Knights in the Heights: How a Winter Project Became an Album

Knights in the Heights

How a Few Songs Became an Album

I teamed up with Ron Smith during the winter of 2021 to record what we initially thought would be a few songs. As tends to happen when Ron and I work together, those few songs quickly turned into a full album. We’ve learned over the years that when a project starts feeling fun, we don’t stop — a single idea has a way of expanding into something much bigger.

We named the album Knights in the Heights, a title Ron often joked should double as our band name. The sessions took place during the dead of winter in a studio with almost no heat, relying on a single small plug-in heater to keep us functional. We laughed a lot, played a lot, and nearly froze — a familiar combination for us.

The Sessions

The album is a collection of cover songs spanning from the 1970s through the 2000s. I handled drums, guitars, keyboards, and lead vocals, while Ron covered bass, additional keyboards, and a generous share of backing vocals. We also welcomed a few guest musicians into the studio along the way, including Billy Price and Bernard Smith — each visit adding its own spark and sense of occasion to the recordings.

A Long History of Collaboration

Ron and I have collaborated on countless projects over the years. He’s been the cameraman on many of the videos I’ve shared, and one of our favourite collaborations remains "Tails from the Trail" — a stop-motion animated short that's a cross between Scooby-Doo and the classic Rankin-Bass holiday specials. Like Knights in the Heights, it was another winter project, marked by losing track of time, cold fingers, and a lot of laughter spent huddled near that same little heater.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

I’ve known Ron since I was about six years old. He played in a band with my father called Buffalo, a well-loved and popular Ontario band in its time. Over the years, Ron has been endlessly generous with his support and guidance. His talent and vision are matched only by his sharp wit, and I’m grateful for every project we’ve shared.

Knights in the Heights now lives alongside my Brad Goldsmith YouTube content — it feels like a natural fit. I may even revisit a few of the songs in a solo live setting down the road. Some projects just keep finding new ways to continue.

If you’re curious to hear the album, the full Knights in the Heights playlist is available here.