Grab some headphones or ear buds and listen in as producer/songwriter Steven Courtney gives you the inside scoop on the making of the album Sun Hill Market. Part 1 gives us a glimpse into the recording of the albums title track Sun Hill Market.

Artist: Steven Courtney
Title: Sun Hill Market
Info: 2 CD double album, 30 songs
Release date: 4/1/12

Back in September I started tracking new material for a future album. At this point there are 30 songs in the works. Earlier this week, Suitcase Musicians, Doug Walton, Frank Portaro and Bobby Wehner tracked guitar (DW) trumpet (FP) and penny whistle parts (BW). While tracking with Doug we also recorded foundation tracks for a tune he wrote called “Mindy the Mechanic.”

Today , Suitcase Musicians, Fred McNaughton, Mindy Lapp and Judy Glanc tracked additional parts with Fred on his new coronet, Mindy on Cajon and Brushbox while Judy added trombone to several tracks. Special guest Ryan Shenk riffed it up on the tenor and alto sax adding layers and texture to 5 different songs. ( Ryan played saxophone parts on the Million Smiles To Go album featuring his sax on the new version of Detective Joe)

A release date has not been set at this time for this new project.

Saturday November 5, 2011

I traveled to Manchester, PA with the Suitcase Musicians to perform a family fun night concert for the Northeastern School District. Chrissy Zimmerman from the Orendorf Elementary PTO coordinated the event.

On behalf of the band and myself we want to say “thank you” to all the good folks who came out and celebrated family, fun, love and friendship at our concert!

Below is the set list from the show. If you were at the concert please post a comment or let us know your favorite concert songs or moments.

Show Set List from Manchester,PA Show 11/5/11
Million Smiles To Go
Great Day To Be Alive
Strange Old Cat
Walk In Love
Happy Go Lucky Shoes
My Mom Is A Pirate featuring Phredd
Invisible Man in the Can
Detective Joe
42 Monkeys
Big Ol’ Jeb
Will You Be My Friend? w “The Bobby Dance”
Merchandise Rag
Nice Little House*
Banging On A Can
Steven the Pirate*
Rolling Home

What a great summer it has been so far!

I’d like to send out a special thanks to all the good folks and VBS helpers at Grace Baptist in York PA, Chambersburg First Church of God in Chambersburg PA, Hanover First Church of God in Hanover PA, Saint Marks United Methodist Church in Mount Joy PA, Harmony Bethel First Church of God in Dillsburg PA, First United Methodist Church in Hanover PA and Hershey First United Methodist Church in Hershey PA!

I’m looking forward to next year and gearing up for a new theme called “Shine On!” for 2012.

Steven Courtney + the Suitcase Musicians love having Phredd on stage for this performance of 42 Monkeys.