Everything is better when people come together. It’s how true magic happens.
Cal Nash is about the music and the people: feel good, heartfelt songs performed by some of the best musical talent from Nashville, Tennessee, USA and Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The journey started small with the collaboration of singer/songwriter J. Robert Zimmerman and producer/musician Dylan Haveron, and bloomed to include gifted Calgary and Nashville musicians whose contributions brought the music to life like a beautiful, yet unanticipated roadside landscape.
It was an eight year road-trip full of incredible heights, unexpected turns and many late nights and early mornings trying to keep our weary eyes open; all fuelled by a drive to honour the music and the people who kindly shared their gifts along the way. A huge THANK-YOU to you all!
Summer State of Mind is a celebration of what's good and right in the world. It is heartwarming, all natural, feel good musical home cookin’. Like those first, sunny days of spring, driving with the windows down and the stereo blaring, the songs are heartfelt and free spirited inspiration to leave the stormy winter behind and enjoy a new, joyful season of hope and happy adventures.
Playa Backyardia was inspired by the resilience and humanity that was demonstrated during the COVIC pandemic and is also fitting of the incredible humanity and spirit of the Ukrainian people and those in the world who stand for peace, true freedom and love for our world and our world neighbours.
And while this road leads us on, no matter where we go and where we end up, the music will always bring us back home, to the sunshine, warm summer breeze and the happy memories we share. Enjoy!
In addition to Haveron and Zimmerman’s contributions, the soulful session players who wholeheartedly contributed their gifts include featured singers Brandon Chase (The Voice) and Chris Ayries, Guitarists Greg Derksen, Neil Gunhold and the Nashville legend Brent Mason, drummers Jim Riley (Rascal Flatts), Adam Esposito, Calvin Becker and Kent Macrae, fiddle and mandolin player Jennie Fleenor, fiddle players Robb Hutzal and Donovan Siedle, Walter Salva on Charango, bass players Bill Watson, Richard Erickson and Chris Byrne; Jon Day and Steve King on piano, Conrad Pluta playing accordion, Owen Gurry on strings and Steve Dierkens on synth, additional percussion and background vocals.
Songwriters:
In addition to JRZ (all songs):
-Dylan Haveron co-wrote the music for Miracle
-Ronny Reid co-wrote the music for Dive In
-Gus Coolidge wrote the music for Brilliant Summer over 20 years ago and sadly, has since passed away. His memory lives on through his son, Joel, other family, friends and his music.
Recording Studios/Sound Engineers:
Nashville Trax - Nashville Tennessee (Bill Watson)
Seventh Street Sound - Calgary, Alberta (Dylan Haveron)
Studio D - Calgary, Alberta (Steve Dierkens)
Grant Avenue Studio – Hamilton, Ontario (Amy King)
OCL - Calgary, Ablerta (Brennan Kennedy)
Paul Inston Music – Ancaster, Ontario (Paul Inston)
Westmoreland Recording Studio – Hamilton, Ontario (Carl Jennings)
Studio Pros - Los Angeles
Producers:
Dylan Haveron – Seventh Street Sound, Vancouver, BC
Bill Watson – Nashville Trax, Nashville, Tennessee
Steve Dierkens - Studio D, Calgary, Alberta
Mastering: Andrew Spindor, Railtown Mastering, Vancouver
Randy Merrill, Sterling Sound (Playa Backyardia)
Photography: Corinne Zimmerman & Barry Taylor