A rotating cast of characters....but lately I've been tracking with Ed Greene on drums, Bob Babbitt on bass, Reggie Young on guitar, David Hungate on guitar, Pete Abbott on percussion and Cathrine Styron-Marx on keys. Affectionately known as the Great American Rhythm Section, they are incredible. Tom Dowd suggested getting them together to Bob Olhsson just before he died. Further evidence that Tom Dowd was a great man. RIP Tom. We miss you and this note's for you.
Influences
Woody Guthrie, The Dictators, The Del Lords, Bruce Springsteen, Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard, Townes VanZandt, Tom Waits, JD Souther, John Hiatt, Richard Thompson, The Who, The Byrds, The Stones, The Beatles, folk music (LOTS of folk music...got to Dylan through folk music), the blues (LOTS of blues), Love (the band),The Stooges, The Velvet Underground, The MC5, Motown, soul and R&B, Gram Parsons, David Bromberg, The Band, country music made before 1975 (with a few exceptions), Lester Young, T.S. Monk, Bird, Miles, et al and Elvis Presley.
Sounds Like
Tom Petty meets Elvis Costello (or so I've been told). More like Johnny Cash meets George Harrison.
Quick bio-
I started out as a folksinger then I got a band (I still consider myself a folksinger). I released two records and was starting to get a foothold of some sort when I was in two serious car accidents which hindered my playing. I rehabilitated my left arm and hand enough to play again when I was felled by what turned out to be a rare genetic illness. Just another stumbling block that I've tried not to let slow me down too much. Moving on, I've really gotten into producing other artists as I just love the studio and making things happen. Some of the artists I've worked with include Devendra Banhart, The Black Crowes, Michelle Shocked, Freedy Johnston, The Mavericks, BR549, The Wrights, John Wesley Harding, Anthony David, The Funk Brothers, Bettye LaVette, Dion and Little Kings, Julie Lee, Matthew Ryan, Otis Gibbs, Karen Parks, Joanna Smith, Thad Cockrell, Joni Harms, Malcolm Holcombe, Tim O'Brien, The Old Crow Medicine Show, Suzy Bogguss, Minton Sparks, Kenzie Wetz, the Fisk Jubilee Singers and the Blind Boys of Alabama among others. I was the tour manager for the Dictators for 3 1/2 years and roomed with Scott Kempner also of the Del Lords so naturally those bands influence me big time. I also dig Neil Young. He always seems to be doing it for the art and love of it. I met Motown legend Bob Olhsson when I moved to Nashville and my work has improved 300% since. Thank God for Bob Olhsson. Bob is a great friend and co-conspirator. In 2007 I finished the Song of America project with David Macias and Bob which is the recorded history of the U.S. in song by major artists. It's been a blast and a ton of work but well worth it since all net profits go towards programs that teach U.S. history through song in public schools. I was a contributing writer to Tape Op for two years and I dig engineering records as much as producing. I also like building my own custom audio gear now (Check my website for more info on that). Who'da thunk? I've also been doing a ton of co-writing on Music Row which is very interesting experience. I released my first record of all-new material in over 5 years, The New Punk Blues of Ed Pettersen, in January of 2007. In 2009 I will release The Trip Back Down, a 2-CD collection of new songs. I've had songs covered recently by soul legends Bettye LaVette on her Grammy-nominated Scene of the Crime CD and Candi Staton on her new CD "Who's Hurting Now? (Feb. 2009). That's been quite a thrill as Bettye and Candi are two of my three favorite singers (the other being Gladys Knight). I also have seven songs on Cheryl Luquire's debut record (which I also produced). Here's hoping I get to meet some of y'all out on the road soon.
My new record just came out this week on I-Tunes and CD Baby. I have included a video talking about the record, hope you enjoy it! Please leave us some feedback to let us know what you think! Thanks for your support.
-Ray Stephenson
PS: This album would make a great stocking stuffer ;)
Thanks for adding me. I'll keep an eye on your page and see what your up to. Please let me know when your buying merch and I'll help ya make it look sweet and at a great price...
Thanks so much and good luck! Bill Nishanian Music Imprints bill@musicimprints.com 615-829-6858
Bonjour Ed Thanks for the ffriendly add What a good sound in your music I really appreciate it Best wishes from France (Follow me on twitter.com/pascal95 ) Pascal
Thanks for joining our Myspace, but be sure to check out our website at www.HailMaryPublishing.com
for this weeks Homework assignment, and your chance to become a
Featured Artist, or participate in the revolutionary new program
entitled Fabric Fiction. Thanks once again, and happy writing.
Hey, Im posting new videos today! New pictures too!
And TUESDAY July 14, the band will be filming a performance for the tv show at SAXON PUB! Be in the audience for the tv show 4:30 to 5:30!!!!!!!! Ruby Jane
Online Now!
