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.
COVID-19: My Story
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.
’64 Fender Custom Princeton Review
No Superbowl for the Titans
Titans lost. Mahomes and the Chiefs high-wired over us, but the nachos were pretty dang good at my house.
Early Christmas Present
Jessica wanted me to be able to use my new little toy to play a Christmas set with my brother. Having a great time getting to know this Fender 2019 FSR Pro Jr IV in Fawn Cane.
Pedal Dobro – Improvements!
Tweaking to improve on this Pedal Dobro tone. I think I’m moving in the right direction!
Is it Pedal Steel or Pedal Dobro
I’m trying a whole new way of changing my pedal steel tone, and why not try to change it into a Pedal Dobro? This is not a MatchBro, an Aura, MXR thingy, BoBro, or a Boss GE-7… New territory!
Dad’s Old Electromuse
Jessica had this old lap steel brought back to life while I was out doing some shows in Texas. One of my Dad’s old instruments. Fun surprise that will come in handy for demo work. She also had a little mini Squier all fixed up for Charlie. Lessons to come!
Big props go out to Pete at Wickham Audio for doing the work. A good friend and excellent amp and guitar repair resource in Thornville, Ohio.
Char’s Mini Strat at Wickham Audio
Muskingum Valley Country Music Hall of Fame
I told Jessica one morning last week that I really wished I could go to Hall of Fame day, but I didn’t think there was any way to make it happen…She made it happen, practically forced it, because she loves me. She treated going to Roger’s Auction Barn like it was more important than going to the Ryman Auditorium. That reason and so many more, are why she’s my kind of crazy.
Howard’s BLYC Jam
Buckeye Lake, OH