Reckless Abandon Welcomes a New Member

It seems that whenever you are about ready to give up on Reckless Abandon's chances of making it big, the band keeps coming back with more surprises. First coming out with a couple of gigs, then a few half-way decent recordings, and then the birth of future Abandon Carter Park, Jef's baby brother, now the band welcomes another member.

Virginia Baggley is a musician from Pell City who can sing, play piano, and write incredible music. Her music fits well with the style that Reckless Abandon has been playing, while also providing a wider variety of music that has become much abandoned in our reckless culture.

With religious and real life influences, the band is sure to touch the heart of the typical American who so often feels reckless and abanded. It gives hope for the hopeless, emotion to the stubborn, power to the weak, peace for the reckless, and a home for the abanded.




And there is now a new burst of energy to the Abandoned family. Viriginia has given the news that there is a possible recording opportunity with her brother, who has been a lifelong musician and music lover, who is so perceptible to music that he can spot mistakes in the greatest bands of today. "We are greatful for the cooperation of the Baggley family" said Jef Park. "We know it is hard to trust upcoming rockstars these days."

But even yet another possibility for the band is that new member Viriginia may provide the sound to bring Timothy back to the band. "I don't like hard rock" says Timothy the Stud Winstead. "I prefer more mellow sounds than the abandon music. I wish my buds well, but I don't want apart in stuff that loud." Now with the mellow sound of Viriginia, Timothy is considering rejoining the band to provide his talented violin harmonies. "We love our friend Timothy, and if Viriginia can pull Tim back with us, then it will be great for Abandons everywhere" says Ryan. Viriginia herself even specially requested for Timothy's practice at the next Reckless Abandon practice, set for Monday at 3:30 in the afternoon. "Just tell Timothy that there's a cute girl in the band" says Jef, "And he'll be in!"




All members are very busy these days, making get togethers harder for them. Ryan is working about 40 hours a week, and getting ready for Samford University in the Fall. Jef Park is also busy working at a lawn and garden shop near his house. Virginia is job searching as well as staying busy with her church and other variuos activities. Even yet, the three are doing there best to keep Reckless Abandon music going, especially with the new hope that Viriginia brings.




To sum it all up, there is still great hope for Reckless Abandon. Viringia and Jef's sister Torrie Park have become known as the "Reckletts," for their nice female background vocals. Torrie is not yet a converted Abandon, but she does enjoy singing songs such as "Will You Be There" which is now set to be used as a duet between Jef and Viriginia. "Duets are yet another great aspect that Viriginia adds to the band" says Ryan. "Some songs only she will sing; some songs only Jef will sing; and some can be a duet between the two of them. We always wanted 'Will You Be There' to be a duet, and it is already sounding great!"

Viriginia herself has said that she is "really excited!" about joining the band. She was impressed by the Reckless Abandon music, loving the lyrics to "Will You Be There" and "If Only They Knew" and loving the song "Forever And A Day." We will keep you updated with the life of Reckless Abandon.

Reckless Abandon working on a CD

Reckless Abandon has been working hard on upcoming CD Mile 58. Mile 58 features songs

Do You Remember
Understanding
Forever And A Day
If Only They Knew
Will You Be There
Everything And More
Calling in Life
Eyes Said Otherwise.

It should be great, and should be out by the end of the summer, Lord willing.

Also, Reckless Abandon welcomes a new member to the Abandoned family. Carter Mcechain Park was born at approximately 1:00 Saturday morning. Mother and baby are back home and doing great! Lead singer and older brother Jef said, "We are going to make Carter our life project. He is going to grow up and become a great musician and a great man!"

Thanks for all the support!

Back To Practicing!

Just when you thought that Reckless Abandon had abandoned their music, the band is back to practicing, and is sounding better than ever. The band has devoted their off time to work, school, and writing more songs. The new songs, just as the old ones, fit right to the heart of the band's philosophy and influences.

Lead singer Jef Park has been working on his song, "Everything and More," which tells the story of his relationship with his significant other. The smooth chord progressions and touching lyrics fit right into the soul of Jef's relationship. Some say that this song even beats the previous love song wrote by Jef, "Forever And A Day."

Along this way, though, Jef has seen many relationships fall with other couples, and this has inspired him to right yet another song. "Eyes Say Otherwise" is a sad and yet catchy song, fitting well with the band's musical roots. "I wanted to write a song that shows how strong the eyes can be, yet how easy it is to overlook the eyes of someone when you think that you are in love with them" Jef said in a recent interview. "This song still has work to do, but I'm liking the way it is going right now."



But Jef is not the only person to be writing music. Ryan Hampton, as seen on the left, even in his time working, doing school, and trying to keep a clean house, has also been writing music. "Just when I think I can not write anymore songs," says Ryan, "I come back and continue writing. I just can't help it."

Ryan has been working on "Calling in Life" for a while now, a songs that portrays his outlook to life, and how his songwriting allows him to see the world better. "I was just in bed thinking one night," says Ryan, "About all of my mistakes and how my faith in God seems to die away so easily, and I come to realize that this is what my songs are about. They help me put things in perspective, and at least make an attempt at telling others what I see through my eyes." As Ryan continues, "Sometimes these things I attempt at explaining are unexplainable, but yet somehow, whether you call it magic, power, love, or whatever, the unexplainable seems to make a little more sense through music, at least that is how it is with me." This is where the line of the song in the chorus, "Oh, can't you see this is my calling in life: to explain the unexplainable" comes in at. This poetic, literary, and emotional song reminds many of the poetic style of Ronnie Van Zant, lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd.


Ryan has also been working on his song "Drink to Remember" which has been called a "Presbyte-rian drinking song." "I don't want people to get the wrong idea of this song, though," says Ryan. "The song is funny, but it does have a driving point to it. I do not glorify drinking, much less getting drunk. I simply am saying that instead of drinking to forget about the past, as many do, we should remember the past when we drink." Ryan even quotes from Scripture at the beginning of the second verse, where it says "Jesus said 'Do this in rememberence of me,'" which was Jesus' words at the Last Supper where He took bread and wine. "I am simply wanting us to drink with joy to the blessings God has given us. Along the way in the song, particulary in the first verse, I show forth many facts of life that just make things seem unfair. But I turn them around in the chorus by basically saying, instead of drinking away the past in guilt, remember the past with joy. It puts things of today in perspective. One day you will probably miss these very times today. Life is a grand ole story, who's story book rests in Heaven."



Finally, Ryan has been working on the song "Why Does It Have To Be?" This songs, similar to Jef's song "Understanding," deals with a man who only wants to do what is right in helping somebody or some people. But in this case, it seems that his good intentions only go so far. In the first verse, a literary approach shows how someone tried saving someone and made thigns worse. The second verse deals with how this person gets out of the way, only to be cursed by the family of a fatal victim. "There is a fine in how we should help others, and just step back and let God take care of things. Certainly we want to be missional and get ivolved in someone's life, showing them the good news. But sometimes we have our own problems to work out, and rushing into something may make things worse," says Ryan. "That is what this song deals with. Where is that line? Why do our good intentions only go so far? Why would God give us wisdom to see when someone is in bad condition in need help, but not go ahead and give us the wisdom to be able to help them?"

There are more songs the band could be working on, but for now, they will stop with these. Ryan has in the back of his head songs "But Then Again (I could go home)," Finsish What I Started," and "One Philosophy." The first two songs have been songs that have already been written by Ryan in complete form, but the duo wants to wait a while before the finishing touches are added, and Jef takes over the vocals to the songs.


"We are in great shape" says Jef. "Just give us time and any attention you can, great or small, and you will find the lyrics relative to your life." The band looks to begin recording again perhaps sometime in the summer when school dies down, either by CGStudios Inc., or perhaps by purchasing their own recording studio.

The Advancement of "Will You Be There?"

Will You Be There is advancing as one of Reckless Abandon's greatest songs. The poetic literature, outpouring of emotion, romantic irony, all topped with a moving guitar solo is sure to make this a great song. The original lyrics to the song were written about two and a half years ago by Ryan Hampton. While working on a cassette tape in his private studio at his home in Alabama, Ryan changed the chord progression, and advanced the words.

Since, he has been performing the song with Jef and Timothy, and once even by himself as the singer at a local gig. "They encouraged me not to sing, and they were probably right, but I felt that this is the one song I could pull off" said Ryan, who is not really known for his singing talents. Since then, Jef has been working on more advancements for the song as well. Both him and Ryan have developed guitar solos, and it is only a matter of which one would be the best. The irony is held by doing a duet with Jef's girlfriend Abbie. When doing the chorus the final time, the words change to the affirmative, "You Will Be There," only to show these as optomistic hopings and not a definate proof, by ending with the main "Will You Be There" at the last line of the chorus the final time through.

The setting of the song is of a man leaving to go somewhere he goes to from time to time. He is looking foward to seeing a particular person there. He feels things just aren't the same, but is reminded of what happened one year ago. He is anxious to see if this person will be there, not as true love, but as a true friendship he does not want to die. Little does he know, the girl is feeling the same way, as capped off by the duet. The music video to come to this will make the song all the more moving and revealing.

This song is moving as one of the most powerful songs produced by Reckless Abandon. It is only a matter of time until people all accross America are in love with it.

Merry Christmas from Reckless Abandon!!!

A Week off for Thanksgiving and Back to Work

Reckless Abandon took the week of Thanksgiving off of practicing to be with their family. Also, Ryan needed to catch up on school. "The band had drug me behind in school some, and I felt the need to catch up" said Ryan. The band went back to practicing Monday, one week after their first recording session, hoping that they would not miss a beat (no pun intended). "We could tell we had our week off, but it didn't take long before we felt right back and ready in the music" said Ryan. "We had another good practice session" said Jef.

Ryan is now anxious for future recording. "Last time, we got a little nervous, had to rig the drums due to temporarily-misplaced mic cables, and was a little unsure exactly how our recording would work best. Next time, we will now more of what system works best for us, have a few wrinkles ironed out, and should have the mic cables. It should go faster and easier." Until next recording session, the band is simply desiring to iron out these wrinkles. "We have our songs down pat as far as the general gist of it goes, but we just want to 'iron out our wrinkles' so to speak" said Ryan.

The band has been wanting to begin working on more songs as well, but feels that for now, it is best to work primarily on the stuff ready to record. "We have more stuff - almost too much stuff - we can work on, but we focus on the stuff we have the best now" said Ryan. Jef added, "I have a lot of lyrics Ryan has given me, some good chord proggression ideas that we just need to fit to the lyrics. We also have some already written songs we just aren't really doing much now. I am trying to get the hand of Ryan's song 'Calling in Life' but am primarily working on the main stuff." There are five songs the band is working on now. The band is also supposed to be playing at a friends Christmas party this December.

As one fan said, "This could be one big move in the music industry. Ryan can do anything he puts his mind to. He's even an Eagle Scout for crying out loud! Jef is pretty dang serious about his music as well. Timothy is one of the best violinists around. The lyrics sung are touching to the common American. 'One thing that keeps me going is the fact of knowing, I can express myself in the songs that I write,' 'Do you remember the day Satan seemed so close,' 'Let me finish what I started,' 'I want to love you forever and a day,' 'Lord please help me to do what is right,' 'All I can do is think about them times, and ponder on what might have been,' 'If only they knew the prays I pray at night,' and so on. You get the point. These are songs about real life, real stories, real feelings, and are played by real people. They touched me, and they can touch you. Ryan adds, "We play American music. We play people music. We play Reckless Abandon music."

Yes, it really is that simple. And with the winning attitude, beatiful music, and touching lyrics the band provides, it is only a matter of time before they heavily influence the music industry, whether they are popular or not. Some things happen despite inpopularity. After a week off, the band is ready and exited for any more possible opportunities.

The First Recording of Reckless Abandon

"It was a good start." That was the reaction for Ryan, Jef, and Clifton after doing the first recording session. "It was not as fast as lightening. We did not get tons of stuff done. But we did get some done, got to learn some about recording, and got a good idea of what will work best for us" said Ryan. "It was fun to me" said Clifton. "I really enjoyed playing Jef's guitar. It rocked. I love guitars."

But a scare came when Clifton realized that his mic cables had mysteriously gone missing. "Oh, no," said Clifton in a concerned voice. But there was no reason to fear. The technological skills of Clifton were here. He was able to get just enough mics and cables to make it work at least well enough. "It's not perfect- it may sound somewhat like it comes from the fifties." But Ryan said, "That might add something to it."

The group recorded their song "Forever And A Day." We were between "Do You Remember" and "Forever And A Day," but we figured since most people know "Do You Remember," that "Forever And A Day" would be best to do first" said Jef. "Forever And A Day" is a love song. Jef has a lady friend who he was getting to know well. She wanted him to write a "cheesy love song." About that time, Jef wanted to write a song with the same title as their band name- which at that time was "Forever And A Day." Jef combined the two ideas, making a love song called "Forever And A Day." "Y'all impress me. Y'all write songs about girls, where I just write songs about other guys and everything!" said Clifton. All of its reviews have been great thus far.

The band laid down the basic track for "Forever And A Day" but did not put in the full version of violin, bass, and piano. "The violin goes great on this song" said Ryan. The band hopes to get semi-member Timothy Winstead in to dub over a beautiful violin harmony. "It would add a lot" says Ryan.

The band is looking foward for a full demo CD, and is greatly appreciative of the support.

Back to Practicing and Soon to Record

Reckless Abandon took last week off from practicing. After their latest gig while celebrating Reformation Day, it started becoming obvious a break would be nice. "We have no upcoming gigs" said Ryan Hampton. "I am off a couple of my classes this week. It would be nice just to have a nice break from blogging, what I can of school, and even some of our music."

But don't think for a minute that the band was completely out of practicing. Ryan and Jef contacted a small amount via e-mail and phone, regarding the music, and how it can improve. Of course phone conversations were also limited, but were straight to the point when made. On Sunday, Jef Park said that he "Was ready to get back into the groove." After all, the band is preparing to go record sometime soon as CGStudio Inc.

But the band was not completely "back in the groove." There were a few flaws that Ryan attributed to not practicing. "We needed the week off to focus on family, and school, even though even school was light this week as well," said Ryan, "But you could just tell we were missing a beat in our first practice."

But not for long. On Wednesday, the seventh, the band arranged for another practice. "This time, you could tell we were in the groove as good as before our week off." Jef Park says, "It is good to be back in the groove, you know, where we're not missing a beat- because we will need to be perfect come recording time in a couple of weeks." Toward the end of practice, good friend A.K. (to protect his identity, his last name will not be given), listened in, and even began clapping for the band. "It was great!" said A.K.

But the possible bass guitarist Jim Warlick will not be available. "I talked with my mother, and she really encourages me to work more on school than the band" said Warlick. Timothy Winstead, the violinist also has been out. "Me and Ryan both have three school papers to write, and I have been playing a lot of weddings, so it will be hard for me to practice as of now, but I should get back in soon." "Besides," says Timothy, "I can pretty much improvise when needed." Ryan says that he "Can only imagine what the band would have sounded like if Timothy was there today."

The band did talk with friend and collegue Clifton (to protect his identity, his last name will not be given) today. Clifton is the owner of CGStudios Inc, where the band looks to soon record. "I'm as exited as you are...I love doing this stuff" said Clifton. The band is thankful for his cooperation and is ready to begin recording soon. "We hope to have a full (of five songs) demo cd out sometime before real long- possibly by Christmas" says Jef Park. "We will just have to see...Clifton seems like a good all-round Christian guy."

Please let us know if you are interested in a demo cd. "This will be better than some of my cassette tapes," says Ryan. If you have heard any of Ryan's cassette tapes you will know what is meant. "Now, we have a better singer, and better equipment, a full drum-set, not just a tamberine." Please continue to encourage Reckless Abandon, as we all watch it grow in maturity, musicianship, and above all, as a glory to Jesus Christ.

Songs for the first demo cd are:

Do You Remember?
Understanding
Forever And A Day
If Only They Knew
Will You Be There

All of these songs are written and arranged by Ryan Hampton and/or Jef Park, and all violin harmonies are provided by Timothy Winstead.

The First Gig of Reckless Abandon

Reckless Abandon had its debut on Friday (pictures to come soon), October 20, 2007. On the thirtieth anniversary of the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash, the band did the songs "Sweet Home Alabama," "Freebird," and "Simpleman." But the focus of the songs were on the originals of the group. "Do You Remember" which was co-written by Ryan Hampton and Jef Park, was the first and the last songs played. "Do You Remember" was written in tribute to the horrible attacks of September 11, 2001, asking American's the haunting question "Do You Remember" the day, when "Satan seemed so close" but yet the President would talk about God and "Many people accross the nation would applaud."

The band also did songs "Understanding," "If Only They Knew," and "Forever And A Day." Some say that the gig went sour when lead drummer, Ryan, got up to sing and play guitar for "Will You Be There." But nonetheless, says Ryan, "It was a good start."

Brian McLain says that the band showed great potential, being that they were out the violinist and the bass. McLain has been in several local bands over the years, before becoming a supervisor in a lumberyard. After giving the band some constructive criticism, McLain said that the drummer Ryan would stay on beat, and that singer Jef shows great potential. "It's all a matter of finding your voice, and finding your 'thing'" says McLain. Jef is well on his way to finding that voice, and the band is well on their way to finding their 'thing.'

The band also has a gig this coming Sunday as Trinity Presbyterian Church (see links), celebrates Reformation Day. "We are looking foward to coming in behind When We Were New (Another local band), and putting on a good and improved show." This showing may be more simple, but according to Jerry Hampton, sometimes "Less is more."

If you are interested in making this gig, as well as celebrating God's work in His church over history, please let me know in a comment or the like. You do not have to be a member to leave a comment on this blog. Thank you all,

Reckless Abandon

Changes and Gigs

The former Forever And A Day is now Reckless Abandon. After doing some research, it has been concluded that the name Forever And A Day has already been taken. To avoid breaking any possible copyright violations, the band made a safe move to the name Reckless Abandon, which was come up by lead vocalist Jef Park's mother.

Also, the band is welcoming possible newcomer, Jim Warlick, who plays bass guitar. "Jim, much like Timothy (violinist), brings an interesting setting to the band" says Ryan Hampton, co-founder of Reckless Abandon. Jim still has a little time to catch up with the band learning their songs and the such, but as Jef Park says, "Jim cathces on quickly."

There are some more possible band members who are currently either unasked, or incapable to play with the band. If any of these people come, or if any of the current members leave, it will be announced (unless requested not to by joining or resigning member).

Currently, the band has two upcoming gigs. One of them is this weekend (10/20) at a local birthday party for a good friend. "With plenty of people unfamiliar to the band watching and listening, this should be a good time to show who we are" says Jef Park, also understanding that this is a birthday party more than a concert.

The next gig is the following Sunday (10/28), at Trinity Presbyterian Church's Reformation Day parade. Drummer Ryan says, "We are here first to celebrate God's providence in history through the Protestant Reformation, but are very happy to be able to perform glorifying music to that same God for all of those who attend this Reformation Day celebration."

Some of the early reviews for this band are well pleasing. A good friend of vocalist Jef Park, a mansimply known as "Mr. Kent" said he was very impressed with the groups music. After performing "Do You Remember," a song co-written by Ryan and Jef, Mr. Kent said, "So who originally did that song" assuming that it "Had to be done by somebody else." Still, Ryan and Jef stay firm that they will remain humble in their music, and play songs about life, and all for the glory of God.

We hope you enjoy any of the music you hear from Reckless Abandon!

Ryan Hampton, Drummer/rythym guitar/backup vocals

The Beginnings

Forever And A Day is a new and growing band in the Birmingham, Alabama area, consisted of local musicians Ryan Hampton, Jef Park, and Timothy Winstead. The band desires to bring something unique into the music industry, both lyrically and musically. With powerful lyrics that touch the common working man, along with a beautiful melody and nice harmony, there is no reason why Forever And A Day should not assume its rightful role in the music industry.

The band began in 2007 with Ryan Hampton and Jef Park. After failed attempts by Ryan to make it in the music industry on his own, he knew he needed some help. The songwriting of Ryan went well with the ambitious Jef Park, one of Ryan’s good friends. After having several practices, the two-man-band decided to call upon their friend and local violinist, Timothy Winstead. His violin harmonies go well with the dynamic chord progressions of Jef, and well-written lyrics of Ryan.

The band is currently in the process of raising money, equipment, writing music, and gathering more musicians around the area who would be interested in joining. As of now, the most popular song that is being worked on by the group is "Do You Remember," a song written out of inspiration of the horrible attacks of September 11, 2001. But this is not the only song that the group is working on. Songs "Men in Fields," "Finish What I Started," and "The Absolute of Love" are all songs with great potential.

Lyrically, the band is different by presenting songs that touch the common working Southerner, and shows the life of the man with the working mans blues who is just trying to do what is right. But while putting the band at this level, the band does not stray from who they are. In fact, that is who they are- middle class Southerners who want to do what is right, but find that hard to do in a complicated world. This is the band that asks the haunted question, "When I leave here tonight, will I still be on your mind?" and says, "All I can do is think about them times, and ponder on what might have been." The main, though not only, lyricist is Ryan. Ryan has been writing lyrics, books, journals, and just about anything of that sort for as long as he can remember. He knows when to portray something very personal, and when to portray what is universal. Often, what is personal can still have relative influence to many of its listeners. His song "The Absolute of Love" shows that after trying so hard to figure out what love is, the only logical conclusion reached is that love is an absolute given by God, and it can not be merely explained by the material world. His song "Finish What I Started" shows the yearning desire to help someone, when many others think that he is incapable. He confesses to making mistakes, but reaches the conclusion that anything must be done with faith in God. Jef, however, has also had input lyrically in the band. He edited the song "Do You Remember" which was originally written by Ryan. He also wrote the lyrics and music to the song "Men In Fields," which similarly to "Finish What I Started," is about a man who is just wise enough to realize his lack of wisdom, and wants to do what is right. Like many of these songs, Jef realizes that ultimately anything done must be done with faith in God.

Even underneath all of the spiritual inspirations to such lyrics, the band does not consider themselves merely "Christian." Ryan puts it best in saying, "We sing songs about life. As Christians, God is a major part of our life, and thus our music. However it would do more harm to the faith than good if we labeled ourselves as Christian. We are Christians, but watering down a Christian message to next to nothing would be one of the last things we want to do." "Furthermore," as Ryan says, "We can give glory to God by playing music that is secular, but consistent within a Christian worldview."

Musically, the band is also unique. It is hard to pinpoint one genre of music as what Forever And A Day is. They are rock, country, alternative, soul, blues, and classical, all mixed and interwoven together to make a beautiful sound. A few guitars, a bass, a violin, and a keyboard or piano, along with percussion and vocals is what makes up this band. The band does not consider themselves creators of music, but rather discoverers of music and users of music. God creates the music. All the band does is enjoy in His creation of music.

Forever And A Day accepts and greatly appreciates any donations, and would use them in a very fearful and respectful way, but would never pressure anyone for anything. Above all, our greatest gift from you, is you interest, your passion, and love, and your support, to and for the band and its members. We greatly thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts. We will keep you informed about the growth of this band.

Musical inspirations of bands and artists, contemporary and past, of different genres of music, in no particular order, include:

Lynyrd Skynyrd The Fray Charlie Daniels
Allman Brothers Ben Smolin (When We Were New) Hank Williams
The Eagles Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Hank Williams Jr.
Alabama Jeff and Hugh Jeffreys George Jones
Third Day Mercy Me Steven Curtis Chapman
Jonny Cash Montgomery Gentry Eric Clapton

Musical Experience:

Ryan Hampton:
Active member of the Birmingham Homeschool Band, directed by Kevin Moore (2002-present) (see links).
Has played annually in church Christmas programs.
Has written and privately recorded many songs.
Has self-taught himself on guitar, and learned drums from his grandfather, Jeff Jeffreys.

Timothy Winstead:
Violin student under Jeff Flanniken.
Plays consistently at weekly church services and annual Christmas programs.
Plays locally at weddings, concerts, and other activities.

Jef Park:
Guitar student.
Plays at local weddings and birthdays.
Has played at a church Christmas program.

All three members are members of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama, and are homeschooled under Heritage Acadamy (see links).

Also, please check out Ryan Hampton’s personal blog, posted on the links.