Recently it occurred to me that it would be fun to learn what it takes to publish an album. Here is one of the recently completed songs for that album. This song was unique in many ways. First, It is a song written & recorded by Phil Spector in 1958, inspired by words on his father's tombstone. It was recorded by the only vocal group he was ever a member of at age 19, and spent 3 weeks at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was also recorded by the Trio of Dolly pardon, Emmylou Harris & Linda Rondstat, The Beatles, John Lennon, Peter & Gordon, Amy Winehouse & others. Times sure change, the Teddy Bears recorded the song for $75 at Gold Star Studios in LA. It was Martina McBrides version that inspired me to include this song on my first album. Pat had an idea for an arrangement that would be unique in that It was only 2 guitars & myself. Lyle Ronglien, who most anyone in the Northwest is aware of recorded the Baritone Guitar track and Dan Dugmore in Nashville recorded the Steel Guitar part, and my vocal was done at home. The tracks were mixed & mastered by Sefi Carmel in London.
It is my pleasure to Feature Dan Dugmore & Lyle Ronglien on this song. Lyle is a long term family friend who has helped me many times and is well know for his gigs in the Pacific Northwest. His talents have contributed to many others as well. Dan Dugmore is an amazing Steel Guitar player spending his time playing in the band for Linda Rondstat, James Taylor and on the session tracks of endless top level artists in Nashville. Sefi Carmel is a composer, Mixing & Mastering Engineer in London. His credits include work with Phil Collins, Bruno Mars, Michael Bible, many TV & Movie projects, including the Harry Potter movies.
It has always been my feeling that the people who write the songs, play the instruments are the real sound of music, and the vocalist gets the treat to insert the lyrical story into the music. Their story is often untold which is why I would like to honor them by sharing who really made the music on this track. So much fun to work with them !!!