DogDay BlueJay’s debut studio album, The Book, is a collection of 12 songs chronicling the journey behind the 2026 release, recording in 6 states with 5 recording engineers.

It started at lunch when Mark was encouraged to buy a Tascam digital recorder, sparking an unexpected new direction. Soon the first song, "Jones Jacket," was written with help of 2 friends in memory of a late friend, Joel Jenkins, inspired by an Army jacket, which he wore for years.

Joanie Sanders, a talented multi-instrumentalist, guided trips to her family’s studio in Florida, where 3 tracks were recorded. The duo worked on more songs using the Tascam before seeking the expertise and home studio of bass player Dave Roe in Nashville. Roe, a former Johnny Cash collaborator, passed before he could contribute, but his studio was instrumental in the project.

The loss of Roe shifted the project to Treehouse Studio in Nashville, TN, where songs were finalized and mixing completed. While working as a DJ, Mark met album cover artist James Flournoy Holmes, whose involvement reinvigorated the album. Joanie's connections, with Willie Nelson’s drummer Billy English, also played a key role. A song titled “Quit Too Late” was written after Billy shared a Waylon Jennings quote in conversation with his brother, Paul English. Though scheduling with Billy was challenging, the track was eventually recorded in Fort Worth, TX, with Billy on drums and in Nashville with Dennis Winters (The Winters Brothers Band) also adding vocals.

THE BOOK refers to music availability as a physical product and “calls attention to those who helped bring this project to completion”.

ARTIST: DogDay BlueJay
TITLE: The Book

CONTACT: Mark McAfee 864-304-2998
dogdaybluejay@gmail.com

Producer: Mark McAfee
STREET DATE: 3/6/2026
LP CATALOG
UPC

Players:
Mark McAfee – Vocals, Guitar, Dobro, Bass and Rainstick
Joanie Sanders – Vocals, Bass and Piano
Tim Carter- Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar and Harmonica
Mike Bagwell- Pedal Steel Guitar
David Sanders – Drums
Mack Sanders – Guitar, Bass
Flournoy Holmes – Flute
Dakota Holden - Pedal Steel Guitar
Smith Curry – Pedal Steel Guitar
Dennis Winters - Vocal
Randy Tucker – Guitar
Billy English – Drums

THE BOOK will be celebrated with a release show at Poe Mill Music in Greenville, SC on March 1, 2026
I would welcome to come speak with you about the album and/or the event.