Transition isn't easy. It's one of those things where you have to be willing and ready for all the nuances that comes with change. Me? I've never been good with change. It scares me. I like things the way I like it. However, every now and then, a change occurs and I'm alright with it. It doesn't have the negative impact that I thought it would. What makes it okay is its authenticity (see what I did there). The intention of the transition and it actually showing forth as it is projected helps me to see the bigger picture. The avid music head that I am notices every change, especially within my favorite groups. This brings me to The Foreign Exchange. At the release of their new album Dear Friends: An Evening With The Foreign Exchange, I had so many questions. However, upon listening to the project, all of my fears and inhibitions regarding the group were left behind. Rather, I don't think I've ever felt more connected with them.

If you've never been to an FE show, I invite you to host a listening session with some of your closest friends of this album. It is truly amazing. A little toned down from their normal shows, this acoustic live recording is exactly what FE needed to ease into their next phase. Having three solid and very well accepted albums, as well as host of solo projects, under their belts, FE Music group decided to share some of their best with us. I, for one, was excited. The energy of this intimate gathering is felt through the presentation of their music. The album opens with "Fight For Love" from their recent release, Authenticity. With the assistance of the beautiful Sy Smith, who currently tours with FE, and the very talented Jeanne Jolly, the mood was set and all ears and hearts were open. Now, this may be a little different for some listening to it who are used to the original group dynamic. However, I think the change in pace has only made FE's music more powerful. The album continues to showcase some of their strongest performance hits such as "Lose Your Way" from Nicolay's City Lights Vol. 2, "Take Of The Blues", and "House of Cards" from Leave It All Behind. Two extraordinary performances to highlight include "Greatest Weapon of All Time" from Zo!'s Sunstorm album and a special remake of "Something In The Way She Moves" by James Taylor. In addition to the live performances, fans receive two new studio tracks,"Steal Away" featuring Jeanne Jolly and "All The Kisses" featuring Paris and Amber Strother from the AMAZING indie experimental soul group KING.

Adding acoustics sometimes has a way of making some of our favorite songs sound even more remarkable than when we first heard them. "All Roads" is one of those songs that have a particular place in my heart. For me, I think the instrumentals really hit this one out of the park. There is a different vibe you feel, still amazing, but much different from the studio version. The strumming of the guitar coupled with the stroking of the keys turned me out. Every note was felt and I related with the song differently than when I first heard it. If you caught the video release of "Laughing At Your Plans", you understand why there was a natural gravitation toward the album. No explanation necessary. Just listen to it. "Daykeeper", the first song that officially made me fall in love with FE, was remade in such a way that gives you laughs, brings you closer to God, and even makes you hit your stanky leg one good time if you can do it well. With a touch of country, a hint of gospel, and a pinch of chopped and screwed, this remake was definitely a surprise bonus, but totally expected due to the overall personalities of every member of this music group. They know how to entertain and they know how to enjoy their own music, which is definitely reflected in their performance. All the more reason why FE continues to rise to the top as one of my favorite indie groups of all time.

Live music moves me in ways that is very hard to describe. The intimate connection between artists and fans leaves the impression that they wrote the song, just for you. Dear Friends: An Evening With The Foreign Exchange does exactly that. This may be the best letter I've ever heard.