From Inspiration to Release

I want to share Randy and Mary Jo’s words about how Lucky Street came to be, because they are the true heart behind this project. Their unwavering support, generosity, and thoughtful input made this album possible. I honestly couldn’t say it better myself:

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"Back in 2023, singer-songwriter Barbara Nesbitt brought her rich, heartfelt sound to Cantina Sound House Concerts—a performance that marked more than just another evening of great music. It was the seed of something bigger.

Our connection with Barbara began at the Monday Night Supper Club (MNSC) at El Mercado Backstage in late 2022. We were immediately drawn to her songwriting and tried to book her for MJ’s birthday that year. While scheduling didn’t line up at first, we eventually hosted her in June at our house concert series. That intimate show in my workshop was when I first realized Barbara had been writing a wave of incredible new material—songs like “That’s Just Love” and “I’ll Be Your Girl,” which hadn’t yet found a home on an album.

Curious about her next steps, I asked if a new CD was in the works. Her answer then was a simple “no.” But the songs kept coming, and a few months later, I brought it up again—this time offering some seed money to kickstart a new recording project. She wasn’t ready just yet, but the idea had taken root. After a couple of months, Barbara was ready to discuss the potential project. 

Eventually, Barbara shared with me a long list of songs written since her last album, Someday, Maybe Sooner. That was the beginning of a collaborative process involving friends, fans, and fellow musicians to shape the new record: choosing the best songs, picking a studio, and figuring out how to fully fund the project.

Recording began in August 2024 at Gabriel Rhodes’s Lampwick Studio. Gabe was part of the core band, alongside Scrappy Jud Newcomb, Rick Richards, and Matt Slagle. As scheduling allowed, additional overdubs followed, bringing in an all-star lineup including Stephano Intelisano, Nevada Newman, Kevin Flatt, David Madden, Ben Jones, Marty Muse, John Mills, Brian Standifer, BettySoo, and Wendy Colonna.

Naming the album was a creative journey of its own, with Barbara, MJ, myself, and others tossing ideas around before settling on Lucky Street—a fitting title for a record born of chance encounters, musical serendipity, and the support of a passionate community.

Gabe even contributed watercolor artwork for the album, with the final CD design created by Emily Shirley. A successful Kickstarter helped fund the release, including all the trimmings: T-shirts, promotion, and more.

Now, after more than two years of dreaming, planning, and recording, Barbara Nesbitt’s Lucky Street is officially on its way to the world. From a passing thought to a fully produced album, it’s a reminder that with the right combination of talent, timing, and teamwork, even a fan’s idea can turn into something extraordinary."

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I am eternally grateful to you both.