Several Musical friends are joining in the fun, and I’ve been spending some time behind the mic with my acoustic guitar. I’m excited to help kick off summertime, and bring some community to The Harbor:
Happy 8th Anniversary to my Asher Electro Hawaiian Jr lap steel! Bill Asher and his team do great work on these. I’ve put mine through pickup upgrades, tuner replacements (from being knocked off a stand in Switzerland), and road rash from a bus accident… His “belly bar” system, to be able to wear and play it like a Dobro is a must-have for show performance. Check out: https://asher-guitars-lap-steels-store.myshopify.com/
Pedal Steels are a rare commodity. I’ve spent 36 years playing them, had 3, but only bought one for myself – 21 years ago. I’m lucky to have a loving wife who indulged me this custom amazing instrument. I longed for an instrument of the finest craftsmanship, mechanical ability and repeatability, and capable of the tones I want to make. Art is subjective, but for this artist, I couldn’t be happier with my new brush. I can’t wait to get to know her better. Thank you Kyle, Mitchell, and the whole MSA Steel Guitars team. It was worth every penny and day waited.
My 1979 Dobro inspired me to write this instrumental, “Sunrise”. I think we all need some calm, and a little lift. That’s what this little song does for me.
None of us have ever lived through times such as these. Everyone has their own story of these past months, and I thought it would be therapeutic to write mine down to share.
I’ve always read the news more than is healthy for a person to do, so I think it was January when I told my wife about a virus in Wuhan, China – and how they were building a hospital in 7 days… (I think they ended up building three of them). Crazy stuff. Fast forward to March, I got ready to leave for a 3 day weekend of shows, starting in Milwaukee, and I’m pretty sure my wife didn’t want me to leave. On top of that, we were to fly to LAX the following week for a west coast run.
That gig in Milwaukee, March 12th, was the last we were to play. I’ve watched as planned shows fell off our schedule, and the busiest time of our work year vanished. I’ve been fortunate to be able to embrace remote recording for clients, build off my Nashville Song Demos business, and help my wife’s Guitar Parts Factory. DaddyDayCare was in full swing, and I’ve learned how hard my wife’s endless work as Mom has been.
Most of my musical friends haven’t been as fortunate, or as diversified in their work, and my heart is with them. I’m still concerned about bringing COVID-19 into our home, or my wife’s work. The Josh Turner tour has started to prepare for shows in August, but for many reasons, I’ve decided that they will do it without me. We moved out of Nashville, my home for 23 years. I’ve spent the last 16 years on tour buses with incredible musicians, living a life my Dad inspired me to lead.
I’m embracing being home with my beautiful family, and the future it holds. This year has certainly taught me to find the silver linings, to try to adapt, be willing to change, and hopefully grow.
One of the best gigs in town! Love playing at the Opry. Had to make a quick trip in between setup and show for a LEGO. Dad has to make up for some of these nights he’s not around.
