Cause it’s a long, long way to paradise And I’m still on my own Lyrics and Music – Michael Bruce Alice Cooper John Vento – Lead Vocal Frank Ferarro – Back porch Percussion, Foot Stomping Buddy Hall – Banjo Mandolin, Background Vocal

BETRAYED

Oh, I still love you, but I hate your foolish game Forgive me lord, I’m not placing blame I met Charlie at the staircase lounge That’s when I saw her, I saw her, I saw her Oh, I just wonder, take me right or wrong Pain through the night as I’m dying but just getting strong Oh, I still wander, I wander, I wander I wander, I wander, I wander away Lyrics – John Vento Music Frank Ferraro John Vento – Lead Vocal Tim Hadley – Electric Guitar Russ Oblinger – Bass Frank Ferraro – Drum Programming, Piano Susan Halpin – Intro Vocal

UP JUMPS THE DEVIL, POP GOES THE WEASEL

Slingshot lover who lies all the time Creepin’ like a snail on the blade of a knife Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Up jumps the devil and pop goes the weasel Rollin through life on whiskey and lies You blow smoke in the eyes of the blind I’m living to lose and fighting to die I’m a train full of baggage that will never fly Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Up jumps the devil and pop goes the weasel Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Up jumps the devil and pop goes the weasel Up jumps the devil and pop goes the weasel Up jumps the devil and pop goes the weasel Up jumps the devil and pop goes the weasel Lyrics and Music – Frank Ferraro John Vento – Lead Vocal Frank Ferraro – Guitar Loop, Background Vocal Buddy Hall – Bass, Percussion, Drum Programming, Background Vocal Russ Oblinger – Bass Outro Chris Hutter – Tenor Saxophone Scott Grill – Background Vocal Rhonda Watson – Background Vocal

BLOODLINES

When I was a young man I knew everything about everything And I just had no fear Late in the evening, my hands they grow cold Nothing beside me, I’ve got nothing to hold Son of my father, I felt his misery He tried to save me but I shattered his dreams Bloodlines Love, life and through pain, it happened again Bloodlines Love, life and through pain, it happened again Searching for glory in the powers that be Finally see the truth as it stands in front of me Through death, sadness and pain, it happened again Bloodlines Lyrics – John Vento, Frank Ferraro Music – John Vento, Buddy Hall John Vento – Lead Vocal Buddy Hall – Electric Guitar, Bass, Drum Programming, Moog Synthesizer, Background Vocals

EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT

As I stood in the doorway, on the edge of yesterday Reflections of my soul, shape the man I am today Everything will be alright Everything will be alright When the north wind blows, against the shotgun rain They’ll be two trains a’ rollin’, only one goes my way Everything will be alright Everything will be alright I hear the sons of fathers, when I look across the sky Where wisdom is the wind, and the shining light my guide With nothing but my faith, I’ll be right where I belong And when my strength comes back, our friendship will be strong Everything will be alright Everything will be alright Lyrics – Frank Ferraro, John Vento Music – Frank Ferraro, John Vento Lead Vocal – Frank Ferraro Piano – Buddy Hall Strings – Background Vocal

WAYWARD SOUL PROJECT CREDITS

Album – Wayward Soul, Artist – John Vento, Producer – Frank Ferraro, Engineered & Mixed By – Buddy Hall, Recorded @ Beacon Hill Studio – Dormont, PA Mastered By – Rob Garrison – San Antonio, TX Published By – Catscopypa – 2011

Listen & Download – Click Here

Reflections Of An Average Soul – Released February 2, 2002

Produced By Buddy Hall & Rob Garrison

With his diary like lyrics Vento makes song writing seem easy on this acoustic based album.  For this project Vento assembled a stellar supporting cast , led by well known  producer Buddy Hall and engineer Rob Garrison. Reb Beach  guitarist for the metal band Winger, wields the lead axe on a few cuts , while B.E. Taylor adds his distinctive voice to the song “Brother”. With all things considered, the singing, lyrics, and musicianship on “Reflections of an Average Soul “ elevate Vento’s solo effort well beyond the audio equivalent of a vanity press. As a solo artist and front man for the J. Geils Band- influenced Businessmen , Vento displays great natural instincts for creating simple ,soulful songs. It’s my hope that he will share this gift with audiences on a more frequent basis. Scott Tady / The Times – Beaver Newspapers Inc. – Thursday March 14, 2002

 

HOURGLASS

Well i’m sitting down at this bar Staring at this beer One, two, three, four decades Gone don’t know how i got here Three great kids later, I’m worried  about Their  lives Makes me kinda Crazy lots to Sleepless nights It wasn’t that long ago we Walked up/down that hill Each and every morning to Catch a bus for school Old man swanson he let those bullets fly Across the big blue arco station We used to stroll on by And do you remember when rose dinkins struck out east? Everything had changed when she killed schrott and connolly Four short decades Where did all those years go? Making it though one day at a time The only way we know Time flies fast… Like the sand in a big old hourglass Time flies fast and that you know It’s gonna kick you in the ass All of us got real scared When my good mamma died I want to thank you for all your help I made it though that night We all thought we were cool Yet we couldn’t get a date All them girls were so stuck up But we all believed in fate Remember when we drove Drove all night long To wildwood deep down new jersey Just a-singing those kiss songs One, two, three, four short decades Where did all those years go? Making it though one day at a time The only way we knew Time flies fast…like the sand in a big old hourglass Time flies fast and that you know It’s gonna kick you in the ass Ya been to frankstown road? Well they destroyed our home Where we were born It’s all gone Ain’t no more, man These day’s we’re a little grayer And a whole lot more wide Maybe a little smarter Certainly not wise And i better finish this here beer Head on down to my home One, two, three, four decades gone But i know where i belong Lyrics – John Vento Music – John Fox John Vento – Lead Vocal John Fox – Acoustic Guitar Norman Nardini – Background Vocals Susan Halpin – Intro Vocal Buddy Hall – Banjo, Bass, Percussion

THE DAY THE LADY CRIED

She stood in the harbor On a bright september day The sun from the dawning Began to warm her face And her heart is fair Trust is everywhere Majestically she rose Her torch showed us the way Everyone is welcome To a new american day And her heart is good Comforting the world Then a storm cloud gathered day turned to night with a sudden flash of thunder power and might She looked from the distance A tear fell from her eye It later came to pass As the day the lady cried As the darkness fell that morning And grew throughout the day Never had a warning Innocence gone away And her heart is mad Fire in her eyes A people all together Standing side by side Hopeful for the future Hopeful for the light And her heart is strong The battle may be long Then a storm cloud gathered day became night with a sudden flash of thunder power and might She looked from the distance A tear fell from her eye It later came to pass As the day the lady cried Voices from heaven Voices from pain Those that paid so dearly Surely will rise again And all those that love em’ Never let em’ die Freedom that they cherished On the day the lady cried Voices from heaven Voices from pain Those that paid so dearly Surely will rise again And all those that love em’ Never let em’ die Freedom that they cherished On the day the lady cried Voices from heaven Voices from pain Those that paid so dearly Surely will rise again And all those that love em’ Never let em’ die Freedom that they cherished On the day the lady cried Voices from heaven Voices from pain Those that paid so dearly Surely will rise again And all those that love em’ Never let em’ die Freedom that they cherished On the day the lady cried Voices from heavenVoices from pain Those that paid so dearly Surely will rise again And all those that love em’ Never let em’ die Freedom that they cherished On the day the lady cried Lyrics – John Vento Music – Buddy Hall John Vento – Lead vocal Buddy Hall – Guitars, Bass, Drum Programming Reb Beach – Background Vocals

JUST DON’T CARE

Just don’t care Oh mist fills the air As if the end is near Summers gone and that is clear Water crystals reappear Winter is here Balanced on an icy edge One wrong shift and it might end Looks what happened to some of your friends Leaves are falling once again When will the frost begin Days to months Months to years Laughter and smiles turn to tears Optimism and hope to fear How does it happen when you just don’t care Our roots are deep they always were Winters breeze will not hurt We have known the cold war in the past Still found a way to make it last Will it last Frigid wind will soon subside Lord please hold me tight Daytime will defeat the night It isn’t easy Only right Life together is worth the fight Days to months Months to years Laughter and smiles turn to tear Optimism and hope to fear How does it happen when you just don’t care Spring is here The flowers arrive Grass getting greener on the other side Going to the new sunlight Vivid us of views on life Days to months Months to years Laughter and smiles reappear Why does it happen when they just don’t care Lyrics – John Vento Music – John Fox John Vento – Lead Vocal Buddy Hall – Strings, Percussion John Fox – Acoustic Guitar

BROTHER

So brother tell me where have you been hiding Theres gotta be some good in your life Now i’m not pushin No and i’m not pryin I just wanna know your alright I’ll reach out for you brother Don’t ya think that i understand I’ll speak out for you brother ready with a helping hand Reach out Speak up Look out Don’t ya think that i understand We’re here for you brother When you want bto take that chance So brother tell me have the years been good to you And are you really clean like they say Now i’ve been patient and i’ve been prayin’ But letting go gets harder each day I’ll reach out for you brother Don’t ya think that i understand I’ll speak out for you brother Ready with a helping hand Reach out Speak up Look out Don’t ya think that i understand We’re here for you brother When you want to take that chance When you want to take that chance You just gotta reach out your hand Cause theres a lot of good  people  waiting To welcome you home Lyrics – John Vento Music – John Fox John Vento – Lead Vocal Reb Beach – Electric Guitar Buddy Hall – Bass, Drum Programming B.E. Taylor – Background Vocal

GROW UP FAST

You grow up fast when your mom dies young You learn to last and to overcome the pain You grow up fast when your mom dies young You learn to last and to overcome the pain Time and again Now some get sad, some get mad Some get bored, and some turn bad The choice is there so don’t be scared Just use your memory instead of fear to move on You learn to smile when your mom dies young Go the extra mile for the things undone To be free, she’s part of me You learn to cry when your mom dies young The years go by, like the songs we sung There’s a way, for another day Now some get sad, some get mad And some get bored, and some turn bad The choice is there so don’t be scared Just use your memory instead of fear to move on Ya get so scared when your mom dies young You’re just a kid tryin’ to have some fun Many tears been shed since my mom died young. I’ll never know why so I gotta move on and let it be It’s a mystery Lyrics – John Vento Music – Tim Hadley John Vento – Lead Vocal Buddy Hall – Electric Guitar, Background Vocal, Drum Programming

CAN’T TAKE IT

I know what your thinkin I’ve been this way before I know what your after You’ve been this way before One look in your eyes And I can see what love is When I’m held in your arms I can feel what love is And then I know one thing that life’s about When I promise to change I just go right back I just can’t take it no more You know I’ve tried so long I just can’t be that guy that always seemed so strong I just can’t take it no more You know I’ve tried so long I just can’t take it no more I know why were fighting A promise i just can’t keep I know that your waiting for the person I’m tryin to be One look in your eyes And I can see what love is When I’m held in your arms I can feel what love is And then I know one thing that life’s about When I promise to change I just go right back I just can’t take it no more You know I’ve tried so long I just can’t be that guy that always seemed so strong I just can’t take it no more You know I’ve tried so long I just can’t take it no more I knew deception would destroy all the trust But I kept those secrets from you knowing too much I tried to steal your dreams by palying those games I know your disappointed that I am still the same One look in your eyes And I can see what love is When I’m held in your arms I can feel what love is And then I know one thing that life’s about When I promise to change I just go right back I just can’t take it no more You know I’ve tried so long I just can’t be that guy that always seemed so strong I just can’t take it no more You know I’ve tried so long I just can’t take it no more Lyrics – John Vento Music – Bill Hibbert & Tim Hadley John Vento – Lead Vocal Bill Hibbert – Acoustic Guitar Buddy Hall – Bass, Percussion, Background Vocal

WHEN THE PIECES FALL INTO PLACE

His body lay cool and mud His face turned toward the sun The blood ran crimson from his head We knew that he was done His lips were moving when I approached Yet he spoke not a word As if some kind of prayer His voice was not to be heard His wrists were chained and they were shackled This poor boy just couldn’t leave his gun Though he was doomed when we advanced This poor boy, just couldn’t run That’s the way it happened in the early vietnam sun It was just before the dawn came that the fighting had begun But then the fight was over and we moved across the field We searched the foxholes and bunkers to see how many we killed That was when I saw him lieing in pain The medics tried to save him he died without giving his name What kind of power are we fighting That would chain a boy to a gun Leave him firing hopeless as the cowards left on the run There’s a question left to be answered When the pieces fall into place But there’s one thing when the day comes, of this boy they’ll be no trace When the pieces fall into place There will be chance for the human race When the pieces fall into place There’s finally a chance in the world for the human race When the pieces fall into place Don’t worry, they’ll fall into place Lyrics – Butch Clark Music – John Fox & John Vento John Vento – Lead Vocal John Fox – Acoustic Guitar , Background Vocals Buddy Hall – Bass , Drum Programming

Reflections of an Average Soul Project Credits

Album – Reflections of an Average Soul, Artist – John Vento, Producer – Buddy Hall, Engineered  By – Rob Garrison Recorded @ Beacon Hill Studio – Dormont, PA Mastered By – Rob Garrison – San Antonio, TX