Adrian and I have spent the better part of two years working and recording his debut record, Better Son. Adrian, from Southern Illinois,  does a lot of listening, and speaks selectively. But when he sings, he SINGS. It’s compelling. He has a voice that makes you stop to listen – And wonder where he’s been. David Bazan and Jay Farrar come to mind with out being derivative.

Better Son could arguably be called a concept album. The nearly chronological songs tell of Adrian’s self-destructive romances and indignant attitudes toward the faith that would ultimately rescue him. The lyrics range from poignant verses on the attack, to soft-spoken pleads for mercy and a second chance (or third, or fourth). The sound he achieves is clearly based in roots/Americana, but polished with a love for pop music.

The record is sprinkled with Baltimore guests. The always awesome and rather prolific Frank Corl plays drums on all but one track. Christopher DeMeo (Infinite Honey) laid down drums on the last cut, E.Joseph and Paul Mercer played guitars on a few tracks and Ruby Fulton and Andrew Histand (both from We Used To Be Family) played violin and cello, respectively.

Recording-wise many of ribbon mics (close and room) were used to track the initial vocal and acoustic guitar parts. Many of the original scratch takes we recorded in the studio were actually used in the final mixes, as well. It’s more proof that first takes are always quintessential to incredible and heart-felt performances.

This record is very special and hope you check it out. A tour is planned for later this summer and early fall. Below are my two favorite tracks.

Better Son

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Scavenger

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The Manly Deeds came in a week or so ago for their microshow. It was a seriously fun hootenanny! Complete with banjo, acoustic guitar, mandolin, upright bass and three-part harmonies.

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Wow. What a religious experience. The performance by Ms. Sara & The Help absolutely filled the room. Everyone in the room was simply swimming in their music and loving it. Literally, at one point, we were trying to figure out who in the audience was singing back-ups because the vocals just seemed to come from everywhere.

The Help was John Caplan on acoustic and resonator guitar and Jay on acoustic guitar and banjo. The guys also sang harmonies. There’s really not much else that can be said. You have to hear it for yourself. What a wonderful night of sick vocals, harmonies, stringed instruments galore, virtually all new songs and a few covers of fellow Baltimore artists.

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I just finished producing an acoustic EP from Baltimore’s The Honest Mistakes. It was a stripped down version of the band. Simply a guitarist and a voice. It was a joy working with Chris and Joylene (who is 7 months pregnant!). Chris’ guitar playing was exactly what you needed, precise and melodic playing yet never overplaying. And Joylene’s voice was phenomenal and full of detailed tonalities that microphones (and ears) always love to eat up. They are total pro’s and I really enjoyed what they are doing. Watch out, they are currently mastering the EP and it should be dropping sometime this fall!

Here are two of my favorites from the EP. The first cut has some unorthodox percussion. It was a blast tracking this with them, even though the timing is clumsy. It’s perfect for the song, and it doesn’t matter because it’s all about the song!

Bridge I Had To Burn

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