Last week Dale returned from a two-week trip to Nashville, where he recorded his new album, Back To The Bush.

It seems strange to be singing about the Australian bush and its characters in a Nashville studio, operated by esteemed producer Larry Marrs (who was responsible for Dean Perrett’s last two award-winning albums), but it works. The 14-track outing features 10 new songs, including four which haven’t been recorded for many years.

Some of Australia’s best bush ballad writers such as Peter Coad, Graham Rodger, Dean Perrett, Peter Simpson, Dianne Lindsay, Terry Bennetts and Keith Jamieson entrusted Dale with their works for this project.

Dale is absolutely delighted with the way Larry and the Nashville players treated his Aussie mates’ songs with the greatest of respect.

Before he left for Nashville, there were the doubters who wondered how on earth he would make an Australian bush ballad album in Nashville.

“When I went over there, Larry kept talking about Slim Dusty, almost like he knew him,” Dale said.

“I think Dean Perrett was largely responsible for their Slim Dusty education, as they have the utmost respect for Slim and what he’s done for Australian country music.

“They knew about his style, which made it so much easier. This album has the quality production of something made in Nashville, but the sound and instruments you would expect to hear on an Australian bush ballad album – I reckon I got the best of both worlds.”

While in Music City USA, Dale discovered the importance of connections.

One of the session musicians selected by Larry to contribute accordion to the album, Jeff Taylor, proved quite a contact for Dale.

Before he left for Nashville I’d told him he had to go and see The Time Jumpers at 3rd and Lindsley before he left town.

They’re a 10-piece, all-star band, with Kenny Sears and Vince Gill just two of the personnel on stage.

When Dale was introduced to Jeff, who plays in that line-up, he was invited to come along to a show and meet the band.

Dale had one of those “pinch-me” moments when he shook Vince Gill’s hand backstage at the venue that’s packed to capacity everyMonday night.

He was doing the same thing when he took a drive from Nashville to Memphis and walked through Graceland, Elvis Presley’s home.

Another came when he met 74-year-old Charlie McCoy, who played harmonica on his album.

“It was like having a music history lesson, sitting down talking with this great man, who’s played with just about everyone who’s anyone, from Elvis to Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash to Chet Atkins,” Dale said.

“He told me about touring with Elvis and the Jordanaires and sitting around the table with Elvis and Vernon Presley.

“Charlie has played with everyone and here he was playing on my album. I couldn’t believe what was happening.”

Just about every session man on the disc had a story to tell and Dale was an avid listener.

What he found most satisfying was the feedback he got from them.

“Their music is going down the same road as it is here, with more rock and contemporary creeping in rather than real country,” Dale said.

“l found it really encouraging when they told me how refreshing it was to go into the studio and play old-time traditional country music.”

The disc will be released in time for the 2016 Tamworth Country Music Festival.

CCMA jam to rock the Family

IF YOU or someone you know would like to learn the finer points of performing, you’re invited to head on down to the Capital Country Music Association Jam tonight at the Family Hotel.

From 7pm, your host with the most, Rodney Walker,a CCMA member since its very early days, has lots of experience to pass on to up-and-comers. With Rodney behind the microphone, you’re guaranteed anything can and will happen.

Each month, members and guests are encouraged to get up and have a go, and with a PA provided, sound engineer and band members you have all the ingredients to make your great stage debut. There are always prizes and giveaways, and the very popular 100 club, where you have the chance to win $100. Mostly it’s just a great night of country music and friendship.

For those who came in late, the CCMA is the longest-running organisation of its type in Australia, rapidly approaching its 50th year in existence.

Plenty of today’s biggest stars have come through the ranks of the CCMA National Talent Quest each January. 

 There’s a famous photo taken by The Northern Daily Leader of the late, great pioneer Smoky Dawson congratulating a pint-sized Keith Urban on winning the Amco encouragement prize. You can see the photo upstairs at Smoky’s Bar & Grill at Wests’ Diggers if you’re in that neck of the woods.

 Here’s a diary date for next week – the CCMA’s annual general meeting will be held at the Tamworth Golf Club from 7pm, a week from today. If you’d like to become a committee member, or you’re just curious to see what happens at one of the oldest country clubs in the nation, you’re more than welcome.