My next CD? & More Music Talk

I'm getting asked a lot lately about when I'll put out another CD. I'd like to do it sometime. The last CD I put out was 2006 (Tales From A 2 Lane). That was 6 years after the 1st (State Line Blues). I'm not sure when I'll make another. It takes a long time for me because I have to write the songs for it first. I haven't recorded a lot of cover songs and on the next, I'd like it to be totally original. When I have enough original songs which I like, I'll record the next CD. I've even toyed with the idea of recording completely at home on my home studio, where in the past, I've only recorded my demos before heading into a full studio. These days, more and more folks are simply recording at home on their computers, so I might give it a try too.

There was a nice article about Country singer Crystal Shawanda in the Nashville Tennessean this morning. She's finally signed with a major label (Sony) and has a single on the Country charts right now. Believe it or not, she opened for me several years ago at the Carson Center in Paducah during a benefit for Hurricane Katrina victims. I thought she was really talented, and a really nice person, so here's hoping her career continues taking off!


I know it's a long way off, but I'm already getting excited about the BBQ on the River this year. In addition to the great times and great BBQ, we'll be reunited with our original harmonica player Col. J.D. Wilkes. The Saturday night bill will include The Legendary Shack Shakers, J.D's band, followed by us on the main stage. The Colonel will stick around and show off his Blues chops for us during our set. The Legendary Shack Shakers are not for the faint of heart, to be sure. They're high energy and very original. They tour the US and Europe quite a bit, and even opened a European tour for Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin), but I know it'll be special for J.D. to play a gig in his hometown! Those who know J.D., know that he's a multifaceted artist and part of their current tour is in support of an alternative film J.D.'s promoting, "Seven Signs." Here's a look (btw...the blacksmith is Fast Layne Hendrickson, the original lead singer and founder of 61 South), and a little of the Shack Shakers too.