Guitarist / Multi-Instruments

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: Shemekia Copeland's "Uncivil War". Award winning. Grammy Nominated. I produced. I played guitar and other instruments. I co-wrote most of the songs. Shemekia is a dream artist to work with: passionate and committed with a truckload of talent and soul.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Finishing Shemekia Copeland's followup to her Grammy nominated "Uncivil War" album! Releasing digital singles in advance of my new solo album! Playing sessions mostly in Nashville! Touring as solo artist, with my band and with Emmylou Harris!

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: Phil Madeira! Chris Donohue!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Digital because that's how the world works. Analog because records are so much fun.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: I'll bring my heart and soul.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Music! Friends! Travel! Creativity!

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: Can you play on my song? Can you produce my record? Probably!

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: That I'm too busy for your project.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: How are ya?

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Reach out. Let me know what you're trying to achieve. Let's work on it.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: My ancient Gibson J45. My Telecaster. My Princeton Reverb. My slide. My capo.

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I have been playing music every day since I was a child. My career path goes something like this: band --> songs --> record --> tour --> record deal --> branch out to other bands --> more records and deals --> touring as guitarist and multi instrumentalist for other artists --> session work --> production --> writing for other, bigger artists --> continuing to make my own albums as singer songwriter and band member --> marriage and children --> which brings us to the current day - I am a working singer songwriter who produces and records with many other artists...happiness!

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Soulful and melodic.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: Miles Davis. He was always growing and changing.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Record the first take!

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: Singer Songwriters.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I serve the song.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring all my experience - from my live touring rock roots to the studios of NYC and Woodstock, NY - to my work with singer songwriter and Americana greats like Todd Snider and Rodney Crowell - to my work with legends like Jimmy Buffett and Emmylou Harris - a diverse career that has given me insight into songwriting, production and performance - but also the instinct for when to stay out of the way, what not to play! - and I have a diverse palette of tones, moods and atmospheres at my fingertips.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I make music every day. Sometimes I'm at my studio, sometimes I"m at other Nashville studios, sometimes I'm out of town. But I'm making music. If I'm overdubbing on a client's song, I get a good couple of listens, and then I start where my mind and heart are telling me to start. I go with my first impression and make that come to life. When I love something I've done, I'll share it with the client. And go from there.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: UA Apollo, Geoff Daking mic pres, lots of plugins, Shure SM7b, various large and small diaphragm condenser mics, ribbon mics...large collection of guitars - acoustic and electric...other stringed instruments...my P Bass...good sounding small room. My Premier drums...good stuff!

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: The Beatles, BB King, Miles Davis, Bob Marley, The Rolling Stones, Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone, Daniel Lanois, Glyn Johns, Trina Shoemaker, Lee Scratch Perry, Ry Cooder, Questlove

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I play guitar, mandolin, banjo, bass, sing, write and produce. I have worked in the fields of rock, pop, gospel, country, bluegrass, blues and americana.