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typically a song a month when my process is good. As a band, we really settled in as we arranged
and fleshed out the songs. When it was time to record, we had 16 songs, and used the strongest
12 for the album. Recording our second VizzTone album at Greaseland is like going home, it is
very comfortable, low key, and with Kid Anderson it’s always magic.

LL: How about your songwriting process? What gets it going for you?

CS: Usually, a line will present itself, and that inspires the rest of the song. I like all my lyrics to
be open for some interpretation, have multiple meanings, and hopefully, some deeper message.
I also like to mix feels, and to not be limited to very genre specific conventions. I have an incredibly
talented band, and I try to craft and perform songs that highlight each person’s strengths, which
is considerable!

LL: You have an All-Star
group of musicians
contributing on “Damn Good
And Ready”. Who are they
and how did you connect
please?

CS: First, I have only recorded
with Marty Dodson on drums
and percussion, and he is the
key to our sound. He has
toured for years with Mark
Hummel, Kim Wilson and
Nikki Hill and has great talent
in song and set arranging and
has an historic knowledge of
grooves and feels second to
none. I met Justice several
years ago, and two years ago
when Andrew Crane went on
the road with Vanessa Colliers, I called him first. He is 21 years old, proficient on stand up and
electric bass, and happens to be an excellent guitarist. Finally, when I recorded “Sleeper” (The
aptly named album was released one month before Covid hit) I had a song that needed a solo. I
contacted Laura Chavez, and at the Blues Music Awards Laura put a solo on ‘Tougher Than That’.
When the pandemic hit, we were locked out of any gigs, but Marty and Laura both lived pretty
close. Once the smoke cleared after several months we started rehearsing, busking, performing
on my porch and working on a new album, which became “Serve It To Me Hot”. This year, Laura
became the first woman to win the “Best Blues Guitarist” at the 2023 BMA’s in Memphis after 5
nominations.

LL: How did you fare during the global pandemic?

CS: When the Pandemic hit, it was an obvious shock. Many people seemed to quit music, but
frankly, I decided to double down. Playing with great musicians was inspiring, I could bring any
song in, and they would improve, refine and arrange it. For the last decade, music in San Diego
was declining, with so much to do people forgot about music. Then, when they couldn’t get it,
they realized how much they missed it! I still feel we are considered a backwater area for music
nationally, but I think the harsh conditions make for stronger music and stronger musical acts.

LL: What can your fans look forward to coming up for you?