"Elliott BROOD is a three-piece alternative country band from Toronto, Ontario, Canada consisting of Mark Sasso on lead vocals, guitar, banjo, ukelele and harmonica, Casey Laforet on guitar, backing vocals, bass pedals, keys and ukulele and Stephen Pitkin on percussion, sampler and backing vocals. The band bills its own style as death country." - from Wikipedia. Death country, huh...is that like speed metal? No matter what the slug is, there is a huge buzz on these guys. Their CD Mountain Meadows has been selected to the Polaris Prize Shortlist, top ten best Canadian albums of 2009. And they have just posted the schedule for part two of the Future Ghost Towns Tour. Catch up with the BROOD, but beware...from their website, "It's sunnier the higher you climb the mountain, but in the Meadows below lay darker themes each with their own lore." Bring your compass...

-Jessie

At my old roost, before the performance studios were built out, one of the first make-shift sessions I assisted on was Nickel Creek. It's only fitting that years later, once again, I cross paths with Sara Watkins, and again we're recording in a non-traditional environment. You certainly don't get that feeling based on the amount of emotion that pours through on this song, though. The vantage point of the camera, the quietness of the tune, and the personal nature of her delivery almost makes you feel like you're not supposed to be watching. It's a music voyeur's jackpot! Enjoy this incredibly organic version of "Where Will You Be."

-Aaron

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 of In My Time of Dyin'.

-Aaron