Nick Carter - Lost Weekend (2016)

There's a story in each song on "Lost Weekend" and there's a story behind the album itself. It all began on a hot, heavy afternoon, in July 2014, in central Connecticut, where I had come to talk about a recording project with Paul Opalach, a talented, self-employed recording engineer and musician. I'd just retired from teaching music a month before. For nearly a lifetime I had performed; for 15+ years I'd taught; and now I was focused on writing and recording songs that, eventually, would become the music on "Lost Weekend".
By the time Paul and I met, some of these songs already were written and recorded as rough cuts, some were only on paper and others were orbiting in the ether, yet unknown. That July day I recorded a demo with Paul --- a song that ultimately became "Lonely Serenader" on this album. It went well, and Paul and I agreed this could be a good collaboration.
In fact, it was an excellent collaboration. Along with Paul's musicianship and great work at the console, there were three other musicians -- monstrous talents all -- whose performances contributed so much to the music you will hear. Behind my vocals and acoustic rhythm guitar work, there is James Bettincourt, who provided inventive, elegant work on both electric and upright bass; on drums is Tony Cruz, who drove or cradled the music, song by song, with his superb percussion work; and there is Matt Rae who provided the masterful interpretations, on both acoustic and electric lead guitar, that gave this album its rich tonal color and character.
Special thanks as well to:
Award-winning songwriter, Andre Pessis, for your invaluable critique and insights; Brad Harris, the best voice coach on the planet who taught me that finding your voice is as much about authenticity as anything musical; my friend, artist/designer, fellow singer/songwriter, Richard Keith, who provided the elegant album cover photography that connects with the mood in every song.
And the moods do vary, ranging from acoustic-rock that feels like "Saturday night", to country that feels like "lonely in the crowd", from blues-influenced pop and soulful folk to a sultry Latin sound. “Don’t Let Go” begs lovers to beware of jealousy’s blind spots..."Fall to Zero" is about a singer who's on the road and doesn't want to lose the girl he had to leave at home...“Brighter Blue” is a simple prayer of gratitude for the woman in my life...“Comfort in You Cup” is about steadfast hearts left behind...“Work My Way Back Home" is about taking a piece of Saturday morning with me as I move through the work week…“Marmalade Morning” celebrates sleepy lovers' stolen moments…“Lost Weekend” is about temptation, fantasy, contradictions and redemption…“Always Better” is a playful look at where love at first sight might take you... "Fits Like a Glove” is about starting the evening out alone but then a smile and a name turns things around...“The Dancer” tells my story: about teenage dreams colliding with parents' disapproval, and the torment, until I finally pursue music as songwriter, performer and teacher...“Lonely Serenader” is a nod to every person who ever sang alone in a bus station or on subway or train platform next to an open guitar case or an overturned hat.
Thanks for selecting my music. I hope you enjoy the stories.