Ed Bentley

Who Needs Jamaica Ed Bentley

Some of you may know that late in 2004, I had the honor of being inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Having been away from the music scene for over 20 years, at that time, it wasn't hard for me to understand how Rip Van Winkle must have felt when he woke up. Wow, had everything changed!!! The music itself, the technology, the artists, and I guess to a certain extent, me. My induction was the needed spark, and before long I was back performing and writing country songs. I soon realized that writing was what I had missed most of all. This is my second CD since, 'being back', and these are songs I have written or co-written over the last couple of years. Thanks are in order. Thank- you to my co-writers, from Nashville, other parts of the country, and from around the world, like my good friend, Jon Philibert, in London, England. Also, a special thanks to Marc Alan Barnette for all the direction and inspiration. This CD would not have been possible without the help of Larry Marrs and his studio full of great musicians in Nashville. Larry is a superb singer, player and person! All but two of these songs were recorded at his studio. How could I not record 'Buffalo Man,' (a tribute to the many fine Buffalo, New York musicians I have known and worked with over the years), in my old hometown of Buffalo? Thanks Dwane, Doug, and all the players at Sessions Studio in Buffalo. And the title track, 'Who Needs Jamaica' was recorded at Studio A in Nashville. A special mention here for legendary steel player John Hughey (Conway Twitty, Vince Gill, etc) who passed away shortly after playing on 4 songs for this CD, 'Hank & The Boys', 'Maybe He Could Miss Her More', 'Emma's Flowers', and 'Evening Sun'. John and I went back a long way, to the early 60's in Memphis. We're all saddened by his sudden passing. I will always be grateful for his contribution to this CD. Also, many thanks to my long time friend, Gene Hilts, who played the great background steel guitar part on 'Sometimes, Things Change'. Last, but not least, thank-you to my beautiful wife, Toni Jean. She appears on the cover with me, co-wrote 'Watching Tilly Dance', and supplied much of the encouragement and support needed for this endeavor. I hope you enjoy these songs. I would love to hear from all of you.