2007-02-10 Chris Crofton

Recording #249

I don't remember why Chris didn't play the night before in Knoxville.  I do remember some fan handing him a plastic mountain dew bottle half full of moonshine.  Probably a 12 oz bottle with a good 6 oz left in it and Chris sucked it down in one pull.

Everyone was a little rough from the last four nights.  This had to be my last show before turning back towards home.  The bands were headed south to Florida for the next part of the tour.

Here's the last time I saw Chris perform.  I've followed him online the past ten years.  I really enjoy the advice videos.  It will be a treat to see him soon in Minneapolis opening for Deer Tick.

Also, if you havent' watched the Black Diamond Heavies shows from this tour, you need to see Chris joining them for Traditional Blues Song.  They did that most every show.

2007-02-08 Chris Crofton

Recording #243

Chattanooga is the home base for the Black Diamond Heavies and JJ's is the place to see them.  We had a pre show chicken dinner at Lamar's.  Good times.

at JJ's Bohemia

2007-02-07 Chris Crofton

Recording #239

I learned quickly that the travel plans for the Black Diamond Heavies meant leaving to drive to the next gig was at the last possible minute.  They left no room for error.  Hit the road and show up at load in and sound check.  This isn't how I typically travel.  I'm cautious.  I leave time for traffic, sightseeing, unplanned stops, etc.  But when you want to caravan with the band, you follow their lead.

This day, it first meant tracking down one of the band who found a place to stay with a local.  The local happened to be a dancer, and we met up with them at her place of work.  We spent the afternoon until we just had time to make the drive to Atlanta.

Here's Chris Crofton at the Star Bar in Atlanta GA

2007-02-06 Chris Crofton

Recording #235

I left Nashville and had a day before the Biram/Heavies show in Birmingham AL, so I drove to Jackson TN to visit another musician Elam Mcknight.  We got beer and bbq and hung out at his grandfather's house and talked music.  For some reason, Elam had an amp of Steve Greer's and I picked it up and returned in to Steve the next week as I came through Nashville again.

I can't remember the route from Jackson to Birmingham, but I'm guessing it was back roads.  The club in Birmingham had a RV/greenroom next to it.  This was the start of a really fun tour with Biram and the Heavies.  Also, the first time I got to meet Chris Crofton.  Chris will be touring with Deer Tick soon.  Really looking forward to their Minneapolis show.