Like all Mules albums, this one has been no small task in getting finalized and out the door because of numerous unforeseeable incidents and accidents (see other posts). Regardless, we are pleased to have finally reached the finish line and are pumped about the record in its final form.  We recorded 11 of the 12 tracks in Charlottesville, Virginia over 5 days in December, 2011. The only overdubs were a result of a single human being not being able to play two instruments at once. This has long been a goal of ours; to make a live record in a short period of time under one roof. The roster of songs for Apprentice seemed to fit that format perfectly especially when catalyzed by a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle 12 Year Old that Andy and Mason once received as payment for doing a show for our friend Billy Reid. We d been saving it for a special occasion. Thanks Billy. Unfortunately, the bottle didn t last until day two of the session. Our rate has increased to 2 bottles / show now. As always, our thanks to Chris Kress for running the board and keeping us on task.