Notes to Self
All songs written by Sharon Perl and Mary Bragg
Produced by Mary Bragg
Recorded at Jon Estes’s studio in Nashville, TN
Recorded by Jon Estes, assisted by Mary Bragg
Mixed by Jon Estes, Nashville, TN
Mastered by John McLaggan at Parachute Mastering, Saint John, NB
Sharon Perl - Lead Vocals
Jon Estes - Acoustic Guitar, Electric Bass, Upright Bass, Piano, B-3, Synth
Ellen Angelico - Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Baritone Guitar on tracks 1, 3, 4, and 6
Josh Kaler - Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Pedal Steel, Ukulele on tracks 5, 8
JP Ruggieri - Electric Guitar, Pedal Steel Guitar on tracks 2, 7
Mary Bragg - Acoustic Guitar on track 8, Background Vocals
Jelly Roll Johnson - Harmonica on tracks 3, 6
Roy Agee - Trombone on track 4
Leif Shires - Trumpet on track 4
Jordan Perlson - Drums, Castanets, Hooves, Tambourine, additional percussion on tracks 2-5, 7-8
Dave Racine - Drums on tracks 1, 6
Julia Perl Nelson - Package design
Donald Robertson - “The Bialys” painting (in lyric booklet)
Sharon Perl - Garden photo (in lyric booklet)
These songs and this album would not exist without the creative talents of many people. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who contributed, and especially to:
Mary Bragg, my co-writer, producer, and songwriting coach. Mary and I worked together on each of these songs, from start to finish. Our writing sessions are such a joy, as is our time together in the studio. She brings intelligence, talent, authenticity, and kindness to everything she does.
Jon Estes, who engineered and mixed all of the songs, as well as played bass and a variety of other instruments. We recorded them in his cozy, inviting studio in his lovely Nashville home. His easy going manner makes what could be an intimidating experience into a fun time.
Rocío Guitard, voice teacher extraordinaire, who patiently guided me from being unwilling to sing in front of people to being excited to record. Also, she had the delightful suggestion to make “Nobody Cares” into a Samba.
My songwriting communities, which are a source of joy, inspiration, encouragement, and fun. Steve Seskin and the members of the Tuesday songwriting workshop gave helpful, honest feedback on multiple versions of each of these songs. Thanks also to Lydia Hutchinson and the Performing Songwriter Creative Workshops participants and teachers, and to The Rocky Mountain Song School and my friends in Camp Ampersand. Special thanks to Maggie Wing, who got me started going to RMSS, who has encouraged me in my songwriting and performing, and who inspires me with her devotion to her craft and her commitment to living a creative life.
Every one of the top-notch musicians who performed on the album was super friendly and welcoming to this non-professional musician.
My daughter, Julia Perl Nelson, did all the graphic design for the album. Love you to the moon and back, Julia!