Thoughts on New CD:
 
My friend and co-worker, Zak Phillips has a quote from Edward Abbey on his desk that reads, "Life without music is intolerable." I think Edward was on to something.
 
This is my third CD and as I continue to search for my own musical voice I find I am discovering many other things about myself along the way. Some good, some bad, all real. Making music, as in creative endeavor I would imagine, makes for quite a journey.
Along the way I have found it very easy to lose perspective and spend too much time on the side of the road stuck in judgment and expectation. Like any relationship, I think it takes that elusive blend of compassion and courage to make it work. I haven't consistently found that balance yet but I am learning to enjoy the ride and treasure those moments when I do. Gratefully, I had many of those moments while making this record due in large part to working with Bob Tyler, my long-time friend and producer and the incredible line-up of musicians that came together on this project.  The basic tracks were done here in Denver (thanks Colin Bricker) with my "subdude"  compadres' John Magnie (accordion, harp, and piano), Steve Amadee' (percussion) and Tim Cook (background vocals) joined by multi-talented Rich Moore on bass and guitar. I was also very fortunate to have my good friend Michael Lille lend his signature guitar work to 3 of the songs. We wrapped up the Denver sessions with the debut of The International Boys Choir of S. Gaylord Street who added their unique blend of vocal stylings to Buffett to the Blues. The IBCOSGS features Mark Shumate, Dan Darrow, Tom Sattler, Brett Mealhow, Randy Weidner, Dwayne Taylor, Michael Fischer, Bart Gilliom and Andy Wann.  Thank you gentlemen.  
 
The record was finished at Studio Bob in Nashville where we added Jim Hoke, a one man horn section to a number of the songs. Jim has worked with everyone from Mark Knopfler to Billy Joel and is one of Nashville's finest. Chris Carmichael, another awesome Nashville session player added his beautiful string arrangements to Family and My Favorite Beatle. Finally the disc was mastered by Jim Demain at Yes Master who resume' is way too long to cover but includes work with Jimmy Buffett, Todd Snider and Steve Earle to name a few. What an honor to work with such a talented group of folks.
 
So that ends the musical portion of the show. I hope something on the record works for ya. I'm on to the next one.
 
Cheers,
 
DZ