Nashville,TN — Drummer Andy Hull has toured with Tanya Tucker and Lee Greenwood.
Guitarist and fiddle player Jason Roller has toured with Dolly Parton and Kellie Pickler.
Dimetri Shearwood plays jazz fusion and gospel.
So how did they ever wind up in a recording studio with me?
It's all because of Seattle-based producer Kevin Veatch of songlab.biz.
“I work with singer songwriters, artists of different levels and help them put their songs together,” said Veatch.
Most, like Seattle's Kate Lynn Logan, are quite extraordinary. But I'm offering a different kind of challenge: to make a radio friendly version of a song I made up called "Flowers on the Windowsill".
“I could hear right away the drum set playing a beach surf kind of thing,” Veatch said.
He made some subtle changes to my chords and sweetened the storyline in my lyrics.
“Country music is all about telling relatable stories,” he said.
On a Monday night at County Q Studio, in just two takes, the session musicians brought my roughly sketched song to life.
“They're so good at it they can get it done in short order,” said Veatch.
Now it was up to me to step up to the microphone. I thought about some advice country music star Brandy Clark gave me:
“I would just say don't be scared,” she said. “Because I guarantee you they've heard far worst singers than you.”
At first, I thought I sounded too much like an English professor, but with a little guidance, I found my character and a twangy accent somewhere between Tom Petty and Steve Earle.
“Saint is doing something brave and I respect that a lot,” Veatch said.
Layers of additional vocals from Stacy Atonel further sweetened the song.
But is it any good?
Back home in Seattle we ask Matt McAllister of the new 100.7 The Wolf to give a listen.
“It's catchy,” he concluded. “It's got that catchy beat to it. I wouldn’t say it’s a #1 hit but I think you pulled it off !”
At the moment I have no plans to quit television and start a country band. But at least I know who to call if the record companies sign me up.
Travel provided by Alaska Airlines, accommodations provided by Hotel Preston. Watch Evening weeknights at 7:30 on KING-TV Ch. 5 or streaming live on KING5.com. Connect with Evening via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Email.