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Sometimes it takes awhile to get the whole group into this show. And the wait is really worth it. Way back in “Songs and Stories” #105, I interviewed local singer/songwriter Craig Rayburn about his debut release, “Coyote”. Not too long after that, he and his brother Keith released “Back to California” as The Rayburn Brothers.
Now, a few years (and countless shows) later, Keith has finished his first solo effort, “Highway”. I recently sat with Keith (and much of their band) to talk about their years playing together and the unique process Keith and his son Kito (aka Keith Junior) took to the project.
“Highway” is a 19-song collection of Keith-penned tunes featuring 19 musicians, weaving a travel theme (hence the title tune) with the California country/rock vibe that flows through all their music and previous records. Keith and Kito recorded this at their home studio, which freed them up of typical studio time restrictions and pressure.
For the most part, they recorded each musician individually, giving them whole afternoons of one-on-one time with all the players. It kept the project personal, but it definitely feels and sounds like a full-band effort. Kito was already learning Pro Tools (the sound engineering tool), and “Highway” gave him the opportunity to polish his skills and work closely with his dad on what became a unique father-son project.
In this episode, Keith, Craig, Nick Heinz, Eliza James (who also sings in my “New Best Friends” band) join Keith to talk about the record AND play the record’s first two tracks, “Fandango” and “Highway” in my living room. It’s a REALLY fun listen.
Locally, Keith, Craig, and the rest of the Rayburn Brothers And Friends Band (it’s a big band…and well worth seeing live) are doing a BIG release party at The Aromas Grange on Saturday, February 23rd. Tickets are available at brownpapertickets.com. You can listen to them live on KPIG Radio on February 22nd at noon and on March 23rd at 4:00 pm.
“Highway is available at CD Baby and Amazon, and you can listen to the whole record on Spotify.