It’s Been six years since I released this recording, and I realize that I didn't have a proper promotion since I was in the process of moving to Spain. I was doing a house Gig for four years on the Gulf coast of Alabama and was not touring as much as I would like, My wife Maria and I were all up in the air concerning the move, as it was a huge operation. But I realize it was one of the best releases I’ve ever done.
Having both a Classical and roots music education , brought about everything from Hollywood Film Scores, sideman to superstars, to playing Hammond organ in a black church in Oakland. We both shared a common migration from Louisiana, through much different circumstances.
As the digital revolution evolved during my years in silicon valley, It made this recording possible, allowing the contributions of musicians from French Canada, Spain, Holland, Austria, Germany, Russia, Memphis, Louisiana, Texas, East Bay California, Hollywood, and of course Music city USA, Nashville!.
The music of 50s-60s Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana are my early roots. The cross pollination of genres were blurred since I can remember, With George Harrison’s Chet Atkins influence, or flipping from side A to B, of Elvis’ first 45 single in 1954, Hillbilly Country to Black Blues. inadvertently, it expressed the duality of those times, and fueled a cultural, and political revolution.
Music was always the common thread that connected us all.
I had reservations releasing a country crossover project, with the economic woes of streaming, and juggling the tightrope of the past and present cultural divide.
There’s a bit of nostalgia, mixed with the reality of now. We all have differing concepts of what is Americana music. It’s ALL THAT, and more. I’m the opposite of a purist, changing and evolving, blurred times and lines tend to do that.
"Tweakin' Some Twang" is more than just an album; it's a six-year labor of love, a musical autobiography reflecting his journey from the American South to the global stage. This independent project, financially backed by his late sister-in-law Catherine Crown, loyal fans, family, and Sanders himself, showcases his multifaceted talent as he handles vocals, keys, music, lyrics, saxes, arrangements, production, and even the cover art.
A Unique Musical Tapestry
Despite his deep roots in the Delta, Sanders makes his first foray into a blues and country blend. The album is a fascinating East-meets-West fusion, where the Bay Area meets Nashville, enriched by:
Russian Strings: A strong string section from St. Petersburg, Russia, featuring Maria Grigoryeva (solo violin, 1st, 2nd violin, viola, cello) and Lyudmila Kadyrbaeva.
Tollak Ollestad, who was featured in an all-star video performance with David Foster and Andrea Bocelli in Las Vegas.
Ollestad also contributes to the song "Riding on the Southbound Train," dedicated to John Lee's grandfather who worked for 50 years on the Illinois Central Railroad. His playing evokes the spirit of Toots Thielemans.
Diverse Influences: Black Gospel, the Grand Ole Opry, and Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys.
Key Collaborators
Sanders brought together an impressive cast of musicians and technical experts:
Bruce Kaphan: Longtime friend, recording engineer, and pedal steel virtuoso, who served as production assistant and mixed the record. Kaphan's credits include Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, and Chris Isaak. John Lee met Bruce during the 80s and San Jose at the Saddle Rack, which was the biggest Country and western bar in the world in San Jose Califormia
David Glasser: Mastered the album at Airshow Mastering, having worked on recordings for over 80 Grammy nominees.
Lyle Workman: Longtime guitarist for Sting.
Brotherly Collaborations:
Chip Sanders: His recently deceased older brother, who deeply inspired John Lee and produced his first single at age 12, collaborated on the song "Lucky Dog," a "fairytale in Memphis." Drums on "Lucky Dog" are performed by Jim Riley from Rascal Flatts, a truly world-class player. Brent Mason CMA musician of the year, and Butch Coulter longtime friend from the Long John Baldry Band
Steven Sanders: His older brother co-wrote "Big Mama's Gumbo," a song about growing up in Louisiana and the traditions of soul food.
A Life Lived in Music
Sanders' 67 years have been a pilgrimage, from Alabama Appalachia to the Mississippi Delta, Louisiana Bayous, Memphis Soul, and East Texas juke joints.
He fondly recalls his mother, Gladys, playfully telling him to "Turn off that twangy music" when the Grand Ole Opry filled their home. His mom was musically sophisticated, loving big band and the Great American Songbook, which he also adored.
His maternal grandmother, Jessie McLellan, was a renowned pianist in Memphis and is buried next to Elvis Presley's mother, Gladys Presley.
Painting By John Lee Sanders
His family's move to the Mississippi Delta in 1953 placed him in the heart of the Delta Blues.
A pivotal moment came in 1964 when he realized the Delta Blues had crossed over into mainstream pop culture after seeing The Rolling Stones in Birmingham.
He met Elvis and Vernon Presley at age five in Memphis. in 1956, with his two brothers
Overcoming Challenges & Personal Tributes
Cancer Survivor: In 2011, Sanders was diagnosed with tongue cancer but is thankfully cancer-free as of 2014.
"Ash Wednesday": A track inspired by New Orleans, Mardi Gras, and the devastating impact of Katrina, given new meaning by his own cancer diagnosis around that time. It features Vaneese Thomas, a Memphis vocalist, longtime background singer with Aretha Franklin and the daughter of Rufus Thomas (a New Orleans legend), performing four-part harmony.
"Joy in the Morning": Dedicated to his wife, Maria Silverio Gomez, with a string section arranged by Maria Grigoryeva from Russia.
David Ritz, Bonnie Raitt and Paul Williams Endorsement
"JOHN LEE SANDERS IS ONE OF OUR UNHERALDED HEROES. HE SINGS LIKE A WOUNDED ANGEL; HE WRITES LIKES A HOLY DEVIL; HE MOVES FROM GENRE TO GENRE WITH EFFORTLESS GRACE; HIS MUSIC LIFTS OURS HEARTS AND EXCITES OUR SOULS. HIS ARTISTRY IS A BLESSING." —
DAVID RITZ, music biographer of Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, BB King, Willie Nelson, and co-writer of "Sexual healing" David Ritz, Music biographer
“Congrats on another wonderful project, you’re clearly at the top of your game!
Bonnie Raitt
“I just included your song “Sorry Shade of Blue” among my all time favorite blues songs for a Washington DC blues station who’s DJ is a fellow harp player. Keep up the good work!”
Huey Lewis
Paul Williams, endorsing John Lee, Paul, Who I have performed with since 1987,is a Grammy, Golden Globe, and Oscar Winner, and Hall of fame Songwriter, His Songs have sold over 200 million copies! .
He also tips his hat to a long list of others who have influenced him, both well-known and unsung heroes, from piano teachers like Lyle Mays and choir directors to band leaders and fellow musicians, including the likes of Paul Williams Bonnie Raitt, Maria Muldaur, Doc Kupka of Tower of Power, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Freddie King, and Huey Lewis. He even gives a shout-out to ASCAP, the Library of Congress
Credits
John Lee Sanders, Alto & Tenor Saxes, vocals, guitar,
Drum programming, Piano, Organ, Accordion
String and Horn Arrangements, Artwork.
Bruce Kaphan, Production assistant, Pedal Steel, Lap Steel, Guitars, Baritone Guitar, Nylon String guitar, 12 string, 6 string acoustic, Weisenborn guitar, Dobro guitar, Electric guitar
Peter Booras, Kevin Hayes, Jim Riley, Mick Mestek, Drums
David Ziegler, Fiddle,
Emily Mann, Fiddle
Ray Legere, Fiddle, Mandolin
Randy Seppala “Da Bones Man” Washboard
Lee Yankie, Brent Mason, Jeff Tamelier, Lyle Workman, Guitars
Dewayne Pate, Paul Oguin, Alvaro “Dr. Robelto” Fernandes, Bach Norwood, Upright and Electric bass
Vaneese Thomas, Dallis Craft, Sista Monica Parker, Vocals.
HG Gutternig, Tuba, Trombone.
Rainer Gutternig, Trumpet
Tollak Ollestad, Chromatic and blues harp
Butch Coulter, Harmonica,
Maria Grigoryeva, Violin, Viola
Lyudmila Kadyrbaeva, Cello
Mastering by David Glasser, Airshow Mastering
Mixed by Bruce Kaphan, Fremont, CA
Recording Engineers
Recorded from 2014-2018
Track Shack, Sacramento, Peter De Leon
Josh Angus, Catalina Music, Dresden Germany
Linz Austria, Goon Studio, Armin Lehner,
Bill Watson, Nashville Trax, Nashville TN.
Gecko Turner, Corazon De Jesus studio, Spain
Garth Webber, Red Rooster Studio, Berkeley CA
John Lee Sanders, Bluesmeister Studio, Orange Beach Alabama
Wayne Warnecke, Peaceful Waters Studio, Pound Ridge, NY
Maria Grig Studio, St. Petersburg Russia
Andy Cloninger (Dancing Dog Recording Studio) Daphne, AL
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