Lead Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Piano, Synth, Harmonica                                   

Chris Szwedo is the lead singer and author of the twelve original songs on Westward. He began writing songs as a teenager - an emotional path inspired by a craving to see beyond the small upstate New York town where he grew up. He has since traveled to many places, and it's from the road where the emotional source memories have come. His crafted songs often have themes of risk, redemption, loss, and the aiming for love amidst the craving for independence.

 Bass, Drums                                                                                                                                 

Scott Anderson's passion for music began in his childhood, with his first instrument being the drums. He has been for many years a seasoned multi-instrumentalist on-stage performer in a variety of popular bands in New England. His rhythmic contributions on Westward form the backbone for many of its songs. Scott's recording approach is to deliver sensible choices with attention to detail. When he isn't playing live or recording, his love for music extends to building his own bass instruments for custom stylizing and performance. He is a longtime friend to Lost Hot River's lead singer and songwriter Chris Szwedo. This is their first large recording project together.

 Violin                                                                                                                                            

A native of New York City from a musical family, Dinah Mellin's expressive fiddle performances are admired by those who hear her play. Her ability to improvise, interpret, create, and connect is a skillset that makes her a sought-after musician. Her contributions of emotional texture are surely felt on Westward. While never turning down an opportunity to embrace playing, Dinah also serves as a Cape Cod regional musical ambassador, opening up her home to acclaimed house concerts in addition to her long service as co-host of "The Fiddle and The Harp" on WOMR-FM in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

 Vocals                                                                                                                                           

Melissa Colonese grew up in Connecticut with music as a key part of her life, performing in a variety of orchestras, theatre groups, bands and choirs while focusing her musicality towards the violin, and to which she developed into a player of considerable skills. A person of kindness, spirit and humor, Melissa finds the way to contribute creatively and sensibly with her voice on both live and recorded performances. Her vocal contributions on Westward add a haunting touch to its most emotional songs.