inspired by real world studios, king returned to the us and began construction on his own studio "blackberry hill". the studio took about two years to complete during which time king toured the country as a solo guitarist opening for james taylor, bb king, diana krall, north mississippi all-stars, al green and others. just after building blackberry hill king recorded another instrumental record, "i-xii", with james west, renowned bassist michael manring and european guitarist carlos vamos. shortly after that king started a band with james west (later replaced by nadir jeevanjee), troy sicotte (later replaced by drew dresman), and ehren ebbage (later replaced by chris plank). the band toured the country for about one year before being signed to a major label record deal with epic records in 2006.