Pilgrimage: Mississippi To Memphis
What happens when three young European artists, all musically rooted in the blues, yet untraditional in their approach, take a journey of discovery to the American South?I began contemplating the question in early 2005, and the artists I had in mind were Aynsley Lister, Ian Parker and Erja Lyytinen, all of whom have a distinct and contemporary blues identity.  How would such artists react to an exploration of the places of great historical significance in the blues world – in short, a blues pilgrimage?  There was only one way to find out.  I decided on three recording destinations, which would give a varied overview – Clarksdale, Mississippi, Memphis, Tennessee and New Orleans, Louisiana.  Just one week before the sessions were due to start, nature dealt a cruel blow in Louisiana and Mississippi in the form of Hurricane Katrina.  Of course, the human suffering, loss of life, and devastation of property in the region put any concerns into stark perspective.  With the New Orleans studio completely flooded, plans had to change.We headed straight for Clarksdale to begin work.  There was no doubt that we would find the true essence of the blues there, as it is not only a place of great nostalgia, but also where the blues culture is truly alive and thriving today.The first day at the Delta Recording Studio was an intrepid experience for the artists, but when they heard the first playbacks of the day, the realization was made that this was a unique experience to be savored.  By day two, any insecurities and pre-conceptions about how the sessions "should" be conducted were dissipating, the local "its all good" catch phrase becoming everyone’s new mantra. Late night discussions in the shacks on the old plantation near the studio revealed everyone’s changing attitude towards making music with a revived passion for the blues and child-like excitement for the project.  In total, nine tracks were cut during four long days in Clarksdale.The Memphis sessions happened at Ardent Studios, produced by Jim Gaines, a man steeped in the musical history of not only Memphis, but rock & roll and blues music through his work with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Santana, Luther Allison, amongst so many others.   Mr. Gaines’ subtle approach undoubtedly brought out the best in everyone on the four tracks we recorded during the next three days.The endless fun we had during the ‘pilgrimage’ is undoubtedly reflected in the music on this release.  The trip inspired a good deal of soul searching and maybe even some re-evaluation of musical values.   In just seven days of recording I was able to witness three young artists develop, grow and rediscover themselves in the wonderful American art form known as the blues.Thomas Ruf