Jennifer L Rocks Some Country On Historic Session!

Bill Watson and singer Jennifer L

The awesome Jennifer L was in the studio today to sing “Romance and Rodeo” written by songwriter K.C. Steele, the first country song recording miss L has sang on since her recent move to Nashville.

“Although prior to the session I’d only heard her do rock and pop,” said session producer Bill Watson, “I had a hunch Jennifer would sound great on this bluegrass flavored country tune, and it definitely paid off, she did a great job on both lead and harmony. I agree with my cousin, David Watson’s assessment: the girl could sing the phone book and make it sound good.”

To add to the historic nature of the occasion, Jennifer sang to a track cut earlier today using the very banjo used on the 1967 recording of “Rocky Top.” which session banjo man Aaron McDaris purchased from Sonny Osbourne, the original owner.

Aaron McDeris shows off his historic “Rocky Top” banjo.

Watson adds, “So first overdub session of the day we finish adding the banjo track, which Aaron McDaris absolutely nails to the wall, into the Pro Tools session and as he’s packing to leave he offhandedly remarks about the banjo being the one played on the original “Rocky Top” recording. My ears perk up and I take a closer look.

It’s THE Gibson Mastertone RB-3 Osbourne used on Rocky Top. How amazing is that?”

Aaron said prior to obtaining his steady “dream job” gig with Rhonda Vincent he was mowing lawns on the side and by chance was hired by Sonny Osbourne, the picker on the original Rocky Top recording. Each time he finished mowing he’d hang with Osbourne and chat about life and music. One day Sonny said, “This banjo deserves to be played and since I’m retired I’d love for you to take it out on your gigs.” Fully realizing the historic value of the instrument Aaron thought long and hard before finally accepting the offer. After a time he decided he’d like to own it outright it and with only two payments left on the $150,000 agreed-on price, it will soon be fully his. That folks, is called a bargain!

Also, Miss L did reveal that singing country isn’t as much of a stretch as you might think, her early roots are in 90’s country- Shania Twain and Kathy Mattea being two of the singers she emulated early on.

Provided KC gives permission, we’ll post the mix of “Romance and Rodeo” as soon as it’s finished.

6-27-14 Update: Here’s a clip of Romance and Rodeo, the mix turned out great! Let’s pick it up going into the final chorus:

The song is hot off the press with publishing open and right of first release intact. If you’d like to publish or record it we’d be glad to forward your interest to KC Steele.

Romance and Rodeo is © 2014 KC Steele. All rights reserved, presented here as a demonstration of production values, all other use prohibited under U.S. and International copyright law.