Recording of a new "Southern Rock" project got under way in Nashville recently. Originally slated to appear on the CD were legends like George McCorkle (Marshall Tucker Band), Jimmie Hall (Wet Willie), Steve Gorman (Black Crowes), Dan Toler (Allman Bros, Dickie Betts), Henry Paul (Outlaws, and Black Hawk) and Bo Bice. Unfortunately, just days prior to the sessions George McCorkle entered the hospital, and passed away of cancer.  George was very excited about the project and having a couple of his new songs cut.  He was really looking forward to working with his old friends again. 

Producer D.Scott Miller asked me down to the studio to give a listen and say hello to my friends Dan Toler and Steve Grisham, as well as to get away from the hospital for only a few hours. I took him up on it not knowing really what to expect. Justin McCorkle, Geroge's son, joined me as well to just get away for a few minutes. The CD is being recorded at Ocean Way Studios in Nashville.  Ocean Way is an old remodeled church and is very popular because of its atmosphere and acoustics. 

As I entered the control room, I was immediately impressed by the talent and lineup.  I look left to one booth and see Henry Paul, look right to see Jimmie Hall. I turned to the main room and saw Steve Gorman and Dan Toler. This was Rock and Roll Hall of Fame being recorded. I was quickly humbled as I turned to see my dear friend George McCorkle's gear sitting in the studio, awaiting the man who would never arrive. This project was very dear to George and he was really excited to start recording.  Unfortunately, he was lying in the hospital fighting for his life. 

D. Scott Miller told me they recorded George's songs first, in honor of their Brother in the hospital.  He said the other musicians put their hearts into the sessions in a way that can not be described in words. "There was magic that day, as they recorded their friend's songs, almost driven", Scott told me.  Ironically, the first song they recorded was a new song he and George wrote, titled "Rock and Roll Survivor". Unfortunately, George would not survive the battle he was waging. He would pass away without ever hearing his songs. 

The night we were there, they were working on a new song from Henry Paul. I was just mesmorized as I watched and listened to these seasoned professionals. Then as I listened to Henry sing the first verse, I was brought to tears. The verse references his fondness to them Tucker Boys. I watched and listened for an hour. I was really surprised that the session was being done live. In other words, they were recording all together -- not one person at a time. D. Scott told me it was the only way to catch "that magic" of them playing off of each other. 

After a couple of quick run throughs, they had it down and were ready to listen to the play back.  They listened, and D.Scott said, "I think that is a keeper." Then, they were on to the next song. This one was a new Jimmie Hall tune. I was amazed at the professionalism. They passed out charts, went over them for a couple of minutes, then everyone went to their booths, and away they went.

So what are my thoughts and impressions of this project?  Well, if you are a Southern Rock fan, this CD will absolutely be a must have.  As just a music fan, I think this is one of the best records to come out in the last 10 years. Upon leaving the studio that evening, I was completely drained. I cried, laughed, and danced (that's right, I challenge you not to dance when you hear this CD!). I returned to George's side the next morning and told him, "Your Brothers are doing you proud!" What a fitting studio, lineup, and song selection. My hat off to D. Scott Miller, who recently produced John Corbett, Beverley Mitchell, and Candy Coburn, all of which featured Mccorkle songs, guitar.  Candy Coburn's CD even features a duet with George on his classic "Fire on the Mountain.
 

D. Scott Miller informed me that some other players would be coming in for some "guest" tracking. I know that Texas guitar hero Jay Boy Adams is slated to lay some guitar tracks for sure. Jay Boy also sang at George's Funeral. Southern Fried Magazine will keep you up to date on this project and release date as details become available. I have even heard talk of the possibility of some live shows featuring this all star lineup.