SONGWRITER CHAT WITH CARL JACKSON

[Tue Feb 26 19:57:38 EST 2008] Carl Jackson

> Hello

<Carl Jackson> Hey Candi

> I'd like to thank Eric Gibson for being our Chat Host and welcome our February Guest Carl Jackson!!!

> Hello Carl

<Carl Jackson> Happy to be here

<Eric Gibson> Carl, what an absolute honor to have you here!

<Carl Jackson> Many thanks for the kind words...

[Tue Feb 26 20:00:02 EST 2008] Brink

<Eric Gibson> Carl,

[Tue Feb 26 20:00:08 EST 2008] Seth

<The_Sivers> got some competition tonight with American Idol....lol

<Eric Gibson> Carl, have you been doing a lot of writing of late?

<Carl Jackson> Not really any more or less than usual

<Carl Jackson> I've never been a guy that writes everyday

<Brink> hey Eric, Candi, Seth and welcome Carl :)

<Eric Gibson> Welcome, Brink!

<Carl Jackson> Thanks Brink

<Seth> Hi Brink

> Thanks for stopping in Brink!

<Brink> :)

<Eric Gibson> Do you ever write on any instruments besides the guitar?

<Carl Jackson> Rarely... now and then I will write something without an instrument at all

[Tue Feb 26 20:03:37 EST 2008] Tracy

[Tue Feb 26 20:04:05 EST 2008] JRD

<Eric Gibson> One of your most recorded songs, and one I have always loved, is "Little Mounatin Church House."  Can you tell us about writing that wonderful song?

<Eric Gibson> Sorry 'bout the spelling!

<Brink> With more and more sales coming from "digital downloads" do you see it becoming harder to make a living songwriting?

<Carl Jackson> Ricky Skaggs asked me to write a song for an album he was producing on Dolly Parton

<Carl Jackson> Ricky wound up liking the song so much that he recorded it with the Dirt Band on Circle II

[Tue Feb 26 20:05:52 EST 2008] JB

<Carl Jackson> I co-wrote the song with Jim Rushing

<Carl Jackson> Yep... Brink... it's getting harder and harder

<Eric Gibson> It's beautiful, and I believe won Song of the YEar for Doyle Lawson.

<Carl Jackson> It did... the 1st IBMA Song of the Year

[Tue Feb 26 20:06:52 EST 2008] rob

[Tue Feb 26 20:07:07 EST 2008] Lisa Burdett

<Eric Gibson> After all the cuts you've had by so many artists, is it still a big thrill to get one?

<Carl Jackson> Absolutely... I'm thrilled with every cut I get... always proud

<Eric Gibson> Do you remember the point when you just knew you were a songwriter?

<Carl Jackson> That's a tough question... I kinda felt that way the first time I heard something of mine on the radio

<Eric Gibson> When was that?

[Tue Feb 26 20:09:32 EST 2008] Ken Reynolds

<Carl Jackson> When I moved to L.A. in 1972... I did an instrumental album for Capitol...

<Seth> How do you choose who you cowrite with?

<Carl Jackson> They used to play stuff off that on KLAC in Los Angeles

<Carl Jackson> I think I arrived more when I got the first outside cut... other than myself

<rob> Hi Carl,  When you write a lyrics in verse/Chorus format am I correct in understanding that generally the chorus really sums up the details of the verses?

<Brink> I've always appreciated the way writers like you and Cord etc help other writers at places like Nashcamp etc.  I've learned a ton from y'all and just wanted to say thank  you for doing that

<Brink> Do you still enjoy working with struggling/up and coming/learning writers?

[Tue Feb 26 20:11:29 EST 2008] Doug

<Carl Jackson> I don't really choose co-writers... it just kinda happens sometimes... over the years different publishing deals have led to many co-writes

[Tue Feb 26 20:13:05 EST 2008] Doug montgomery

[Tue Feb 26 20:13:19 EST 2008] Carl Jackson

<Eric Gibson> Sorry, Carl.  Did you get bumped?

<Carl Jackson> Guys & gals, I don't knwo what happened... I lost all questions off the screen

[Tue Feb 26 20:13:51 EST 2008] Ken Reynolds

<Carl Jackson> yep.... right out the door

<Eric Gibson> That happens sometimes,  Thanks for coming back!

<Brink> I think if your answer gets a little long the system seems to boot you out the door :)

<Brink> hehe

<JB> Do you tend to prefer working on lyrics, melody, or both together?

<Brink> I've always appreciated the way writers like you and Cord etc help other writers at places like Nashcamp etc. I've learned a ton from y'all and just wanted to say

<Brink> a big thanks!

<Carl Jackson> Just trying to answer all, Brink

<Carl Jackson> I tend to work on lyrics first... write a lot of stuff just to meter

<Brink> LOL

<Carl Jackson> Always enjoy Nashcamp, Brink... lots of fun

<Eric Gibson> Do you ever write with someone else's voice in mind?

<The_Sivers> off topic sorry....sitting here dreaming of June 2008 at Jenny Brook....lol

<JB> At what point do you pick up an instrument once you've got the lyric seed and a meter going?

<Carl Jackson> Absolutely, Eric... No Future In The Past was written specifically for Vinny

<Eric Gibson> Perfect marriage of singer and song!

<Carl Jackson> Sometimes I will finish the entire song... JB

<Carl Jackson> Not always though

<Carl Jackson> Thanks, Eric

<JB> cool!

<Carl Jackson> I've even written stuff to an existing melody if it had the feel I want

<Eric Gibson> Do you find a particular time of day works better for you?

<JB> A traditional melody, or one you'd already made up?

<Carl Jackson> I try to teach a lot of young writers to practice that exercise... it helps them understand how to construct a song

<Carl Jackson> The inspiring time of the day... LOL

<Brink> hehe

<Carl Jackson> Depends on the feel I'm looking for, JB

<Eric Gibson> I need to find one!

<Ken Reynolds> Lyrics usually come to me when I lay down to go to sleep

<Brink> When you finish a song that may be a "male" lead do you ever do a "female" version right away for pitching?

<rob> Hi Carl,  Do you have a favorite format that you like write in more then the other?  For example:  verse/chorus versus AABA

<Carl Jackson> Not always, Brink... just kinda on a need be basis

<Carl Jackson> No particular format... I just kinda let it happen and whatever feels right is right...

<JB> Does the feel of the song drive it all right from the start?

<Carl Jackson> Depends, JB.... I tend to be more inspired by the overall idea or message of the song

[Tue Feb 26 20:22:12 EST 2008] Linda Ralph

<Brink> Seems a popular country format is V V C V Bridge C    but when I've pitched those songs to bluegrass artists they seem to want to drop the "bridge"

<Brink> Seem bridges don't go very well in bluegrass

<Brink> LOL

<Carl Jackson> Brink... I honestly have never tried to go with a certain "format"... just whatever feels right

<Lisa Burdett> Do you see the finished song as a story or movie as you are writing?

<Doug montgomery> Howdy

<Carl Jackson> I like the movie way, Lisa... always trying to "paint the picture"...

<Linda Ralph> Linda Ralph Hi everone

<Doug montgomery> do you start with a hook and then build the verses?

<Carl Jackson> "See the song"

> Thanks for stopping in Linda

<Brink> I like that way of putting it :)

<Carl Jackson> Doug... usually... always tend to write "backwards"

<Ken Reynolds> Ken Reynolds here,  a big howdy to everyone

<Brink> I love "emotional" writing w/ imagery

<Carl Jackson> They are my favorites, Brink

<Lisa Burdett> I try to do that with pictures.  Doesn't always work out, thou.

<Carl Jackson> Make sure all the colors are there, Lisa

<Eric Gibson> Hey Ken!  Hey Linda!

<Ken Reynolds> Hi Eric

<Doug montgomery> I woke up from a dream with a song and chorus in my head after seeing Dan Tyminski called "The Midnight Rain"

<Brink> The way I think of it is that there are NO words that describe the deepest emotions like loss of a loved one etc. So.....you paint the picture with the words and the picture PULLS out the

    emotion!!

<Lisa Burdett> Black and white are great, too at times.

<Carl Jackson> Correct... Lisa... correct... Brink

<Linda Ralph> Hi Eric

<Carl Jackson> Sounds like a good one, Doug

<Lisa Burdett> That is a great way to say it, Brink.

<Ken Reynolds> <Ken Reynolds> My writing is usually triggered by a phrase I've seen or heard

<Carl Jackson> Many times, Ken...

<Eric Gibson> Do you ever travel to a location with writing in mind, hoping to be inspired by the surroundings?

<Linda Ralph> Linda Ralph I especially like the son I'm not over you you wrote for Rhonda Vincent, it has a lot to say

<Doug montgomery> How many rough drafts does it take to complete a song?

<Carl Jackson> I have done that... Eric

[Tue Feb 26 20:28:09 EST 2008] rob

<Carl Jackson> Thank you, Linda... proud of that song... Rhonda kills it

<Eric Gibson> Where has it worked especially well...the location thing?

<Carl Jackson> Usually one, Doug... it may lie around for years, but It's not finished until it's finished

<Carl Jackson> I'm always inspired when I get to go "home"

<Ken Reynolds> <Ken Reynolds> Ken Orrick does a nice job on that one also Carl

<Eric Gibson> Speaking of home, please tell your dad I said hey.

<Doug montgomery> Can you talk about your modulations in your songs?  I notice you go down instead of up...what the method?

<Carl Jackson> I need to hear that, Ken... is it on a CD?

<Ken Reynolds> Yes it is

<Carl Jackson> Will do, Eric...

<Carl Jackson> I'd like to have a copy...

<Carl Jackson> Doug... give me an example... which song for instance?

<Brink> How is Ken O. doing after his stroke etc?

<JB> In what type of songs do you tend to opt for modulation?

<Ken Reynolds> <Ken Reynolds> I'll look up the info Carl..BRB

<The_Sivers> good night all

<Carl Jackson> JB... country stuff tends to lean more toward the mods... like "No Future"... but it definitely went UP

<JB> I don't know of any BG songs that modulate, except something like Ricky Skaggs singing Gold Watch and Chain...

<Linda Ralph> Linda Ralph

<rob> Carl, in Bluegrass music does the bridge in a AABA type song offer the listner a little more information or insight to the story?

<Eric Gibson> It's too hard to find a capo that quick, JB.<g>

<Carl Jackson> JB... not a usual thing... I do a lot of arrangements for folks like Alecia that have quite a few mods

<Brink> When you go into a co-writing session...do you bring several ideas with you?  do you bring a few partially finished songs?  All the above...or just start most times with a blank slate?

<Doug montgomery> Is there a rule that you use to modulate in a song?  up a 3rd or 5th? verse or chorus???

<Linda Ralph> How do you pitch a song if you are a newcomer Linda

<Carl Jackson> Rob... hopefully, it always does... sometimes just helps complete the picture

<Ken Reynolds> <Ken Reynolds> Carl, Ken Orricks's version is on Hay Holler CD 1356

<Carl Jackson> Brink... depends on the co-write... try to let new writers bring something to the tabel

<Carl Jackson> table

<Brink> Selfish question for me cuz I'm headed to TN this weekend for a couple "co=writing sessions"   I'm nervous as all get out!!! LOLOL

<Carl Jackson> Doug... no rules... something different... pretty

<Carl Jackson> In bluegrass... pitches are easier than in country

<Carl Jackson> Thanks Ken

<Lisa Burdett> Brink, just do what you do.  It's great from what I've heard.

[Tue Feb 26 20:35:45 EST 2008] Lyn

<Carl Jackson> Don't be nervous, my friend... you rock!!!

<JB> Country seems like strictly a highly pro, insiders place. BG seems accessible.

<Brink> Well thanks man...means a lot!

<Doug montgomery> can you suggest any books on songwriting for Bluegrassers??

<Carl Jackson> Country is definitely a tougher pitch

<Eric Gibson> Your songs have real integrity.  Are you ever troubled by what's occurring so often on country radio these days -- the Dumbing Down of "country' Music?

<Brink> Doug my favorite book is the John Braheny book for all around and it is pretty inexpensive :)

<Carl Jackson> Doug... not really, but I would suggest to learn the business side of songwriting as well... very important

<Doug montgomery> thanks

<JB> Are groups like NSAI a genuine way to learn those ropes seriously, or just a way for amatuers to play with feedback.

<Brink> you can get it on Amazon

<Carl Jackson> Eric... terribly troubled... it's very sad... the better the song, the harder it is to get it cut

<Brink> It sure seems that way Carl :(

<Carl Jackson> NSAI is a good thing I think

<Eric Gibson> It seems Country Radio sees it's audience as Larry the Cable Guy clones.

<Carl Jackson> Not that way in bluegrass though... they still will cut a good song

<rob> Have you ever heard of Shelia Davis's "The Craft of Lyric Writing"?

<JB> Thanks. Country sons are maddening because what I hear is so cliched, so prideful, so one dimensional.

<Carl Jackson> Yep... just how stupid can we make the next country hit?

<Doug montgomery> Bradley Walker's version of Loves' Tombstone modulates - how do you do it???

<Seth> It's still about the song in Bluegrass

<JB> songs...not sons...

<Carl Jackson> I have not, Rob

<Linda Ralph> Linda I think that;s why bluegrass is getting so poplular, people still like the music and can;t hear it on country radio

<Carl Jackson> There isn't an overall modulation... I think you are talking about the little move in the middle of the chorus

<Brink> Bradley CRUSHES that one man!!!!

<Carl Jackson> You are correct, Linda

<Eric Gibson> I didn't mean to take us down a negative path, but what's happening hurts.

<Brink> I agree Eric

<Carl Jackson> That's the first song I ever pitched to Bradley the first time I heard him

<Doug montgomery> you do it in many of your songs and what's the technique?

<Carl Jackson> The truth ain't negative, Eric

<Eric Gibson> Of all the hats you're wearing these days, which feels best?  Writing, producing, playing, singing...?

<Ken Reynolds> <Ken Reynokds> Bluegrass  songs still tell a story

<Carl Jackson> Doug, there is no particular technique... I just look for something different

<Brink> The night Bradley did the Ryman thing...there was more true country music on the Ryman stage than 10 of the normal Opry shows!!!

<Brink> Incredible night of music!

<Carl Jackson> Eric... the combination of all the hats... that's what is the best

<Eric Gibson> It must be a blast!

<Carl Jackson> Thank you Brink... Bradley is awesome!!!!

<Doug montgomery> You coming out to California any time soon????

<Brink> I agree ken...I'm partial to bluegrass too :)

<Carl Jackson> It's been a while, Doug... lived there for 8 years ya' know

<Carl Jackson> Blast... yes

<Doug montgomery> but that was in LA...you need to come to Grass Valley and the CBA

<rob> Alecia's first CD, I really thought you nailed it on "For Loves Sake".  I thought that you did a super job producing that CD.

<Carl Jackson> Love to, Doug...

<Carl Jackson> Thank you, Rob... that girl can flat out sing!!!!

<Doug montgomery> Thanks Carl, appreciate what you have to say

<Carl Jackson> You are welcome, Doug

<Doug montgomery> She was quite the discovery and break out for women singers in bluegrass

<Ken Reynolds> <Ken Reynolds> Get to work on that doug

<Brink> have you ever thought of putting a small band together and doing a tour of your own songs?

<Carl Jackson> I have thought about it, Brink... every now and then I get the "itch"

<Eric Gibson> There would be a lot of people 'itching' to hear that.

<Brink> I agree Eric :)

<Carl Jackson> That's nice of you guys to say

<Ken Reynolds> <Ken Reynolds> you've got that right Eric

<Eric Gibson> Hey, Ken, my friend in California.

<Lisa Burdett> Brink has an idea.  That would be wonderful to hear you do your songs.

<Doug montgomery> What song that you worked with Glen Campbell are you most proud of?

<Carl Jackson> It is fun when Larry, Jerry and I do writer's nights... I know that

<Doug montgomery> Larry Cordle???

<Brink> Cord tears me up too....when he sings "Navy Man" I turn into a basket case!

<Carl Jackson> Well... Glen gave me my first top 10 country song... kinda partial to that... but always loved playing the hits with Glen

<Doug montgomery> I study Larry Cordle...what a writer

<Eric Gibson> Amen.

<Carl Jackson> Yep... Cord

<Doug montgomery> Do you have any stories about John Hartford??

<Ken Reynolds> <Ken Reynolds> Eric.. I see you will be out in CA soon

<Carl Jackson> Not really, Doug... we were friends, but John was with Glen even before Larry McNeely who I replaced

<Eric Gibson> Happy about that, Ken.

<Eric Gibson> Will there be a Louvins 2?  The 1st one won a Grammy and all.

<JB> Where are you from originally, Carl?

<Ken Reynolds> <Ken Reynolds> Won't be able to see you at Parker.. but will be able to make Plymouth

<Carl Jackson> John Hartford was a writer on Glen Campbell's original Summer Brothers Smothers Show

<Carl Jackson> Love to do another Louvin record... that was fun

<Carl Jackson> Louisville, MS

<Carl Jackson> The Louvins had so many great songs

<Eric Gibson> Do you know Charlie well?

<Carl Jackson> I know Charlie very well... great guy... he was so pleased with the record

<Brink> There is a cool short youtube thing about the Louvins.  Lots of interviews w/ Charlie talking about Ira etc

<Ken Reynolds> Ken Reynolds> Good night all... gotta run

<Carl Jackson> Wanted to surprise him with it, but Sonya Isaacs let the cat out of the bag

<Carl Jackson> All the best, Ken

<Eric Gibson> I heard him say the Alison/JT cut was the most perfect recording of a Louvin song he'd ever heard.

<Brink> nite Ken

<Doug montgomery> It is my favorite

<Carl Jackson> He did say that... made me mighty proud... strangely enough, you know they didn't write that one

<Eric Gibson> I didn't know that.

<Brink> yeah but if only Alison could sing!

<Carl Jackson> Do any of you know who did write it?

<Eric Gibson> Was it Autry Inman, maybe?

<Carl Jackson> Yeh... poor Alison... it was all Pro Tools... LOL!!!

<Brink> figured!! LOLOL

<Carl Jackson> Nope.. .Autry wrote I don't believe you've met my baby

<Eric Gibson> You're right.

<Carl Jackson> Any other guesses..?

<Eric Gibson> I have it upstairs, but I'm too lazy to get it.

<Carl Jackson> No cheating!!!!

<Brink> hint?

<Carl Jackson> One you would think of as a songwriter... co-writer a little surprising

<Eric Gibson> Bill Anderson?

<Carl Jackson> Hint... Everly Brothers had big hits for one

<Carl Jackson> Not Whispers!!!

<Eric Gibson> Felice Boudleaux

<Brink> Felice and Boudaleaux

<Eric Gibson> Bryant

<Carl Jackson> Boudaleaux is correct... now the co-writer?

<Carl Jackson> Not Felice...

<Carl Jackson> Hint... Gretsch guitars

<Brink> Chet?

<Eric Gibson> Chet?

<Carl Jackson> Bingo... no more phone calls... we have a winner!!!

<Carl Jackson> Chester B. himself

<Eric Gibson> You beat me, Brink!

<Brink> man that was a tough one!

<Brink> great trivia question though :)

<Carl Jackson> I didn't realize it until I read credits on box set... while searching for the songs to cut

<Seth> That was fun

<Brink> Was it your idea to put Alison w/ James?

<Eric Gibson> A Louvin Gospel tribute would be amazing.

<Brink> for sure Eric :)

<Carl Jackson> On that song, yes... but James specifically asked to sing with Alison

<Carl Jackson> That it would...

<Brink> wow

<Carl Jackson> I'd also love to do a tribute record to Albert E Brumley... speaking of gospel stuff

<Doug montgomery> can you talk a little about co-writting?  I have several 2 verse/chorus songs that are incomplete just waiting for the rest of the song.

<JB> Would love to hear an AEB tribute. Hope it can become a reality.

<Carl Jackson> Doug... that's something you just have to search for the perfect marriage... I've had some co-writes that were not fun

<Carl Jackson> Had others... tons of fun...

<Doug montgomery> thanks

<Carl Jackson> Always comfortable with guys like Cord, Jerry Salley, Jim Rushing, Vinny, Pam Tillis....  Tim Stafford is a fine writer

<Brink> Have you written any with Kim Williams?

<Carl Jackson> It's tough when you have to write the whole thing yourself anyway... frustrating... not the case with those guys above

<Carl Jackson> Kim Williams... wonderful person and songwriter

<Carl Jackson> yes.. Brink

<rob> Do you know Buck  E Jones?

<Brink> I loved many of Kim's perspectives he talked about at IBMA

<Carl Jackson> I like to write by myself a lot too... recommend that everyone does that as well... keep up the craft

<Carl Jackson> I don't think so, Rob...

<Eric Gibson> Have you written with Shawn Camp?

<Brink> Well I've gotta get outta here.....enjoyed it as usual.  Candi...THANKS for setting this up!!!

<Carl Jackson> No... we haven't .... we've certainly talked about it... we should... he's awesome... I have sung harmony on a bunch of his stuff

<Brink> Thanks Carl!!!!!

<Brink> Later y'all and have a good one

<Brink> nite

> Thanks Brink.  Come again next month!

<Carl Jackson> Go get 'em, buddy

<Seth> Good luck this weekend

<Brink> I'm tryin....see you down the road :)

<Brink> thanks seth

<Brink> nite

<Eric Gibson> Carl, you have been absolutely wonderful...so giving...answered all our questions.  Thank you SO much!

<Carl Jackson> Eric... you are so welcome.... Candi, thank you... thank you to everyone that contributed... good luck to all

<Eric Gibson> Thanks everybody!  What a good time this was.

<Carl Jackson> Good nite, all....

> Thank you Eric & Carl.  We really appreciate it!

<JB> Thank you so much, Carl.

<Seth> Night carl thank you

<Seth> would love to write something with you someday

<Carl Jackson> Thanks to all, JB, Seth, ... maybe we can make that happen

> Next month we will be featuring the Gibson Brothers because they will be releasing their Iron and Diamonds CD with lots  of original songs.

<Linda Ralph> Linda I can't wait I have all their cd's

> Thank you everyone for joining us tonight.

<Linda Ralph> Linda Goodnight Candi Thank you

> good night Linda.  Thanks for coming

[Tue Feb 26 21:11:54 EST 2008] rrs_boston

> Welcome rrs_boston but Carl has just left the room.

> You missed a great chat.

> I'll have the transcript up within the hour so you can view it on the www.bluegrassguide.com website.

<Doug montgomery> thanks candi...great chat

> thank you for joining us.  Make sure you come back next month.

<Doug montgomery> always a pleasure!