Starting with the title track, the folk-rock backdrop frames in the story of breaking out into the wild, wicked world as a young man but seen through the eyes of the older self. The dues paid to the road are being cashed in on this one and the tone is immediately set for a journey entwined with wisdom, innocence, and reflection. Punch Line, written by Spencer's traveling buddy Jared Barkan, has been a classic in underground old-time circles since they first toured the country in the early 70's. It may very well tell the story of life in America ­ as we all know it - a bold statement yet one that can stand up to such scrutiny. Seeds of Positivity has been sung in classrooms and assemblies throughout Vermont the past few years with it's captured innocence and simple yet profound vision; it is a song for all ages to embrace. Stones of Gilead uses the metaphors of stonework along with delicate mandolin and violin tracks to explain one person's raison d'etre. Lonesome Café is pure nostalgia with a simple story of the hobo hero who continues his unsung path to glory in the passionate All Ain't Lost. It is here that the Hammond B-3 organ, piano, and acoustic guitar merge to create the classic folk-rock tour de force that Spencer grew up on and which has influenced his music for years. Green Mountain Home is a 'stately' bluegrass, old-time song with it's own built in barn burner effect in Banjo Dan Lindner's understated picking. The Chosen, written by one of Spencer's musical mentors John Stewart, tells the story of angels, redemption, and the beauty that resides in all of us. Rebuilding may be the most personnel song on the CD and there's no way ­ or reason to deny that. Sometimes looking in the mirror is harder to do than we think but with patience and reflection, there is the goal of 'reaching the other side' that prevails in this powerful ballad. Conversely You and Me closes the CD with it's lightness and respect for the poignant simplicity of love and how the road and music live on forever.

Open Road further showcases Lewis' inimitable cross-flatpicking style and his rich fiddle/violin sound. The other musicians includes The Thrufters ­ Dan Haley on mandolin and Scott Paulson playing the double bass and the fretted and fretless electric bass guitars. Chas Eller, a collaborator on two previous Lewis CD's adds keyboard tracks of Hammond B-3 organ and the Big Baldwin acoustic piano. Patty Akley-Warlick who is responsible for teaching Seeds to school children all over Vermont sings her fluid harmony parts on The Chosen while Banjo Dan Lindner rolls along on Punch Line and flies a bit higher on Green Mountain Home. This is Lewis' first vocal release since the VCA's Fellowship Finalist award winning The New Generation of Old Vermonter's released in 1991. Like Old Vermonter's, this CD also tells a tale that is current and on time, with a voice and a tale that is ready to be told.