Update August 9, 2004
Thomas Does Demo

Thomas has finished his demo project and is now waiting to hear from MCA. Besides recording a top-notch demo, Thomas appeared on stage with Emerson Drive, met lots of Nashville stars, and had what he calls "an unbelievable experience."

The three song demo finishes what Thomas refers to as "the realization of a childhood dream." The three original songs ("Coming Home To Me" by Sharon Vaughn and Greg Barnhill, "All Because Of You" by Keith Urban, Monty Powell, Anna Wilson, and Jerry Flowers, "What Love Does" by Pete Sallis and Jim McCormick) were all chosen by Thomas and producers Rogers Masson and Pat McMakin along with song publicist Michelle Metzger during his previous trip to Nashville. MCA brought over their new up-and-coming artist Jedd Hughes and Thomas talked him into laying down a little guitar work for the demo.

The demo took six days to record, over-dub, clean up, and mix before turning it over to MCA's Stephanie Wright. Thomas, Rogers, Pat, and Stephanie all sat down to listen to the final project before heading home. Stephanie said it sounded great and the final decision would be up to MCA President - James Stroud. Thomas got to meet Mr. Stroud and says, "He's the man!"

"All the people at MCA were so good to me during this. They made me feel important and were very encouraging" says Thomas of the experience.

The musicians hired for the job were a who's who of studio stars. Pictures at the bottom show Thomas with Paul Leim on drums, Mike Brignardello on bass, J.T Corenflos on electric, B. James Lowry on acoustic guitar, and Tony Harrell on piano and keyboards. Perry Coleman and Allison Parson were also on the demo providing back-up vocals.

The surprise highlight of this trip was Universal Music inviting Thomas to come to a concert and appear on stage with Emerson Drive. Carolyn Dawn Johnson headlined the show and backstage introduced Thomas to one of his biggest fans - her mom. "The guys in Emerson Drive were so cool. They got me to sing part of a song off their new album" says Thomas. The night included videotaped interviews with CMT, GAC, and Country Weekly magazine.

Thomas got to meet many country music stars during his visit including Jedd Hughes, Blake Shelton, Keith Stegall, Montgomery and Gentry, Joe Nichols, and the gang from Trick Pony.

"It's just a wait and see situation now" according to Thomas. MCA has contracted Thomas to this demo and they have the right of first refusal. We'll keep our fingers crossed!

Thomas cutting vocals
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Thomas and
the awesome Emerson Drive
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Thomas and
Carolyn Dawn Johnson
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Thomas gives demo to
MCA's Stephanie Wright
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Thomas and
new artist Jedd Hughes
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Thomas and
Bassist - Mike Brignardello
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Drummer - Paul Leim
and Thomas
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Thomas and
Guitarist - J.T. Corenflos
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Keys - Tony Harrell
and Thomas
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Guitarist - B. James Lowery
and Thomas
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Thomas and
Vocalist - Allison Parson
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Vocalist - Perry Coleman
and Thomas

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Engineer - Pat McMakin
at the helm!

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J.T. left to go get more
equipment. I think all of
these go to 11.
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Thomas' music stand


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