It is with a great sense of personal sadness that I must pass on the shocking news of the death of Percussionist and Harmonica player, Terry McMillan. He was a key player on most of our sessions in Nashville and always added so much to the music that we recorded.

I had the pleasure of meeting Terry, for the first time, in June 2000 when he played on the first studio session that I organised, after taking control of Sting and Snow Records. I knew Terry by his reputation as the most talented Percussionist in the business and the most outstanding and original Harmonica player in the world.

Terry's arrival at the studio was always an "event" by itself. As well as a large leather bag full of Harmonicas (or as they are referred to in Nashville "Harps"), he would bring in a second bag full of things to shake, rattle, click and rasp. In addition he would have his Tambourines, a full Wind-Chime Frame, a pair of Conga Drums and a set of Bongos. During the many tunes that Terry helped us to record, he would very often pull something out of his bag that added an extra dimension to a track; on one occasion he even played the spoons for us!

Terry was born Oct. 12, 1953, in Lexington, N.C. and began his professional music career in the early 1970s. Early on, he toured as a member of Eddy Raven's band and in 1975, he went on the road with Chet Atkins who was to play a major role in Terry's life. The way Terry told it to me, during one of our Nashville sessions, was as follows: "after Chet told everyone how much he liked my playing, I was never out of work!" After stints backing Jeannie C. Riley and Jerry Reed, Terry turned his attention to playing recording sessions and it was as a result of his distinctive Harmonica style that he won the Academy of Country Music's musician of the year award, in its specialty instrument category, for four consecutive years, beginning in 1993.

Terry's performed on TV specials with Neil Young, Garth Brooks, Randy Travis and Chet Atkins among others. Intermittently, he returned to the road with such artists as Larry Carlton, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Michael McDonald. Terry's harmonica work is prominently featured on Garth Brooks' 1993 hit, "Ain't Going Down (Til the Sun Comes Up).", which you can see on the TV special "This is Garth Brooks, Too". To list all the people with whom Terry worked would be virtually impossible but in addition to those already mentioned, you can add: Dolly Parton, Ray Charles, Shania Twain, Eric Clapton, Elvis Presley etc. etc.

"In 1993," according to Definitive Country: The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Country Music and Its Performers, "Terry was chosen ... to be a member of a band that performed at President Clinton's Arkansas inaugural ball. The rest of the band was Michael McDonald, Bruce Hornsby, Kenny Loggins, Carole King and Judy Collins. It was on this auspicious occasion that Terry created a great impression with his standout version of 'Amazing Grace' on the harmonica"; this tune is featured on Terry's CD Album "Somebody's Coming" (1997).

To end on a personal note, I shall miss Terry a great deal. Terry was the friendliest of people, always prepared to "do" a little bit more. As an example, on our first session, he had to leave early - to play for Alan Jackson - he shot off at 6 pm and then, around 9 pm, he called the studio, to ask us if we wanted him to come back and "add" anything more to what he had already done… My life was very much the richer for having known him.

I also had the good fortune to meet his wife, Debbie, who supported him so wonderfully. She would attend the sessions with him, she sat with me and my family and colleagues in the control room, while Terry played for us and - on every opportunity that he had - Terry would return to her side, he was truly a gentleman.

Terry McMillan, a wonderful musician, a true gentle-man, in every sense and a fantastic person. He was the heart and soul of our sessions and we shall miss him. Terry is survived by his wife, three children, a stepchild, two grandchildren, his father and a brother. God bless you, Terry and thank you for all that you did for us.

Now for the other news:

NEW RELEASES (March 2007):

Robin Hood - SIR 357 - vocal by: Paul Bristow
Dixieland Delight (the 2007 version) - SIR 368 - vocal by: Jerry Story & Tony Oxendine

SPECIAL NOTE: Dixieland Delight has been unavailable for several years. The original pressing plates had long ago been "junked" by the pressing plant! We are very pleased to be able to offer a new version of this classic, remixed from the original 24-Track master and with a new vocal from two of our "special" friends - Jerry Story & Tony Oxendine - enjoy!

FIRST TIME ON CD RELEASES (March 2007):

1:800 / 911 - SIR 504 - Hoedown / Patter - Instrumental
From Both Sides Now - SIR 329 - vocal by: Paul Bristow
QUE, SERA, SERA - SIR 334 - vocal by: Paul * Cherish Bristow

SPECIAL NOTE: The above three tunes have just been re-pressed, on vinyl, to meet demand, so if you have been wanting and waiting for these they are now available in Vinyl/MP3 & CD!

I sincerely hope that you have a great month; I will "speak" with you on the next NewsLetter…

Go Squareful! - Paul Bristow (Owner and Producer Sting and Snow Records)