 It actually wasn’t until about a week later that I learned who this family was. It turns out the young man was the son of one of my own good friends from my Fort Smith days, Jim Atchison and his lovely wife Cindy. Jim and I played together in the 70’s in a band called “Rock Bottom.” Although we had maintained email contact in the years following my move back to Mountain Home, Jim had never once mentioned having an autistic son. I suppose it’s not the kind of thing one brings up in casual conversation (or email). Nevertheless, I was surprised to learn that it was Jim’s family we were concerned with. For me, it made the project that much sweeter. I’ve known Jim (I always called him “Jimmy”) for a long time, and I can’t think of a soul who deserves this any more than him. He has spent much of his career working for Sigler’s Music Company in Fort Smith. There are perhaps many of you reading this who have bought a guitar or even had one set up by Jimmy at Sigler’s. He has always been a quiet gentleman with a smile for everybody. It’s funny how the Lord chooses someone with Jimmy’s fortitude and demeanor to be a “special parent.”
The songs, although recorded in five different cities and studios, have a common “feel” to them, which I found amazing. I challenge you to listen and guess which studio recorded what song. It was like all these songs were written specifically for this project. When you play the album from start to finish it feels like a complete piece, like some kind of orchestrated effort with a single purpose. That’s why we call it “This Is Love”. It is fitting. As for the style, there’s jazz, blues, Celtic music, and just about everything in between. Some songs are instrumental, while others have vocals. But the most incredible thing is that the music is all so soothing and relaxing. It goes with anything."
Bob Ketchum, December 2007
"I wanted to do this project the minute I heard JJ was sick. Everyone who plays music in the Fort knows Jimmy but I got to know his wife Cindy when she and her daughter-in-law taught my daughter in preschool. I wanted to thank them for being so sweet to her. My son Steven had been diagnosed not long before, and somehow, we started talking about autism and she had sooooo much to tell me about it and how it didn't have to have a terrible ending. I immediately adored her. Had always worshipped Jimmy but suddenly, their family was on my list of families to look up to. Here and there through the years, Cindy and I would stay in touch. When I heard through the grapevine that her and Jimmy’s son JJ was sick, I called her immediately. I didn't know what to do, but I wanted to do something. I was in grad school at the time, I honestly didn't have anything to offer. . . but the one thing I have any time I'm down is music.
So, as I heard all that they had been through, oh my god. . . I just wanted to hold all of them and let them know it would all be okay. That family is rock solid and so precious. Cindy said one thing that stuck out. She said, "Amy, I want you to imagine keeping a port in Steven's jugular vein for days." I couldn’t imagine. JJ is so precious and kind and giving. If you are near him 5 minutes, you believe that God is real. How could I not do something? But I didn't really have anything to offer. Then I thought of that studio time from years before and I knew that Bob (Ketchum) and Jimmy had been close. I thought of all of the musicians in my life and then I thought of what music is. I don’t know. . . one phone call led to another. And here we are a year later with a beautiful CD on the way and a potential blessing for the Atchison family. All I want is good things for this brave angel JJ, and for Jimmy and Cindy to feel our love."
Amy Jamison, December 2007
The “This is Love” physical CD will be available after the first of the year along with the ability to digitally download 10 remarkable songs from this site. This was a labor of love for all involved. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy listening to these samples and look forward to your contribution, in the form of your purchase(s) for this great cause in the future. After all, This IS Love! Stay tuned and spread the word! Let’s get a MySpace network going!
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