IT’S the dream of many an aspiring recording artist to work with the finest session players on the other side of the pond.

And for Borders singer/songwriter George L Goodfellow that dream has become a reality – not once, but on five occasions.

For the latest result of that fruitful collaboration – the newly-released “Distractions” which was produced in Galashiels - is George’s fifth studio album.

The work of the 62-year-old tunesmith – delivered in his distinctive rich baritone – has long enjoyed success in the huge transatlantic country music market.

With laudatory testimonials from the likes of Eric Bogle, his radio-friendly songs have hit the spot in numerous specialist charts stateside.

It was thus no surprise when George L Goodfellow and the GLG Band were asked to sign an exclusive deal with Soprano Music Publishers of Beverley Hills.

That contract kick-started a remarkable relationship with the cream of session players based in Bristol, Tennessee.

Now a regular visitor to the US to work with these gifted instrumentalists, George has also harnessed the internet to turn songs – penned in his Hawick home – into highly polished recordings.

As with his previous albums, the engineering, mastering and vocal finishing touches of the new 14-track offering were applied by George and his friend David Little at the latter’s Sound Station Studios in Galashiels.

“Distractions” sees George team up for the first time with ex-Scocha member Allan G Brydon on songwriting duties.

Indeed, six of the songs – including the fiendishly catchy Tell Me and the heartbreaking You Won – stem from that collaboration.

Elsewhere, George blends his country schtick with rock and folk influences to present some of his most thoughtful and personal work to date: from the plaintive Dear Mary to the disarming social commentary of No Dignity.

With occasional backing vocals from Lois Niblo, “Distractions” is proof positive of the prolific output – and the continued musical progression - of a proud Borderer who wrote his first melody aged 11, his first song at 15 and who cut his live performing teeth in the local folk scene of the late sixties.

Check out the album on iTunes or via www.GLGBAND.com