Aaron Youngberg at the desk.

Aaron played banjo and pedal steel for me in the "Get to Know Barbara Jo”  video filmed by Sally Van Meter in October, 2016.  I was honored to have him then and I’m even more honored to be able to record my album in his state-of-the-art Swingfingers Studio in Fort Collins. I call Aaron the Engineer Extraordinare because his talents encompass not only playing but really shine as a recording studio engineer.  I had no idea how much technical skill is required to create an album.  Aaron has it all and then some.

I am very lucky that Charlie Rose had time to help me in the recording studio.  As the banjo and pedal steel player for Elephant Revival, Charlie’s playing is top of the line in every way.  Charlie’s sensitivity coupled with his instrumental mastership raises the bar up into the heavens as far as I’m concerned.

Tyler Grant of Grant Farm is our National Picking Champion player.  His electric and acoustic solos as well as accompaniment are some of the best I’ve ever heard.  I’m grateful he was able to make time from his very busy touring schedule to help me on my debut album.

Producer KC Groves and Engineer Aaron Youngberg working a track at Swingfingers Studio.

Greg Blake makes everyone feel good who is lucky enough to be in his presence.  He is a master bluegrass guitarist and when I first heard the recording of "Hard Promises To Keep" I totally teared up.  I hope I have an opportunity to sing more with Greg because really, there’s just no one like Greg.

Producer KC Groves- KC calls this young man “One Take Jake” and when you hear his playing I think you will agree!

No one is more lucky than I am that KC Groves chose to help me from beginning to end with my debut solo album.  This project would not have gotten off the ground without her.  My heart couldn’t be more full of gratitude for KC’s expert producing skills, listening ears, and huge smarts.  She hears everything - knows how to make the most crucial adjustments to make my album soar.  Thank you KC Groves!

I can’t say enough about Mollie’s beautiful, clear and strong voice.  I think it took about one hour for her to lay down her harmony vocals.  A pro if I ever saw one.

Leader of his band, Li’l Smokies, once again I am so lucky and grateful that Andy was able to take time from his busy touring schedule to play on my album.  My husband likens Andy’s playing to rock meets bluegrass!  Andy plays the dobro like nobody’s business and during the recording process, Kent and I had the extreme pleasure to see Li’l Smokies at Oskar Blues for their 20th Anniversary celebration.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen Oskar Blues so packed with fans as we saw that night.

When I met Damon at our very first rehearsal in April at Swingfingers Studio I could tell immediately that we had a heart connection!  Damon plays his drums with skill and holds a place with the best of them.  Halden Wofford and the High Beams are so lucky to have Damon’s drum's as a foundation of their sound and there is no one else I would have wanted to play drums and percussion on my album but Damon.

He sang harmony vocals on "SO GOOD" with me and Mollie O'Brien.  I want to mention this because I believe he was really happy to sing on this particular song  and he helped me more than anyone else with my timing - his smile, gentle ways and unfailing friendliness and helpfulness boosted my confidence in a big way.  I’ll never forget it actually.