James LaBrie has become one of the most well-respected and admired vocalists in progressive rock. As the voice of prog rock champions Dream Theater and guest performer on numerous side projects, James has helped to define the sound of progressive music for the next millenium. His incredible range and distinctive, intense vocal performances have earned him accolades from fans and critics alike.

In addition to Dream Theater's 7 studio releases (Images & Words, Live at the Marquee, Awake, A Change of Seasons, Falling Into Infinity, Once in a LIVEtime, and Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory), James has also appeared on releases by Fates Warning and Shadow Gallery, Trent Gardner's Explorer's Club and Leonardo the Absolute Man, as well as tribute albums to Rush, Emerson Lake & Palmer, and Queen. In 1999, James completed and released the first MullMuzzler cd, Keep it to Yourself, to much critical acclaim. The followup, James LaBrie's MullMuzzler 2, was released on September 11th, 2001.

"Without going into the process step by step, I would very briefly like to express my experience with this latest MullMuzzler endeavor.

"Putting the songs together and coming up with ideas largely came from once again my collaboration with the man himself, Matt Guillory. I can't say enough about this incredibly talented young man. Matt is very mature musically and socially. He is aware of his surroundings and in touch with his feelings. I think this is what lends itself to how he can create such passionate, expressive, and powerful songs/material. Matt usually gets the ball rolling with a riff or song idea and then we together shape, add or subtract from this until we feel we've completed the thought, with all sections and vocal melody.

"The musical chemistry between us is incredible. It has been that way I believe since we first started working together. With this second disc., it has blossomed and matured immensely. We were able to really craft our ideas, constantly trying new approaches until we undoubtedly knew we had arrived.

"Matt and I have said on many occasions that we will continue writing music together for a long time, far into the future. Not necessarily under the moniker MullMuzzler but none the less as a writing team. Maybe something as simple as Guillory/LaBrie project..... wait a minute what the Fu...... LaBrie/Guillory ahhhh that's better, now my ego can breathe again.

"I believe Matt and I have created songs much stronger, more cohesive as songs and direction. There is much more emphasis on emotion, expression and soul. I think that is what makes this disc. so rich from every angle. Sorry if I sound like I'm tooting the horn for Matt but I believe credit should be given where due and this is long over due.

"Two tracks were written with Gary Wehrkamp and Carl Cadden-James. These guys are so cool. I loved going down to Bethlehem, PA and working the songs into I think two fantastic tracks. I love Gary's style, he is very classic rock with balls and sophistication, often referred to as Zepplinesque. I love the sheer energy and freedom that comes with singing these songs. Carl, like on a couple of K.I.T.Y songs, penned the lyrics for these two songs. I told Carl of a fictional idea or story and wanted him to tell it the best he could in his own words. After telling him how I would be affected by such a shallow, selfish, sick act of betrayal from an individual towards two people. I wanted him to tell it from his perspective. He definitely nailed the emotions we would all feel from all sides.

"One track, the opening track, was written with Trent. What can I say about this guy. He is an enigma. Talented beyond belief and one of the nicest people I have ever met.

"I asked Trent that we write and deliver a very progressive, but at the same time a magnetically groove driven piece, that would just keep you wanting more. He once again delivered and surpassed my expectations. Lots of fun recording this piece for everyone, plenty of focus.

"Lastly and not least. The players. Without the abilities these people have, the songs would not have been conveyed with all the magic that I truly feel was captured. I can't thank all of you enough. It is still to this day the most incredible feeling of wonder and achievement to listen to the music or album when completed. To think it started with the feeling then the thought (or vice/versa) maintaining a balance between mind and heart is a very difficult task. Too much one way and you've gone too cerebral and lost the soul, too much the other way and you have sap and not enough brilliance. If I am sounding pretentious and pompous, I can assure you this is not my intentions. I am being very truthful with all of you the way music has and still does affect me. I enjoyed shedding a little light on the making and experiences of MullMuzzler 2.

"Take care everyone and once again I really hope you all enjoy Mully 2. Thanks for your endless support."

Cheers,
James.