This is Emerson's first album. He developed the songs out of a desire to heal broken hearts. The rhythms on this album are a combination of funky, bluesy and jazzy. The saxophone accompaniment provides a very smooth and lively tone, helping to transform the sad feelings expressed by the lyrics. Emerson composed his songs to help people transcend their overwhelming feelings of sadness and loss through rhythm and emotion. The best examples of how he expresses these feelings are in the title track 'Ball and Chain' and 'Drowning in my own Tears'.

Emerson is a Bay Area musician that has delighted fans and critics from around the globe for nearly three decades. His current musical vehicle, The Grow Wiser Band, has been performing at festivals, clubs and events for over ten years.

Emerson's unique sound comes from exposure to both Caribbean and European music genres, as well as American soul music. When people ask what "style" he sings, the closest description would be rhythm and blues, soft jazz and a sound tha