AW2H ALBUM NOW ONLINE (FREE DL)

My first real foray into to the music business happened in 2004 when I formed a power trio called Accident Waiting to Happen with Root Note booker & co-owner Alex Johnson and Imaginary Jack drummer Eric Whalen. In 2006, we were very fortunate to have Eric's extremely generous uncle fly us to Memphis, put us up in a downtown 4-star hotel, and arrange for two nights of recording (enough for 3 songs) at the legendary Sun Studio (i.e. the "birth place of rock n' roll").

We released them along with some other tracks recorded in St. Paul on a nine song album in June of 2007 called The War Over Who Loves Who More. I remember playing some memorable shows that year too: The Lounging in Romance Festival; Stasiu's Place with Jacques Wait as our soundman; the Varsity Theater with ZibraZibra; the Turf Club with First Communion Afterparty; the Warehouse with Awesome Car Funmaker; and one of the last shows at the Acadia Cafe's old (and more music-friendly) location on Franklin & Nicollet. We disbanded on good terms after a Big V's show in March of 2008 (with Monica & the Molecules!)

It's been few years now, but the glow of that weekend is still fresh in my mind. The history and culture of the studio is so palpable you can smell it. The live room has an indescribable radiance and energy, where emotion and music flow freely. Of course, working hard to make the process so smooth, productive, and fulfilling for us was resident engineer James Lott, a total professional and true gentleman (pictured with me to the left). He has recorded every band that has come through the studio since it re-opened in the 80's--which includes U2 and laundry list of other recognizable names.

Just experiencing Memphis was a joy itself. Music is such a valued and important part of the culture there. Our hotel wasn't far from Beale Street and there seemed to be blues music of some kind on every corner, park, and alleyway. I'm quite sure I heard either "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On", "Walk the Line" or "That's All Right" playing at least 30 times (or more?) over the weekend. We arrived at Graceland as it was closing, but just being in that area was sort of unreal. Every business on both sides of the street had something to do with Elvis. The highlight of the trip for me though came after the sessions were finished. Eric's cousin (who lives down there) took us to celebrate at this cozy dive called Murphy's where bad-ass punk rock trio River City Tanlines blew us away. There is no debate: If you love music, you have to visit Memphis.

The three songs we recorded there were Alright?, No More Joy, and Rock God.

You can download the entire album for free HERE.

Read the cover story Eric's Aunt (who traveled along with us) wrote in the Bluff Country Reader, Local Band Lives Out Recording Dream, HERE

Watch us chat about our Sun Studio Sessions on The Review with Don Watson below: