Two of my Favorite Guitarists

John Jackson has been a big part of my live shows and recordings since I moved to Nashville in 2001. I met him through Marco Giovino ( who produced, and drummed on BEAUTIFUL and WILD) 

He's affectionately known as J.J.... a tall, quiet, lanky guy who knows how to dress-down to the socks! I"ve been quite inspired by his work and showmanship. I"ve learned from him to have a set list months before the show:) no winging it with J.J. he likes to get all in order and it really shows in his playing. No one creates as gorgeously orchestrated parts. He's responsible for some of my killer signature lines on MOTORCYCLE DREAM and BEAUTIFUL and WILD. 

I asked him for a list of his proudest accomplishments and this is what he had to say: " I play with artists I love or appreciate, and music I love or appreciate.... Minton Sparks (8 years), Shelby Lynn (12 years) Lucinda Williams, (during her Car Wheels phase) and Bob Dylan (1991-1997).  I like people who like real music. It's not a business, it's a life, it's not a gig, it's a performance. It's emotional, fun heartbreaking, and it means as much to me as anything...I'm not there for the paycheck...it gives me hope and strength." 

Wow, I couldn't have said it any better. That's John Jackson, a true artist to the bone.

Russell Chudnofsky (http://www.russellchud.com) is another guitarist I've worked with consistently, mostly but not exclusively in the Northeast, where they like to say "I cut my teeth." I'd say Russell and I have put in a good 12 years live and in the studio together.

We have some kind of fire together live that is hard to define. We feel it, and audiences feel it. He's got a kind of twangy, psychodelic bend to his playing that lights rooms up. He uses a slide unconventionally and can sound like a wacked out pedal steel. Like J.J. Russell is a a true artist, a lifer , not gonna let money get in the way of making art. He's flown out to Seattle to record with me ( COMES and GOES ) and put his imprint on BLACK DOVES, and MOTORCYCLE DREAM. 

Over his career Russell has played most notably with Sarah Borges, and Lori McKenna. He backed up Lori on her opening spot for Faith Hill/Tim McGraw Soul to Soul tour. Russell also writes music ( he co-wrote How Far is Down- on BLACK DOVES) with me. One of his proudest accomplishments is the creation, recording and production of SKYPAINT, a critically acclaimed rock opera.