Learn more
Online: www.reverbnation.com/acr7.
Since I started this column in 2003, I’ve received plenty of packages from career people realizing the lifelong dream of releasing their own CD. To be frank, these vanity projects are often not worth sharing with a wide audience.
Other times, something special comes along — such as “Dark Stretch of Road,” the debut album from Tim Tye. He is a 61-year-old attorney from Oakwood.
Tye recently discussed the stunning collection of roots-rock songs recorded at Refraze Studio in Kettering with producer Gary King and a musical collective dubbed Midnight Sky and featuring Paige Beller, Trey Stone, Tod Weidner and other local talent.
Q: How long was the recording process?”
A: “Three years. I originally thought it’d take about six months. You go through periods when it’s hard to get people scheduled. I did get discouraged at times, but I learned it just takes time.”
Q: How did a mild-mannered attorney gather such amazing performers?
A: “It all started with my buddy Mike Stark, who I’ve known for years. First of all, I’m a songwriter. That’s my main interest. We’d talked about recording some topnotch song demos, and Mike suggested Gary King, who was the lynchpin of this project.”
Q: How so?
A: “Gary was the sound engineer and my co-producer. We hit it off right away. We started with Mike on drums and Steve Helmick on bass. Gary had tons of suggestions during the process, and it just grew and started to sound more like an album. As time went on I needed other talent. Gary knows everybody in town. He basically found all the musicians.”
Q: Paige is a powerful singer, whether it’s fronting her punk band Jasper the Colossal or giving a solo acoustic set. She’s never sounded better than she does here. What was it like working with her?
A: “When she got in the studio and started singing, I was simply amazed. It’s hard to describe what it’s like to have songs that are just like words on paper and all of a sudden they jump out at you. We used her a lot, and she was always totally prepared.”
Q: You don’t sing any songs and only play guitar on four cuts. Was that planned?
A: “I originally played guitar on every track, but I deleted some parts. I never wanted to let my ego get in the way of a good a performance. I was trying to create the best album I could. If I wasn’t the best person for the part, I’d find somebody better. I couldn’t be happier. Everybody really took it to a new level.”
About the Author