The sounds coming from Martin Parker's studio in Edenton could just as easily be coming from a studio in Nashville, Tenn. It's that good.

The fact that Parker himself did recently come from Nashville could have something to do with it.

Brett A. Clark/The Daily Advance (ENLARGE)

Martin Parker runs through some tracks recorded of various bands at his recording studio, Seven Pines Studio, in Edenton Friday, Feb. 22.

Parker's studio, Seven Pines Studio, resides inside an old farmhouse that was once his great-grandfather's general store. The front door creaks and the roof sags a little, adding to the feeling of being out in the country, which it most definitely is.

Taking a look inside, the first thing that is noticeable, besides the obvious recording equipment, are the photos on the walls, many of them familiar and famous faces. Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill, Doc Watson, and the who's who of the Nashville and Grand 'Ol Opry scene. A Google of Parker's name on the internet will turn up Parker's name beside every one of these artists and then some.

Parker moved to Nashville with songwriter J.D. Rudd in 1974 after playing locally and regionally with several different bands. Parker ended up as a backup engineer in a recording studio. Then, he got a break.

"A drummer couldn't make it one day, and I ended up playing with some musicians that I knew (in the studio)," he said. "They were very cliquish, and they could make you feel very uncomfortable, but they didn't really mess with me."

Parker ended up going on tour with Gail Davies, then in 1984 got the biggest break of his career–—a gig with Ricky Skaggs.

"That was the gig that made my career," he said.

That gig led to an even better one with one of the biggest country stars in the world, Vince Gill.

"He was opening for Ricky Skaggs and we hit it off and became friends," Parker said. "We went and played golf together."

That particular gig lasted for 10 years.

"Vince Gill is a stunt singer," Parker recalls. "He never got off pitch. He's one of the best singers in music today. He's a great guy. "

Besides playing with Skaggs and Gill, Parker has been tapped by some of the greatest talent in show business, people like Allison Kraus, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, Kathy Matea, Patty Loveless, Roger Miller, and even Marie Osmond.

Semi-retired, Parker recently returned to his hometown of Edenton, and now spends his time playing drums for local bands Out'n the Cold and The World's Greatest Fishing Band. When he's not doing that, he's recording other bands in his studio.

"It's amazing how much time you can spend doing this stuff," he said."

As a Pearl Drums endorsee, Parker even gets free drum sets.

"Every couple of years they send me a new one," he says.

Parker has some well-earned wisdom to share with those who hope to follow in his tracks.

"I believe that if you stay true to yourself and the kind of music you love, things will happen for you."