This week we returned to Thundering Sky Studios to begin putting the wraps on my debut solo release. The first session included returning road warriors Adam Terrell (guitarist for Assembly of Dust and the Nate Wilson Band) and Jason Cohen (keyboardist for Ryan Montbleau Band). It was a homecoming of sorts, as I haven’t seen these dudes since they left for their respective tours last September, and they had not seen each other since the last sessions (they’re good friends who share many common bonds outside of the brotherhood of band life). Collectively they brought an energy seemingly composed from the excitement of seeing their friends and families for the first time in months (and just in time for the holidays), and also possibly a sense of relief that they’d actually be able to relax for a few weeks before taking their craft to the road again.

But there’s another element at play here. I’d never known Jason or Adam before these sessions. Music introduced us, brought us together for a single purpose. Like many other instances where ideas are shared and explored, music allows people to engage on a level much deeper than the small talk of sports and weather. Exposing yourself artistically bares your soul to the core, and vulnerability is one of the shared emotions during the recording process. You’re trusting people on a different level, a level far below that of stopping for a stranger in a crosswalk. You’re trusting them to be patient and open-minded.

Relationships which require trust from the outset are either slotted for greatness or doomed for quick dissolve. I’m convinced these sessions help seed friendships.

Here’s where I’m going with this: I think part of the reason this session felt much different (more relaxed and fun) from the first couple with Adam and Jason is that we’d already established trust. They could trust me to be open-minded and patient. I could trust them to not only lay down amazing tracks, but also to open themselves up to my songs/ideas. This reciprocity allowed for great karma. If we never make another record together, we’ll always have this in common. Brothers from other mothers indeed.

Tonight Adam and Jason completed their parts on Prisoner (In My Own Town). Both left unique, indelible fingerprints. Jay laid down some dazzling honky tonk piano, while Adam followed suit with a great guitar solo. Many of the songs on this record are sparse arrangements, thin with instrumentation. Prisoner is one of the bigger productions on the record, as it now contains acoustic guitar, lead vocals, bass, drums, female backing vocals, electric guitar and piano. Both Adam’s and Jason’s contributions make it tough to stay still upon hearing it -- it grooves on many levels.
Thursday delivered International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Mandolin Player of the Year, Jesse Brock, who beat out none other than bluegrass legend Sam Bush for the honor. Jesse’s from the South, and everything you hear about Southern hospitality is true. He’s gotta be one of the most well-manner, kindest folks I’ve ever met. He exudes goodness. He also plays mandolin like his hands are ablaze. Every note means something, and his attention to detail is akin to watchmaker’s. Watching him put down tracks on Do What the Man with the Gun Says and Park Bench was awe inspiring, to say the least. He is tireless and relentless in his pursuit of the perfect take. There’s something very cool about a musician who shows up with his own lunch pail too. It revealed a great deal about his upbringing. He’s stitched with a blue collar work ethic, yet retains all of the elements of a true artist: creative, flexible and passionate. I am humbled and honored to have him on this record.

I’m also humbled and honored that Mags and Eric from Lost Sailor found my songs worthy of this type of attention. They’ve employed many incredible musicians during this process, and the time and energy they’ve both sunk into this incredible. I cannot thank them enough for this opportunity. I’ve never had an experience quite like this. It’s changed me in many ways and has rocked my emotions. I find myself awake many nights, thinking about a life comprised solely of music (ok, mostly music…I’m skeptical that it’ll pay my bills all by its lonesome). None of this would be possible without Mags and Eric taking a chance on me.

Next week we’ll be returning to the studio to finish up. We’re still shooting for a first-quarter release. Stay tuned for exclusive preview tracks here over the next few weeks.

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