In this crazy little world called the music biz, I've been very fortunate to team up with a group of talented people. Without hesitation, some of the world's finest! I'd like to share my story & my appreciation of how the album "Momentum" came to be.
In January 09, I was having a casual conversation with a very talented and gracious friend of mine, Chris Byrne from the Road Hammers (
www.roadhammers.com) about the idea of recording an album. He suggested putting me in touch with his friend, Scott Baggett. At the time, I had no idea that Scott was an accomplished producer and recognized name in the industry. He's worked along side and produced such artist as Alison Krauss, John Waite, Dolly Parton , the Road Hammers, Jason MCoy and the list goes on. A few days later, I got a call from Scott. Needless to say, I was a little taken back. It was a pleasant surprise! After a few conversations and email exchanges, we decided it was time to meet. I booked a flight and a few short weeks later, I landed in Nashville, Tennessee to meet up with the man. Over many ice teas and comfort food meals in Scott's favorite restaurants, we talked about music, and the musical direction for this album. We also hung out at his studio and worked on song ideas that eventually became songs for this album. (Track # 4 "Money Tree" , track # 6 "Loving Kind" , track # 9 "Bring Your Love Home" , track # 11 "Ain't Yourbody's Business".)
Looking back, I realize Scott was producing the album in his mind from the get go. I left there knowing that I was about to work with a musical genius and that this album was going to be what I'd been waiting for my whole career! Thank you Scott, for first of all taking the time for this project and mostly for taking my musical expression to a whole new level. You are a genius and without a doubt, the "Boss of Frost". I look forward to doing it again on the next album. It was absolutely inspiring to watch you pull this all together.
On a personal note, at the time I was seriously contemplating doing something completely different than music. I guess for me there was a lesson to learn, to never give up on your dreams. That there is a turning point when you least expect it!
By the time I landed back in Calgary, Scott had organized the session to record the bed tracks for this album. The genius didn't waste any time! It seemed like everything was falling into place quickly and smoothly. Scott was very specific about the musicians he wanted for this project and if you know anything about trying to coordinate a group of extremely busy people to meet at the same time, there was some serious syncronicity going on to bring this session together! Thank you universe!
Now we were six weeks from the session and my challenge was to make sure I had 12 songs written and ready to record. That's 2 songs a week and the count down was on! I started putting melody and subject ideas together and collaborating with a couple friends who happen to be great writers!
Meet Ron A McNeill. He is probably one of the most determined people I know in this biz. He's had songs covered by "Jo Hikk" and "Willy Mac". He and I wrote 2 ballads for this album, track 5 "Holding On" and track 8 "One Choice Away" . Thank you Ron for your hearfelt and passionate involvement in these songs. We laughed our asses off while writing these. Let's do some more!
Meet Chris Byrne! An amazing musician and person Through him, I met Scott and so this album came to be!
He collaborated with me on track #1 "Gone", track #2 " Matter of Time" , track #3 "All your Fault" , track #4 "Money Tree" and track #12 "The Calling". Chris also played bass on all the tracks and sang background vocals. What an amazing talent!! A gracious person to boot and he makes a mean cup of coffee! Thanks so much Chris!
March 23/09 we arrived at Dark Horse Studio (
www.darkhorse.com) just outside of Nashville, Tenessee. What a beautiful place!
I'm stoked, nervous, excited. You name it, I'm feeling it! Today's the day we lay down the bed tracks. I had been forwarned by Scott, that this band was gonna blow my socks off. We layed down 9 tracks that day . From the first note they played at 10:00 a.m. that morning, my hair is still blowing back like it is on the cover of the CD! lol! It has never been the same since! When that first note hit , Scott looked my way with this grin on his face as if to say, "See! I told ya!"
The Players
Meet Chad Cromwell on drums
http://www.myspace.com/chadcromwell . Did I mention that he tours with Neil Young? Thank you so much for lending your talent on this project. From where I was standing singing ghost vocals, it was just crazy cool watching you! How in the hell do you do that!
Meet Pat Buchanan on guitar
http://www.myspace.com/patbuchananmusic He's worked with Hall & Oats , Faith Hill, Rodney Crowell and more... Pat also played harmonica on track #4 "Money Tree" and did background vocals throughout the album. A very special thanks to Pat for logging in all the extra hours of colours. What a rainbow!
Meet Reese Wynnon on keys,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqSRTnJm33M . He played with Buddy Guy, Stevie RayVaughn & many more. Thank you Reese for all you gave to this project. Wicked!
At the end of that day in the studio, my guy and I went out for dinner and reminisced about the day. Only this time we were enjoying something a little more spirited than ice tea! A glass of red vino always seems to find me on special occasions and this surely was something worth celebrating! In moderation of course! ;) Who is my guy you ask? Meet Tom Netzel ! He is a lover of music like no one else I know and devoted to this project as much as I am. He's on my side and along for the crazy carpet ride! Thank you Sweetness for making this possible! xo
We made our way back to Calgary with satisfied hearts knowing that in a few short weeks, I'd be flying back to Nasville to do vocals.
Mid April, this had been my third time at the Nashville airport in a few short months and I got to know it pretty well. I knew exactly where to wait. Wait for my ride that is. You see, Scott, is not only a great great producer. He's the host with the most! He always came to pick me up and drive my jet lagged butt right to the hotel. Thanks Scott! After a little siesta and food, I was ready to sing!
We recorded all the vocal tracks in Scotts studio in a couple days. It was pretty intense but Scott always had a suggestion for a well deserved break! Shopping! Ya man, we went shopping between takes! Now that's my kinda producer! He goes hard like I do. Two addicts in the stores looking for deals lol! Fun times ! ;)
During my time in Scott's studio, every once in a while, I'd see this little ball of fur come hang out at my ankles. Meet Blackie, Scotts cat! Thanks for hanging out with us Blackie!
So lets see, the bed tracks are done. The vocals are done. The album just needed hints of more colour and that was all up to the BOF and his vision. Thus far, his vision for this album was way beyond my expectations and I couldn't wait to hear the final product. Scott take it away!
Days later, my phone rings, it's my shopaholic, genius producer calling to make my day! He calls to tell me that Kim Carnes will be making a guest appearance on one of my songs! Yup! Ms Betty Davis Eyes herself singing on MY album. Wait a minute..... shouldn't it be the other way around? Thank you Kim for singing on track # 10 " Change is Coming On" Wow what an honor!
I remember the first time I heard "Betty Davis Eyes" on the radio. It was a hot summer night and I'd fallen asleep by the fire pit along the lake. My family had moved temporarily to this summer cottage in Estaire, Ontario on a little lake and I often fell asleep by the fire pit with the radio blasting. There it was, this smoky voice coming over the waves and it woke me up. I often fell asleep with the radio and would come to when a song would hit my soul. That was one of them! Who would'a thought I'd have that voice on my album! Funny how life unfolds....
Meet another great vocalist! KK Falkner everyone! Thank you KK for adding your awesome talent to this project! What a voice!
Meet Jim Hokes on sax! thank you for adding such a cool dimension to the album. I love the element of surprise you bring to these songs. I think the listner does too!
I would also like you to meet one of Canada's finest players. Steve O'connor for playing keys on track #7 "Take it Easy" Thank you Steve!
Well, that's pretty much how this album came to be and as you can see, it takes a strong and talented team to make great music. God willing, with the support of fans and music lovers who choose to enjoy this album the way I did making it, I'll be writing the story of how the next album came to be.
Stay tuned!
Chris Ayries
