An Open Letter From Russell Sims

In all my forty-five years as a record producer for a multitude of recording companies, and as a record company executive, I must say in all honesty that my latest album project entitled, “ COAST TO COAST " with Hal Willis is by far the best album I have ever produced in my entire career... In my view this CD has got it all: Great songs, Great sound, Great energy, Great feel, Great singing, Great dancing beat and Great listening content. There's a song here for everyone... for it ties in together the old country and the new, or if you prefer the "Young" ... The first time I heard Hal Willis sing was right after he moved to Nashville from his home country of Canada ... I knew right then and there that this young man was a rare talent and that he had all the tools necessary to sing a hit song ... I was proven right then with "The Lumberjack" and my producer's intuition tells me that I'm right again when I say that this great CD belongs in the "New Now Column" ... Hal has that natural God given ability to take a good song and make it great by the way he emphasizes certain words by chewing them in a certain way and spitting them out just at the right time in his own inimitable original style ... Listen to Hal and you will hear what I mean, but you will have to listen closely to all the songs in this great album to really appreciate its concept ... there's music for everyone, and for all parts of the country, no matter where you may live ... that's why we called it "Coast To Coast" ... I've always had great faith in Hal's capabilities and I would have to say in all honesty that Hall Willis has got to be the best all-around and most talented artist I have ever produced ... I have great respect for Hal Willis, not only as an artist but also as a valued friend and a person, especially when I think of all the obstacles he had to overcome on his way to the top ... (When I First Met Hal) he could barely speak English, but by his tenacity, hard work and with the help of his wonderful and talented wife GINGER, born and raised in English speaking Toronto, Canada, he overcame what he calls (those small town obstacles) and to his credit, put it all to good use and gained the respect of all the people he has dealt with for his valiant effort ... Hal is a big cut up and joker that loves everybody as you will find out if ever you meet him, and I hope you do ... Hal has that special type of talent and personality that one meets maybe once in a lifetime, and with that booming voice of his, you will know it when he's around!!!

Russell Sims

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