Released on Dec. 4, “Blessings From Home Volume 1” puts Edwards alongside legendary musicians Ron Blair (bass) and Steve Ferrone (drums) of The Heartbreakers, more famously known as “Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.” In addition, Edwards enlisted produce Ryan Hadlock, who’s worked with Eric Clapton, the Lumineers and Vance Joy, to name a few.
Recorded at the Bear Creek Studio outside Seattle in January, Edwards said his sophomore album showcases a more rock mindset versus his more singer-songwriter album, “True Blue.”
“The sound is pretty straight forward California rock in the vein of George Harrison, Tom Petty, or the Wallflowers,” Edwards said. “We have more harmonies than those guys since we have the brother’s aspect, but still, most of the same ingredients in the soup. The lyrics are still plain-spoken and honest as usual.”
He released “True Blue” last year and kicked off his tour at the Belly Up in Solana Beach. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Edwards said he had to pivot as the concert industry has been on hold since April when he and the group were pulled from the road in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The pandemic also pushed back the release of “Blessings From Home Volume 1” by six months, he added. In the meantime, Edwards started a record label and looked at strategic and creative plans on how to reach and entertain fans, and learned more about recording, he said.
Also, he’s had to adapt to the new way of connecting with fans in a virtual model. Ironically, Edwards said he’s more nervous about the virtual performances than live ones.
“I hosted some friends on a summer livestream concert series,” he explained. “We’ve done livestreams, pay per views, Zoom calls, FaceTime’s, you name it.”
As for Blair, Ferrone and Hadlock, Edwards said it was a joy to work with such talented musicians and learn from an acclaimed producer.
He said Blair and Ferrone have not only added so much to the sound for “The Heartbreakers,” but for this record as well. Hopefully, Edwards continued, the fans will “appreciate one of the best rhythm sections in the world.”
As for Hadlock, Edwards said he is efficient, creative and always looking to serve the song. Hadlock’s studio has such a special vibe and understood what Edwards’ was going for, keeping the band on track while also adding some new ideas.
“I dig how we captured the band sound that we had been working on out on the road for the past few years and how it’s still song-based but with more of a rock/groove leaning than our previous records,” Edwards said.
