Around 2012, I received a digital CD recorder. The first time spent with this contraption was discouraging. I am not a tech-type of a person. The recorder intimidated me, but I began the experimentation process to see what I could learn. After all, there was a college course to take, but I went at on my own and I met with many obstacles to overcome and I am still learning “tricks of the trades” so to speak.
My first attempt was a surprise CD called, “SONGS FOR MY MOTHER”. I searched my memory for songs I had heard as a boy at home. My mother purchased many of the old 45RPM records and, of course, I heard the music often. I chose some and began working at finding the keys suitable for me to sing in. One must remember I haven’t sung since a young fellow. I played it safe on this CD and chose keys to avoid fearful singing issues. I have asthma and I run out of air easily.
The late, Dick Vernon played some steel guitar on this Cd and my friend, Marci Williams sang on it and offered the harmony voices, too. I played all other instruments.
In the fall of 2013 I presented this CD to my mother at a local campground event. At first she thought I was playing a joke on her until she saw the CD cover. (Why would she expect a joke from me?) She was emotional for she wanted me to sing for many, many years. She was in shock! I couldn’t have given her a better gift.
The second CD saw improvement as I learned additional tricks with the recorder. I searched for songs in this country-style CD and narrowed them down.
Dick Vernon played steel guitar on this Cd and another friend Billy Rich did fiddle work. Marci Williams sang two additional songs and the harmony vocals. I played all other instruments. I did two original gospel songs on this CD, as well. (I have redone these two songs since then.)
The third Cd was a gospel recording called, I BELIEVE. This one featured a variety of gospel songs I have liked for whatever reason. Some of these songs are traditional and some are contemporary songs.
On this CD I had Dick Vernon play some steel guitar work. Marci Williams did the harmonies. I did a little harmony work, too. Unfortunately, Billy Rich came to house and we were planning for some fiddle work and he unexpecting passed away. I did all other instruments on this recording.
My fourth CD title came about due to my wife’s desire for the song on the CD. She believed the song was meant for our marriage and wanted me to do it. My friend, Dick Vernon had passed away while I was planning and working on this CD. Another friend, Mark Hamilton did the steel guitar work. I did all other instruments and harmony work.
My fifth CD is called, HEARTACHES AND HONKY TONKS. Interestingly, I did all vocals and instruments on this CD.
Most songs on this CD related with classic honky tonk style songs which include heartaches. I included the song Wagon Wheel and a gospel song on this recording as well.
I am working on a sixth recording which is to be another gospel CD. At the time of this entry I have six songs completed. The tentative title may be I MET THE MASTER.
The help on these recordings need to addressed again. My sister, Ruthi Wolfe took some of the photos for these five CDs. Again, Dick Vernon and Mark Hamilton with their steel guitar work. Billy Rich and his fiddle work and my friend, Marci Williams for vocals and harmony. Their additions helped greatly.
ALL CDs ARE AVAILABLE FOR TEN DOLLARS. SHIPPING, PLEASE ADD $5.00.
Larry A. Smail's Blog 
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