Collaboration in Studio

I’ve always believed that the creative process in a recording studio is a true collaborative effort. My reasoning is simple: I know that I don’t have all the answers or expertise needed to create a terrific final production; that’s why I bring people – producers, musicians, engineers – into a project in the first place. But more than that, having brought talented people in, it’s ridiculous to not let them contribute their ideas.

Maybe that sounds logical and obvious, but I know of many sessions in which a writer or performer tries to dictate how every single element should be and isn’t open to even considering other ideas that might be better. Being open to fresh input can lead to better productions. Being closed to possibilities just limits what could be created.

Case in point: I was recording a song that I thought would/should have a gentle acoustic feel. Well, we got to the studio and producer Mark Riddick said he thought it would be great if we pumped it up a bit with drums, electric guitar, and a vibe that was reminiscent of ’60s pop tune. “Okay,” I said, “let’s try it.” Well, the band perked up and made it a really fun track. It perks up the whole EP’s set. And – here was the biggest surprise for me – it made it easier for me to sing the rather full lyric.

Another example: in our June recording session, we had a great steel guitar player named Mike Daly. Mike brought some great steel riffs to all the tunes. But in one song, he also had the idea of playing in a way that made his steel guitar sound like an organ! Unexpected, fabulous, and very welcome input.

And just for good measure, one more example: the last couple of days, we've done some overdubs with guitarist Chris Cottros. His ideas are adding such beautiful touches to the songs. Why would I not want to welcome his input if he's willing and able to give it?!

Not that I always agree with input (I tend to write soft pop songs, so a heavy metal slasher guitar probably isn’t the best thing to include), but to me it’s dangerous to not even listen to the ideas of experts. If I don’t, it’s like going to a doctor with an unknown ailment and telling the medical professional what to do to cure me. Great idea – if I don’t want to get better.

So, here’s to collaboration in the studio – and a heartfelt thanks to everyone in ALL my sessions who contribute their talent and expertise.

Accommodating Nashville

Until last month, I hadn’t been to Nashville in about 20 years, so I had no idea where to stay. (I thought maybe at Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s place, but apparently they don’t run a B&B.) So, my producer suggested that my wife and I stay close to Music Row, in Midtown, at the Hutton Hotel.

Sure, I thought. Why not?

But oh my, what a great decision.

The Hutton is a remarkable boutique hotel. The staff is genuinely friendly and helpful (no gloomy attitude or forced smiles here, no sir). And I loved the touches: a great “instant espresso” machine on our floor, handwritten weather forecasts for the next day on our pillow each night, a shower that felt like a waterfall, fabulous complimentary wine as we arrived back at the hotel each evening, the most comfortable bed I have EVER slept in (when you’re thinking about how three days of intense recording will go and yet you still have get great sleeps each night, that’s because you’re in a Great Bed.)

All of that, plus the fact that, if you need to do music business in Nashville, you’re literally just minutes from Music City’s business epicenter.

Maybe the best recommendation I can give is that, when I go back to Nashville, I’m staying at the Hutton.

(And no, I'm not being paid to say all those nice things :)

P.S. I just discovered that reviewers from Time, The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News & World Report and others like this place, too!

Recording in Nashville, Pt. 2

In addition to recording some of my songs with a great band (see Recording in Nashville, Pt. 1), I was fortunate to also have a string quartet led by and arrangements written by Kristin Wilkinson on the two of the cuts.

Kristin has worked and/or performed with:

• Elton John
• Neil Young
• Matchbox Twenty
• Train
• Taylor Swift
• Lady Antebellum
• Faith Hill
• Bob Seger
• Brad Paisley
• Stevie Nicks
• Keith Urban
• Jewel
• and many, many others.

When we first talked about the songs I would record with her, I wasn’t about to give her specific direction (Who am I? Paul Buckmaster?!). So I just gave her a rough demo of each song and said that one was a romantic tune inspired by how I met my wife and how quickly we got engaged; the other was a song based on my relationship with my father, and the musical feeling I wanted for the latter song was something between a hymn and a prayer. I’m thrilled with the results. Kristin’s arrangements, as played by her amazing musicians, complements songs’ messages and take tunes to new musical levels. She is astounding. And she and her players are so easy to work with. Thanks, Kristin.

Photos of the string players from the June recording session are at

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.113898755366515.23378.100002391734886&l=09783b23db

Where to Eat in Nashville

On my recent trip to Nashville, I came across some great restaurants. If you’re heading there soon, you might want to check out:

• Noshville Deli (cute name, great deli, all-day breakfast, and they use their Challah bread for amazing French toast; 1918 Broadway)
• Amerigo (Italian food; I had fabulous chicken parmesan over angel pasta; my wife had Pasta di Mare on 1920 West End Avenue)
• Las Palmas (awesome burritos and enchiladas; 1905 Hayes)
• Pie in the Sky Pizza (any combo of toppings you can think of is incredible; I think it’s at 1770 Galleria Blvd., but I’m not sure. We walked there from the recording studio, following the producer!)
• Mojo Grill (had Crawfish Etouffée with Bushwackers – they’re like a Frosty with EVERY liquor poured into it – to wash it down; 1900 Broadway)

All but the last one have additional locations, so you don’t need to head to midtown Nashville just to grab great food. And BTW, the prices are very reasonable.

BTW, again: if you head to Mojo Grill, heed the warning on the door: “No Concealed Weapons Allowed.” (Of course, I’m not sure that means that UNconcealed weapons are okay!)

Recording in Nashville, Pt. 1

A year ago, I wouldn’t have thought that I’d be in Nashville recording some of my songs. After all, while I've hired others to do demos of country songs I’ve written, I don't perform purely country songs myself, and Nashville is where you find great country musicians, right?

Well, yes and no.

Nashville is home to sensational musicians who can play ANY type of music magnificently. (Of course, now I know why it’s called "Music City USA" and not "COUNTRY Music City USA.")

In mid June, I was in studio to record six of my tunes and had a terrific group of musicians to perform with: 

• Buddy Hyatt, piano
• Chris Cottros, acoustic guitar
• Danny Parks, electric guitar
• Jim Hyatt, bass
• Bruce Bouton, steel guitar
• Wayne Killius, drums and percussion

All of them have amazing credits; for example:

• Buddy is a former member of Toto and has worked as a session piano player on Nashville’s Music Row for about 30 years
• Chris Cottros has toured with Lorrie Morgan, Lee Ann Womack, Terri Clark and many others.
• Danny Parks has played and recorded with Brooks & Dunn, Dickie Betts, Toby Keith and more.
• Wayne has drummed for Toby Keith, Big & Rich, Blackhawk, etc.

Each player had great ideas when it came to interpreting my songs. And I was amazed how quickly they came up with those ideas. Mark Riddick, the session producer, said that these guys are fast because they have to be. I think they’re fast because they’re absolutely brilliant.

Thanks so much, guys. Your playing is appreciated more than I can say.

In "Recording in Nashville, Pt. 2", a look at the amazing string quartet that added magic to two of the songs.

For pics of the band during the session, click here.

Should Have's

I came across an interesting posting about "should/should have" (as in, "that's a good muffin you made, but what you really should have done is..."). You can read the original posting at http://jimelyot.blogspot.com/ (June 9, 2011). In response to it, I sent him this philosophy I live by:


Love your "should" item on your blog. Another perspective: "should have" can be used as a personal motivator. I imagine my Future Self saying "you should've done/tried (whatever)" to my Present Self so my PS does things today that would/could otherwise be regrets (for things I'll have wished I had done) in the future. Imagining looking back in the future and saying "should have" to myself makes me do/try things today that might be out of my comfort zone but that make my life worth living.


I plan to have no deathbed regrets.