The third day of recording in Nashville came much too soon. We were beat up from the accumulation of very little sleep, and punch drunk from making it two-thirds of the way through recording 36 artists in 3 days, on a bus. (It sounds as if it was a dare, doesn't it?) It seemed like only moments after waking The Lovell Sisters were knocking on the door of our coach. Caffeine-riddled smiles and pleasantries were exchanged, then I learned of their instrument configuration and the number of mic stands that would be needed in such a tight space. I knew there wouldn't be room for the camera, or for them to play comfortably, so I got real excited about switching to an organic recording style I hadn't used on the bus yet. We decided to wrap the sisters around one beautiful sounding microphone, sort of old bluegrass-style. Of course, I cheated a bit by adding some mics where I could. In fact, if you look closely to the left of the dobro, you may be able to see a mic gaff-taped to the couch, for which I got MacGyver points from the girls.
This session was my first introduction to the Lovell Sisters, and I'm hooked on them now. The arrangements are tasty, sonics are wide, and I love getting lost in their warm harmonies. It's a unique sound that you'll forever brand in your head as "Lovell." Check out this amazing version ofIn My Time of Dyin'.
When Charlie came by the bus on the first morning of taping at the Americana Fest, it was raining and we had no umbrellas or ponchos, but there was joy none-the-less. Seeking a seat in a car was the only respite. You do what you have to, or you get wet. I didn't mind the rain, but my hair sure did the frizz city thing! A blow dryer would have been good. "Down Again" is off Charlie's new CD Beautiful Day. It is a totally relatable, catchy, sing-a-long while you ponder the human condition as you get rained on, metaphorically or otherwise! Catch him in Texas in November.
It was two songs from The Believers, and two from Tara on the bus in Nashville. They had so much fun working, I wouldn't be surprised if they did shows together! The Believers play Magnolia Fest in Live Oak, FL tomorrow (10/25) then head to Louisville on 11/4 to play The Vernon Club after an in-studio at WFPK. Donna The Buffalo swings through the East Coast in November and December, and it was just announced that they will play MerleFest 2010! From the bus, collaboratively, here's "Temporary Misery."
