What happens when you grow up in a household brimming with musical legends? Discover the captivating history of Don Parker, an outstanding drummer from a renowned Kentucky music family. Don takes us down memory lane, sharing stories from his early years, playing his uncle's drum kit, and absorbing the musical wisdom of icons like Joe Clark and Randy Hayes. We also spotlight his sister Chelsea, a talented fiddle player, and the unique family dynamics that shaped their creative journeys.

Ever wondered how a piece of advice could transform your entire approach to an instrument? Don reveals how a simple tip from his stepmother revolutionized his drumming technique and coordination. The episode chronicles his early fascination with drums, the thrill of discovering rock and roll through an unexpected box of CDs, and the formation of his school band. We highlight the significant influence of drumming legends Ringo Starr and John Bonham, and how their unique styles helped mold Don's musicality. Personal anecdotes bring these influences to life, especially the moment Don experienced Bonham's magic through his son, Jason Bonham.

From intimate dance halls to electrifying large venues, Don's journey is a testament to musical evolution. Hear about his first professional gig in high school, playing with Avery Glenn Crabtree, and the pivotal moments that catapulted him into the spotlight. Relive the vibrant atmosphere of the Austin City Saloon, where Don's band maintained the energetic pulse of live music. Whether it's opening for big names like Kid Rock and Tracy Bird or navigating the changing tides of the music scene, Don's story is a thrilling exploration of passion, dedication, and the indelible impact of musical heritage.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Links

• Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/
• JFS Country Countdown: https://jayfranze.com/countdown/

Contact

• Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/

Socials

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranze
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayfranze
• X: https://x.com/jayfranze
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranze

Services

• Services: https://jayfranze.com/services/

Books

• Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/

Merchandise

• Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/

Support

• Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/
• Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/

What if you discovered that some of the most heartfelt songs come from the most unexpected places? Join us as we uncover the incredible journey of songwriter Bruce Tarletsky and his Nashville supergroup, High Mountain Breezes. Bruce, who took up songwriting later in life, found inspiration in a loyal group of session musicians. With producer Bob Bullock by his side, Bruce created a unique musical space that emphasizes friendship, collaboration, and personal expression. Together, they’ve crafted a legacy that goes far beyond the notes on a page.

Ever wondered how a classic like “Bridge Over Troubled Water” could be reimagined to top charts in Europe? Bruce and his team did just that, with Melissa Duvall, Gwen Sebastian, and Heather Beckett bringing a fresh, innovative rendition to life. They dive into the creative process behind this and other hits, revealing how real-life experiences and co-writing shape their music. With insights from Michael Spriggs and contributions from songwriters like Jan Buckingham and Monty Lane Allen, they discuss the profound impact of collaboration on their success.

From the grief-stricken “Daddy's Margarita Rose” to the poignant “Stars in Lahaina Tonight,” they explore the emotional depth that fuels their music. Hear stories of how personal loss transforms into powerful lyrics and learn timeless advice from legends like John Denver. They wrap up by highlighting the unsung heroes behind the scenes, including Deborah's soulful touch on “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” and Dustin's marketing prowess. Tune in to discover the heart and soul of High Mountain Breezes and the team that makes it all possible.

Contributing HMB Players:

• Bruce Tarletsky – Founder, Songwriter
• Monty Lane Allen – Player, Artist, Songwriter
• Bob Bullock – Producer/Engineer
• Chris Leuzinger – Musician, Songwriter
• Michael Spriggs – Musician
• Duncan Mullins – Musician
• Catherine Marx – Musician
• Tim Crouch – Musician
• Gwen Sebastian – Artist
• Darrell Cole – Artist, Songwriter
• Jan Buckingham – Songwriter
• Janie West – Song Pitch Mentor
• Mark Beckett – Musician
• Jermaine Mondine – Musician
• Dustin Soper – Marketing, Branding
• Ed Gertler – Digital Distribution
• Kyle Hershman – Engineer
• Chris Latham – Producer, Engineer
• Sam Levine – Musician

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Links

• Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/
• JFS Country Countdown: https://jayfranze.com/countdown/

Contact

• Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/

Socials

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranze
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayfranze
• X: https://x.com/jayfranze
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranze

Services

• Services: https://jayfranze.com/services/

Books

• Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/

Merchandise

• Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/

Support

• Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/
• Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/

Discover the journey of Chloe Styler, an exceptionally talented country music artist, as she takes us behind the scenes of her dream performance at Nashville's Bluebird Cafe. Chloe reveals the overwhelming sense of accomplishment and the unique atmosphere of the venue, where the attentive audience contributed to an unforgettable night. She shares her initial nerves and the contrasting vibes between Nashville's vibrant music scene and Australia's Gold Coast, providing a fresh perspective on her musical influences and experiences.

Chloe Styler opens up about her creative synergy with renowned producer Luke Wooten. Get an insider’s look at their collaborative process at Station West, where they blend country, pop, and rock elements to create Chloe's signature sound. Chloe talks about the thrill of seeing their hard work culminate in the success of their latest track “Read A Room,” which is climbing the Australian radio charts. The efficient yet dynamic recording sessions at Station West highlight the dedication and passion driving Chloe’s music career.

Jay and Chloe also delve into Chloe's personal stories behind her songs “Call It” and “Little Lady,” revealing the vulnerability and excitement that come with releasing deeply personal tracks. Chloe discusses the challenges of being an independent artist—balancing self-management, industry pressures, and personal health. Hear about the indispensable role of technology in her creative workflow, from her iPhone 13 Pro Max to her Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface. Chloe’s candid insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring musicians and a heartfelt narrative for fans.

Episode Links

• Chloe Styler: https://www.chloestyler.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Links

• Jay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/
• JFS Country Countdown: https://jayfranze.com/countdown/

Contact

• Contact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/

Socials

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranze
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayfranze
• X: https://x.com/jayfranze
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranze

Services

• Services: https://jayfranze.com/services/

Books

• Books: https://jayfranze.com/books/

Merchandise

• Merchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/

Support

• Support: https://jayfranze.com/support/
• Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/