The 16th installment of my heading toward my 50th birthday.
I know a few days ago I referenced a wonderful circumstance of events that led me to find an old set of lyrics written by a special person who wanted me to score them. I tell you again, like I said earlier, I was not ready to do that when the piece of paper was readily handed to me those 15, 16, 17 years ago. Now…I am ready to do something with them.
It is time to call Jefferson.
Jeff Carpenter is one of greatest friends I have ever known. For whatever reason, I wish I knew, I am not the most social person that ever walked the planet. I delight in helping others. As a school counselor, I can do that and enjoy the success that is in the works. When I see a former student “make good” it only reaffirms what I saw before others did not. That is all I need.
I met Jefferson, that is what I call him, in 1996. He was, reluctantly I would say, at my wedding reception 22 years and 1 day ago. At the time his wife and my VERY NEW BRIDE were working together. I am sure Mary had to drag him there.
Three years later, after tragic circumstances, I was meeting up with Jeff Carpenter again. This time to record a song I had written in honor of the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. That Colts team, in Peyton Manning’s 2nd year, went from 3-13 in 1998 to 13-3 in 1999. I was writing songs then. I wrote one in honor of the Colts. I wonder if my dear friend and Colt aficionado, Adam Disque, knows this? I don’t remember playing it for him.
I was a nervous wreck the day I walked into Jeff Carpenter’s Alfresco Place Studio to “RECORD” for the first time in my life. Funny…now when I am in his studio and recording a song I feel like I am back to my musical home. There is a peace there between Jefferson and me that is pure magic, bliss, karma, whatever you want to call it. When I am there I know I am where I need to be, providing I have a lyric sheet with guitar chords written on it.
I have recorded properly with Jefferson on many occasion. In 2001 we did my first CD Leap of Faith. In 2004-2006 we did The Best Thing You Did Yesterday….and last year on my 49th birthday, he handed me the finished product of a 16 song project we had been working on. I have not pressed it and given it a proper name. In earnest I was waiting on this year…my 50th year…to perhaps record a couple more tunes and then pick out 14 of these latest to make a CD proper. Jefferson and I would like that.
I owe him so much, Jefferson. Business wise, I have tried to do him right. When it comes to dollars and friendship, Jefferson and I have never had problems. I am thankful for that. I just wish I could pay him twice what I do. Recording ain’t cheap. Our friendship is priceless. If I had a million bucks, his studio with a handful of songs would be my first stop. I could write them.
Watching Rod Wurtele add keyboards.
Where the magic happens.
Rod, Jefferson, and me.
Rod is never there to have a bad time.
Barry King laying down some guitar. He is awesome.
Jeff and me talking it over.
A session in 2016. We look miserable, don’t we.
I don’t know what we were not thinking on this day in 2004. To my left were Tim Krekel and Jim Baugher working on songs I had written. This is still humbling to me. I wish I could call these guys up and get them in to Jefferson’s place in two weeks. I can’t. They are not with us. Why I did not get in a photo with these two makes me sad. But…I’d rather have this shot. Tim handed me that guitar during these session to clarify a few details. He was nervous handing it over. That is when you know you have a guy in love with his guitar. I doubt many played it.
My love for music made sense thanks to Jeff Carpenter. I owe him more than I can ever repay. And now, thanks to Jackie Gayheart’s song, it is time to call Jefferson again.
Speaking the rights…
Danny Johnson