I landed in the bread basket of California, Sacramento, with flat valley agriculture giving way to orchards, and scrub brush, and then the majesty of Plumas Canyon. Tall mountains graced with huge pine trees bearing silent witness. Honestly, there were places along the winding road that I was sure grateful for the guard rails. And there was a suspension bridge which I was happy to only cross once, as it felt shaky under the wheels. But once again, when seeing terrain this imposing, it is hard not to think about the folks who took the chance and crossed this vast land, not having any idea what they would encounter. Generations were shaped by their experience and undaunted spirit. That is our legacy as Americans.
Chris Berardo is built from that stern stuff. He is pushing the rock up the hill, with the aid of his intrepid band, including his brother Marc Douglas Berardo. On a recent swing through Texas, the Berardos were joined on stage by legendary producer Eric Roscoe Ambel. And something else, the guys are SO funny, I mean laugh out loud comedic stuff, which makes hanging out with them a treat in itself. They are working on tracks for a new album, today we have the song "Old Man's Eyes" as we revisit our Music Fog session from a year ago March at Threadgill's.
- Jessie Scott