I had been setting up and tearing down audio for nearly twelve hours straight when the last band of "day two" of our Nashville recordings came aboard the Celebrity Coaches bus. Now, there are plenty of times when I'm not familiar with the stellar artist that I'm about to record---I get turned on to great music through Jessie, too, just like you. Such was the case with Elliott BROOD. So, when the drummer Stephen approached me with his hand open for a hearty shake, I said, "Elliott?" and he quickly replied, as if for the thousandth time, "There is no Elliott. I'm Steve." It was like the line from Pink Floyd, "Oh by the way, which one's Pink?" But it didn't phase him, and he proceeded to explain his preference of the classic Samsonite suitcase for bus percussion over any other. I'm impressed with his brand loyalty!
The band's captive energy and high spirits overpowered the session. If you're new to Elliott BROOD I'm sure that from now on you, too, won't want to go "Without Again."
It was a total treat, and an insight into the special language musicians share to watch these artists collaborate.
Tara Nevins from Donna The Buffalo, who is an exceptionally talented lady, brought The Believers - amazing and energetic - aboard The Celebrity Coach with her. An impromptu jam session ensued. Then it was time to record. We filmed two of Tara's songs, and two Believers tunes, too. Here is the first, "Railroad Spikes & Shotgun Shells."
I love when someone knocks on your door, love opening it and finding something extraordinary!
And so it was when, at the beginning of the year, I heard from old friend Mark Cunningham at Aware Records. He said he had picked up a new act, The Lovell Sisters, and asked if would I put my ear to it. Talented, beautiful, and self starters to boot!
Cut to the AMA Fest week. They knocked on the door of our bus first thing Saturday morning. A sight for sore eyes, as I am sure the "Fog Men" would tell you! And then they played…Jessica (fiddle and sings lead on 1/2 the songs), Megan (dobro and sings backing vocals) and Rebecca (mandolin and sings lead on 1/2 the songs). Oh yeah, and they write too; 7 of 11 songs on their second studio album Time To Grow which was released this spring. Here's "I Belong To Love."
