Sorry, y'all, been busy living the dream. Got to Nashville on Tuesday evening and proceeded to have a tete a tete with Manuel of Manuel's Exclusives Clothier, who took me into the room in his shop where the legendary United States designed jackets are hanging. There are 50, of course, and have each states pertinent info and heroes, in rhinestones, very tasteful, of course. He said the project took YEARS to complete. 

Then I headed over to the Country Music Hall of Fame for a special evening with Rosanne Cash, as she did songs from her forthcoming album The List, the 100 songs Johnny wrote down for her as essential listening. I hope there are many more volumes to this project. It was simply awesome hearing her sing these classic songs, and honoring the writers in that most hallowed space, The Ford Theater at the hall. It set the tone for what was to come. 

We picked up the bus from Celebrity Coach on Wednesday, and began building our production facility. Thursday was the Americana Honors and Awards, which will be a separate blog, as there is too much to tell. We have been recording for three days now, and the overwhelming story to bubble up at this year's Americana Festival and Conference is the ascendance of the female artist. They came to us in one's and two's and three's and four's. There was no quota system, it just happened organically. And oh the diversity! Every flavor of Americana has been represented on the bus. The artistry unmistakable, the songs well crafted, the instruments impeccable. And the men have been terrific too! We have started  posting already, and will continue to bring you the musical jewels that were bestowed on us. The gift, indeed, that keeps on giving!

- Jessie -