In Boca Raton, Florida in 1981, I met Barry Patton. A guitarist/songwriter and former music journalist from Milwaukee, Barry took an interest in producing demos of some of my original material. In 1982, we went into Ft. Lauderdale's Ocean Sound and made some magic! Barry has a keen set of ears when it comes to producing and has gone on to release 2 independent recordings, VALLEY OF DUST and ARDEN WAY.

The sessions featured: Jai Lambert - Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Electric Bass
Tim McCarthy - Drums ~ Mark Chiriboga - Flute ~ Mike Couzzi - Engineer

1983 marked a reunion with former bandmates Clint Allen and Brooks Brown
in Clint's brainchild DIAMOND ROMEO. Clint put together a package combining excellent stage production, sound, and lighting that would tour the country more or less consistently through 1985. Even in my short time with the band (less than a year), DIAMOND ROMEO was booked constantly and played the central, southern, and southwestern United States as well as a near 3 month gig in Alaska. The band was known for its on-stage as well as off-stage (but I won't go into that) antics.

DIAMOND ROMEO featured: Clint Allen - Guitar, Vocals ~ Robert Dobbins-Drums ~ Amo Green - Bass, Vocals ~ Brooks Brown - Guitar, Vocals ~ Jai Lambert - Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals

1982 would mark the beginning of one of the most popular groups in Arkansas history, DAVID AND THE IMMATURES. Frontman David Renko, along with his parents Suzanne and Dick, created a unique blend of jazzy rhythm and blues that was captivating to audiences statewide throughout most of the rest of the 80s. David was packin 'em in at age 13 and has been playing with the CATE BROTHERS BAND for several years. Dick and Suzanne have been managing several successful acts/concerts over the years with their MUZIK MANAGEMENT company, including but not the least bit limited to, TROUTFISHING IN AMERICA, AUSTIN LOUNGE LIZARDS, MOLLIE O'BRIEN, RAY WYLIE HUBBARD, and THE BLUEHOUSE. Check out Dick and Suzanne's website at www.muzikmgt.com.

DAVID AND THE IMMATURES featured: David Renko - Saxophone, Vocals ~ Suzanne Renko-Bass, Vocals ~ Dick Renko-Guitar, Vocals ~ Brett Barnes - Drums ~ Jai Lambert - Guitar, Vocals

PAPERKID was one of the natural state's most innovative groups playing almost entirely original material. With audio/video producer and manager Bob Ketchum at the helm, the band attracted national attention from at least 3 major record labels. Singer/songwriter/guitarist Randy Burden was responsible for much of the original ideas that, along with producer Ketchum, the band polished into a sound that was highly original. John Davies and Steve Lane together produced one of the most powerful rhythm sections ever. Looking back at the success of many of the national acts in the late 80s, it is clear that PAPERKID was way ahead of its time.

PAPERKID featured: Randy Burden - Guitar, Guitar Synthesizer, Vocals ~ John Davies - Bass, Keyboards, Vocals ~ Steve Lane - Acoustic and Electronic Drums ~ Jai Lambert - Keyboards, Guitar, Vocals