These days, the writing process and the recording process have become more and more closely related. So much so, that thanks to modern digital recording techniques, the possibilities and sheer flexibility of writing and recording in the studio has really become a revolution.
I have never particularly enjoyed the “over-convenience” of practically falling out of bed and being able to record something. Yes, it’s great for spontaneity , but I have always preferred to work in private for my writing, and then enjoyed the act of actually going to “a place of work”, such as a studio away from my home to actually lay down the tracks and do my overdubs. This has always been true, as it was this past year when I did my new album, “Toolin’ Around Woodstock” in Levon Helm’s studio. Yes, it was very relaxed and homey, and was attached to Levon’s house, but for me it was a nearly 2-hour drive that rewarded me with great and wondrous things once I got there! To me there’s just nothing like coming to a great studio, with a car full of guitars, and being able to collaborate with other folks, equally good at what they do, such as engineers and players I trust!
This coming week, I will be working with the great Nashville songwriter, Michael Garvin on a new instrumental guitar album we are writing and planning. Since we don’t get to work together that often, living 1000 miles apart, we must make the most, creatively, of our time together, and we will have to continue our particular way of working, which involves writing, as well as recording in the studio, literally as it’s all happening first hand! Certainly an exciting prospect, and I believe that the process will yield some very different and original material, hopefully truly worth hearing one day soon! Stay tuned…