This summer, Chicago’s Americana singer-songwriter Thomas Pace is set to release Shaking Faith, his fifth solo Cd and first since the release of the critically acclaimed New American Way in 2008. Pace marks the end of a two-year hiatus from music with a finely crafted, nine-song collection of moody and moving alt-country tunes that are littered with subtext and list hopelessly toward heartbreak.

From the lead-off track “Faith,” a wistful tale of tragedy with an arena-rock guitar riff to “Lover Astray” a lamenting reflection of a failed love; to “I Don’t Care,” a howl-at-the-moon ballad laced with regret, Shaking Faith creates a sound-scape of raw emotion that culminates with a message of hopefulness on the final track “We Need Each Other.”

“People have literally called me up after hearing this record to make sure I’m okay.” Says Pace smiling. “I have to reassure them, you know? It’s my record but it’s not about me.”

Working at Uptown Recording, Pace brought in some of Chicago’s top musicians for support on Shaking Faith, including Rob Bonaccorsi (The Freddie Jones Band), Brian Wilke (The Hoyle Brothers), Bill Denny and Jason Vinluan (Trippin’ Billies), Rob Ruccia (From Zero) and musical wondergirl, Stolie. “The reason this record sounds like it does is because of the care taken by all these great players and recording staff.” Says Pace, “I’m beyond fortunate that they were all willing to contribute. I clearly couldn’t have done it without them.”

During the two years of self-imposed exile from the music industry, Pace devoted himself to child rearing and to screenwriting and filmmaking. “It was impossible for me to effectively dedicate myself to music while raising my boys (Tristan 6 and Jody 4), so I turned to screenwriting.” Pace’s script “Lucky Star” won Best Feature at the Vail Film Festival and Best Drama in The Hollywood Screenwriting Contest. “After that, doors just started to open for me.” Pace’s short film, “Mr. Goodman,” had it’s premier on May 13th at the Gene Siskel Film Center.

Now, with the release of Shaking Faith Pace returns to his true passion. “This time I’m bringing what I’ve learned from filmmaking.” Says Pace, “I treat each song like it’s a scene in a movie. I try to bring the listener in and make them a part it, make them feel it.”

Shaking Faith is a record with heart and depth. It’s solemn meditation on heartbreak from a well-seasoned storyteller.