Before I met Darren Sher I recorded hundreds of songs in Alabama and Georgia. I needed 30 country songs recorded and thought about doing the project in the South. Darren convinced me he could do a better job in Las Vegas so he gave me a quote on the project. He would provide the musicians and singer. I needed a baritone and played an example of what the project needed. He said he had the perfect guy for me, the perfect guy, hype, hype, hype. He had no recording of the singer, but hype, hype and more hype, perfect guy. He asked for the full amount of the project up front. I gave him a $10,000 deposit. After he got the money, he finally sent me a sample of his vocalist. I thought he was awful. I sent it to a country radio program director who said the same. I asked him if he wanted to hear another song by the singer and he said he did not. Not professional grade. Someone who works cheap. I told Darren to find me another singer and he sent a recording of someone singing out of breath.Then he sent a sample of a blues singer. I had never worked with an engineer so out of it so I told him to cancel the project. He had not recorded a note for me, so I told him to refund my $10,000. He kept it, saying he had earned his money and not to call him again. If you want someone who tells you how wonderful and perfect he is, Darren is your guy. Keep one hand on your wallet. By the way, I've been doing this 30 years. I am a respected Member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and submit names/recordings and vote on the Grammies. read more
