Long For The Dory

The Driftless are Megan Saunders, vocals, mandolin, banjo, tenor guitar with Blair McLaughlin on vocals, violin and guitar. Jeff Kissell and Rob Smith perform on double bass, vocals and guitar.

“Trouble On My Mind” starts with energetic circle-picked banjo and bass. The story emerges--trouble, wandering, and pursuit of happiness, carried by two clear strong, intertwined voices.  

“Wild Bill Jones” is trouble, too. This interpretation follows the traditional murder ballad story line. Pass around that long-necked bottle and we’ll all go on a spree. The song gets an energetic, clear presentation here.

Long for the Dory was recorded with the proprietary recording technique called E.S.E. (Extended Sound Environment), developed in the early 2000’s by legendary recording engineers Cookie Marenco and Jean-Claude Reynaud. E.S.E recordings go directly to DSD or analog tape while musicians perform live in the studio without the use of headphones or overdubs. Hand-made cables, modified preamps, and carefully chosen microphones are also part of the recording requirements.  Most importantly, the musicians are in the same room, positioning themselves to hear each other without headphones. You will find E.S.E recordings only under the Blue Coast family of labels.

by Harold Fethe