CD Release Party

CD Release Party
*"All my dreams are coming true" -*
		That's been my motto since I began recording this CD, and on March 1st . . . it happened again. It really "don't get no better" than it got at my CD RELEASE PARTY, when I hosted WESTERN BEAT, where it all began 10 years ago with Billy Block.
WESTERN BEAT - For those of you who discovered Western Beat recently when it began airing on CMT, welcome. Before Billy Block ever moved it to Nashville and ever thought of getting it on to CMT, it all started in a coffee house in Hollywood, 10 years ago, and it has been very special to me for a number of reasons. Through that showcase I developed a love for writing as I was introduced to some of the best writers I have ever heard, and I was inspired by their success. For years, Western Beat has provided writers a safe and friendly environment with extremely high standards, in which we could try out our new material while being exposed to other great writers. In addition to the number of good friends that I have met through the years, I met literally every one of the musicians who played or sang on my CD, with the exception of one, through Western Beat. I am honored, too, that the musicians who contributed to my CD have also become good friends of mine. A number of great songwriter showcases have come and gone, some as a result of Western Beat, but in my opinion, none have consistently maintained the high caliber of Western Beat.
*My very, very special guests for the evening -*
I don't think I am exaggerating when I say that we were all blessed by the performances of the guests that night, writers who I had admired for years, and whose music I had admired long before I ever dreamed they would be a part of my big evening. I was especially blessed and humbled by their participation.

		Michael Anderson - writer of one of my all time favorite songs "MAYBE IT WAS MEMPHIS", a big hit for Pam Tillis.


John Herron - one of the best piano players around, John toured as the keyboard player for the Beach Boys, and as a writer had hits with the Doobie Brothers and Fleetwood Mac.

Yours truly - by far the rookie on the roster. (with Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps, and Lowen & Navarro)

Eric Lowen & Dan Navarro - writers of another one of my all time favorite songs "WE BELONG", a big hit for Pat Benatar, and numerous other great songs. It's really hard to beat their harmonies, and they way their voices blend is like magic.


Teresa James & Terry Wilson - (with Billy Watts) among many of my other favorite songs Terry wrote "TROUBLE WITH ANGELS", which Kathy Mattea recently recorded, and the smartest thing he ever did was marry Teresa so she'd sing all his songs for him. I'm still tryin' to see if I can work out some kind of deal like that myself.
		Miss Teresa James Me and *John*


(with Ed Tree)
John Townsend - another writer of one of my all time favorite songs, "SMOKE OF A DISTANT FIRE", and another incredible piano player and writer, with those strong Southern Gospel influences that I love.

Yours Truly - with two of my very favorite Bum Steers. (Taras Prodaniuk and Ed Tree)

Spencer Davis - what else do I need to say . . . besides, "GIMME GIMME SOME LOVIN'"? . . . or "LOVE IS ON A GOOD ROLL" . . . . or "I'LL TAKE YOUR LOVE ANYTIME BABY"? What a special treat for all of us to have Spencer Davis come down and sing just for us.
And second to last, but certainly not least. . . . and I mean it, these are three of the tallest guys you'll ever see in a band together, and three of the nicest guys, period:

The Bum Steers - Taras Prodaniuk, Mark Fosson, and Ed Tree, writers of "IT'S A NAT-KING-COLE-PORTER-WAGNER-SORT-OF-THING", and their soon-to-be big hit, "ARLEEN", both of which I thoroughly enjoy. Some of the best musicians around, coupled with clever songwriting, these guys are one of my very favorite bands, and three very good buddies.

Craig & Jane Lackey - writers of numerous undiscovered hits, and dear friends of mine. Someday maybe I'll have Spencer Davis open up for me.

Mel Harker - West Coast Regional Sales Manager, pictured with wife, Cynthia Jones, Doc, and a few close friends. Yes, I do have CDs with me . . . . and yes, they are for sale. Thanks for asking, Mel. Special thanks to everyone who participated and thanks to all of you who came out, to those of you who purchased a CD, and those of you who made a contribution to the American Heart Association for my Dad. Thank you all for making my dreams come true!

© 2000