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To watch him at work is to watch the work of a genius.  He was with Merle Haggard and the Strangers, as Merle's keyboard player, co-writer/co-producer and all around right-hand man for Merle Haggard.  So it came as a very pleasant surprise that as I approached him at his doorstep, asking if he would help with the forthcoming multi-artist, multi-band benefit recording of the Homeless Christmas Medley, aka Homeless at Christmas/Angels, he replied, "Only if I get to produce it."

So I asked myself, "Who, in his/her right mind would turn down Mark Yeary as producer?"  Well, I just happened to be in my right mind that day, so I welcomed him on board as "producer." 

This is a voluntary project.  The song will be released as an mp3, and possibly also as a CD single.  All profits will go to Bethany for their Bakersfield Homeless Shelter.  Volunteers are already lining up.   There are Buckaroos, Strangers (at least one former one, with Mark as producer), there are modern Bakersfield-sound-grounded band reps from The Councilmen and Soulajar.  There are rockabillies like members of Fatt Kat and the Vonzippers. 

There are solo artists representing various generations of sound, like Kama Ruby, Sarah Valinsenor, Amy Turner, and Patrick Jarret.   The trick will be to do a big production, without making it overly produced.  Mark is just the guy who knows how to strike that sort of balance. 

Stay tuned regarding this project, and the related album, tentatively entitled, Mixing it Up for a Merrier Christmas (a seasonal showcase of Kern County talent), right here, and at:

Bakersfield Sound Underground (BSU)

http://www.bakersfieldsound...