My band from 1987-1996. released in 1992. Below is the naive and slightly pretentious liner note from the original cd. I remember arguing about whether the first word should be "The" or "This..." -- classic Hard Rain: "This thing you hold in your hands represents five years of love, hard work, four-hour arguments, gigs from hell, general rejection, pure joy, self-denial, exhilarating reckless abandon, excessive self-analysis, a few defining moments and, ultimately, more fun than four long hairs should be allowed to have. It was recorded at four different locations during various stages of the band's development between January of 1989 and June of 1992. We'd like to believe, however, that there is a distinctive element in each of these songs that ties them all together. If you've seen the band live and one of your favorites isn't here, we apologize. But hopefully, this won't be the last time we do this...."

All songs and noises written, arranged, performed and produced by Hard Rain with engineering/production help from: Paul Orofino (Millbrook Studios), Rudy Valentino (Royal Star Studio), Tony Gross (GFI Studio), Alex Perialas (Pyramid Studios), Peter Zizzo and the Woodman. Horns on "Where the Money Goes": Ken Curry, Charlie Freida, Paul Gaspar, Bob Petrantoni. Cover, photography and additional artwork: LeFrois Communcations.

After the release of Peace is not a Fashion, Hard Rain was signed to Warner Bros. in late 1992. That winter, we went to Memphis to record with Joe Hardy, who had engineered and/or produced ZZ Top, Tom Cochran, Steve Earle and The Replacements (the last two being among my favorite albums). In addition to working at Ardent Studios, we also recorded several tracks at the legendary Sun Studios. It was an amazing experience, but the project was never release.

We returned to Rochester and continued to write. This album includes some of those new songs and a few of the recordings from the Memphis sessions. We received cease & desist letters regarding the name Hard Rain. While in Memphis, we were considering calling the band Melvin's Wish, hence the song by that name and the album title. There is a short song called "Melvin's Dream" that was intended to bookmark the record along with "I Believe" at the end. I don't remember why we didn't use it, but here are the lyrics: Well, I spent some time in Memphis and had to do that Elvis thing So, we left donuts and dirty magazines on the back porch for the King I'm not sure if he showed up but, in the morning, they were gone And I could hear someone up Madison singing his best songs I can't say what I saw but the voice I won't forget It said I got just one thing to ask you darling Baby, don't bury me yet...

CREDITS: Tracks 1, 5 & 7 produced by Joe Hardy and engineered by Erik Flettrich at Ardent Studios in Memphis; All other tracks produced by Hard Rain and engineered by Paul Orofino (Millbrook Studios), Steve Forney (Dahjelon), Andy Ryckaert (Musicworks), Rudy Valentino & Dave Wood (Scrapyard & Royal Star Studios). All instruments & vocals by Hard Rain.

The band continued as Digital Jesus for a few more years after this release (some great recordings from that era that I hope to find listenable versions of someday) then disbanded in 1996. We did a single reunion show in a blinding snowstorm in 2015. It was a great show by a great band.

John's first solo album, released in 1996. Written, produced and performed by John Akers with: Bernie Heveron -- acoustic bass and cello Tino DiBernardo -- guitar on Reunion and Fade to Black Paul Akers -- backing vocals on Devil's Tattoo.

Recorded in a variety of studios (East End Sound, Musicworks, Holt Studios, Breezeway Studios, Cylinder Sound and Linden Oaks) by Steve Forney, Andy Ryckaert, Bernie Heveron, Todd Schumer and Jeff Gilhart. Mixed by Steve Forney at Cylinder Sound except for She Comes by Andy Ryckaert at Musicworks. Mastered by Jeff Gilhart at Linden Oaks.

Layout and design by Heather Yates. Cover and disc image by James Kraus. "Hand of God" sketch by Kim Hoadley. Photos by Dan Badding & Joseph Pellingra.

King Cake & Carmelites is John's second solo album, released in 1999. The title refers to two seemingly disparate things: King Cake is a tradition during Mardi Gras and "Carmelites" are an order of Catholic nuns who are cloistered, living in a monastery and avoiding most contact with the outside world. My mother's aunt lived in one for over 50 years. For me, many of the songs are about paradox and contradictions, so the title made sense...at least to me.

Produced by John Akers & Rudy Valentino. Recorded mostly at Dahjelon Studios in Rochester, NY. Engineered and mixed by Rudy Valentino. Vocals & various instruments performed by John with... Rudy -- guitar Paul Akers -- acoustic guitar Erik Welsh -- drums D-Rob -- Bass Tino DiBernardo -- guitar