Man, it’s been a long while since I’ve posted anything. I apologize. What I can tell you is that during the interim I haven’t just been sitting around, surfing the web or something. The past 18 months have been extremely busy. I’m very grateful that I’ve had the chance to perform (and in some cases record) with some incredible artists during this stretch of time. They include: Hayes Carll, Alison Moorer, Leopold & His Fiction, Jazz Mills, Kid Rock, Lynrd Skynrd, Blackberry Smoke, Tom Bukovac, Delbert McClinton, Glen Clark, Bob Britt, Kevin McKendree, T-Bird & The Breaks, Ray Benson, Adrian Quesada, Sunshine Garcia Becker, Mingo Fishtrap, John Fullbright, Maurice Brown, Tim Easton, David Bromberg, Davis Causey, Papa Mali, David Jimenez, Warren Hood, Emily Gimble, John Dee Graham, Scrappy Jud Newcomb, Andrew Combs, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Marcia Ball, Lewis Stephens, Eric Zapata, Ray Benson, Papa Mali, Birds of Chicago, Stuart Mathis, Bruce Katz, Charlie Sexton, Ben Kweller, Kelley Mickwee, Miles Zuniga, Bruce Robison, Kelly Willis, Joe Ely, Shawn Colvin, Johnny Nicholas, Deadeye, The Unfaithful Servants, Scott Davis and Bruce Hughes (who am I forgetting?!).
And of course, the Band of Heathens…through all the changes that life brings (i.e. moves, weddings, babies) we continue to march on! In fact, we just finished up a week of recording at the incredible Echo Mountain studio in Asheville. It’s our third multiple day session in the last couple months. We now have a bunch of material recorded (something like 23 songs) and are just beginning the process of whittling it all down. Should have a new record out by the end of the year. Stay tuned on that front. Another big highlight for TBOH was back in November when we were fortunate enough to open a few shows for the Tedeschi Trucks Band. Anybody who knows me personally can more than likely attest to hearing me wax poetic about how this is not only one the greatest bands on the planet right now, but also one of the greatest bands of all time. I’m serious y’all. Call it what you want, but it’s the real thing. Hearing them live, it’s just undeniable. They are really wonderful folks too.
I’ve been reading a lot lately. Went on a big Vonnegut kick, tearing through Slaughterhouse-Five, Cat’s Cradle, Breakfast of Champions, Player Piano, Sirens of Titan, God Bless You Mr. Rosewater, and Mother Night. I’ve now moved on to Tom Robbins. So far I’ve read Skinny Legs And Alll, Half Asleep In Frog Pajamas, Jitterbug Perfume, Still Life With Woodpecker and am almost done with Another Roadside Attraction. I have many friends who are huge Vonnegut and Robbins fans and I’m almost embarrassed that it took me so long to get around to these treasures. I truly don’t have the words to adequately describe the depth and quality here. Both authors possess incredibly profound insight into humanity, keenly mixed with wit and humor. I can only say that if you haven’t yet already, check them out. It’s very difficult to pick but if you wanted my favorite from each I’d probably go with Jitterbug Perfume and God Bless You Mr. Rosewater. Another book I just finished that I would highly recommend is called The Soul Of An Indian: The Writings of Ohiyesa, edited by Kent Nerburn. It’s a beautiful compilation of the writings of Ohiyesa (aka Dr. Charles Eastman, Dartmouth alum 1887) that brings to light the universal spiritual truths of the Native American people. Ohiyesa was a very great man and an eloquent writer. I plan on it picking it up again in the future.
Lots of great music recommendations for you as well.
Bop English, Constant Bop
Alabama Shakes, Sound And Color
Stephen Doster, Arizona
Larry Goldings, Jay Bellerose, and David Pilch, Music From The Front Room
Gene Clark & The Gosdin Brothers, self-titled
Blake Mills, Heigh Ho
Buddy Terry, Electric Soul
Kenny Burrell, Asphalt Canyon Suite
Here’s a cool clip of a session I did with my dear friend, Jazz Mills. It aired on a PBS program called Hardly Sound, a documentary series focused on underground music and artists in Texas.
Go to the 18 minute mark for the session footage.
I’ll try to stay more on top of this blog going forward, to keep those of you who are interested informed on all that’s happening. Sincerely appreciate you checking in.
Peace,
Trevor
“What are the fruits of silence? They are self-control, patience, dignity, and reverence. Silence is the cornerstone of character.” -Ohiyesa