Leading Memphis Players Join Gifted Singer/Songwriter
Pictured at Ardent Studios in Memphis are (L-R) Billy Seward, guitar/vocals; Lucas Peterson, assistant engineer; Marc Franklin, trumpet; Jeff Powell, recording engineer; Al Gamble, keyboards; George Sluppick, producer/drummer; Landon Moore, bass; and Joe Restivo, guitar.
Gifted Soul/Blues singer/songwriter Billy Seward is recording his new album at Memphis’ legendary Ardent Studios with producer George Sluppick, who is also drummer on the project. Seward was joined by leading Memphis musicians Marc Franklin on trumpet and flugelhorn: Al Gamble on Hammond organ, Wurlitzer and piano; Landon Moore on bass; and Joe Restivo, guitar.
Producer George Sluppick comments, “I would categorize this as a soul record, but there is definitely a strong blues element thrown in there, too. Billy asked me to produce and put together a group
of seasoned Memphis players, which was easy for me to do, and I was excited and honored for the opportunity. When discussing studios, we both agreed that Ardent was the best choice for what we wanted to accomplish.�
Billy Seward currently resides in Sarasota, Florida, following his early career in such locales as Indiana, an extended sojourn in California, and stints in Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, and elsewhere, with musicians including soul singers Earl Thomas and Greg Willis, baritone sax ace Troy Jennings, B-3 master Neal Wauchope, and veteran sax man Jonny Viau.
George Sluppick continues, “I played drums and had more fun on this session than just about any other I’ve ever been on. Jeff Powell is truly a master at recording and along with his assistant, Lucas Peterson, made our job fun and easy. The sounds we got in that room were so good, Billy was actually brought to tears during the listening party. Many thanks to everyone who helped make this recording happen, all of the great staff at Ardent and these wonderful musicians.�
For more information visit: http://www.ardentstudios.com
