Last of the Blacksmiths

Young Family Song (VGS-008)

Format:
Compact Disc (CD)

Edition:
Unlimited - First run 1000 copies

Release Date:
May Day, 2008

Songs:
Autumn Vacation
What You've Been Saying
At An Early Hour
Beard Tongues
Giving Up
The Records
High Peaks
Pick A Song
By The Cottonwoods

Additional Info:
I happened to be in town when the Blacksmiths were recording this album and the band was kind enough to invite me over to the studio one evening. They were working out "Pick A Song," which originated as a poem by Rufus Wanta, grandfather of the song's vocalist Nathan Wanta. The band recorded the song and came back into the control room with the engineer and me to have a listen. Everyone was pleased. An inspired take. Nathan wavered, saying he didn't like what he heard. The rest of the band asked about specifics and debated what they thought made it a keeper. Nathan explained that he imagined senior citizens--like his grandparents-- dancing to the song. He concluded, "What we just recorded doesn't sound like a song that would inspire old folks to dance." It sounds like feigned eccentricity, and I would be dubious of this story had I not been witness. The plea to re-record was sincere and the rest of the band agreed that it was worth the time and money. Everyone strapped in, and what transpired was a subtle but distinct relocation of groove. The band locked in on the septuagenarian vibe and Nathan approached the microphone, eyes closed, swaying gently, most likely reconciling images of senior citizens on the dance floor with his vocal performance.

I realize this account doesn't describe the album in and of itself. But this story, one of dear friends who set out to capture things that lurk beyond the outworks of their presentiments, ends with a record of the exploration. That, in and of itself, is beautiful and inspiring and worth the price of admission.