In The Studio!
The Veterans show up nervous, and a little shy. The job of Explosive Ordinance Disposal experts (EOD) is to dismantle unexploded bombs, and render them safe. The EOD experts and other Veterans come to a Songwriting With Soldiers retreat unsure of what they will find. Most have never talked to civilians about their service. One day into co-writing, the Veterans are willingly telling stories and discovering the transformational power of an honest song. This powerful process happens every time. I'm thrilled to announce that I'm making a record of the songs I've been writing with Veterans over the last four years.
I hired the gifted Neilson Hubbard (pictured in the center) to build a remote studio in my living room, and to bring a band in to record the songs I’ve been writing with veterans in the Songwriting With Soldiers program over the last few years.
Michele Gazich (left) flew in from Italy to play viola and violin and Beth Neilson Chapman (right) came and sang on the song we-co-wrote with six veterans' wives at a retreat at Boulder Crest. We are also filming a documentary of the writing and recording process. I'll be writing a lot more about this soon.
In other news, I'm headed to a castle in Scotland to teach a workshop with 15 songwriters. There are still 2 seats left, so grab 'em if you are interested in a big adventure. I will be playing in England and Scotland after the workshop, with Michele Gazich. TOUR DATES HERE.
And special thanks to Tim McGraw for recording my song, co-written with Crit Harmon, "I Drink"! You can find Tim's version of "I Drink" on his "The Ultimate Collection" Album.
Listen HERE on Spotify.
Also, I have a new website! A huge thanks to Katherine Forbes at Designing The Row for making it all work. To celebrate, we're offering every single CD I've ever recorded (plus a bonus CD: The Foundling Alone - demo's from The Foundling record) for $50. The Limited Time Bundle Offer includes 9 CD's for $50. Visit the STORE HERE.
As always, thank you for your support! Happy Spring!