I recently had the honor of being invited to participate in an afternoon of music at Ardent Studios for a production called “Ardent Presents”. It had been more than two years since my move to Memphis, and I had, for some time, intended to see the place that I had been hearing so much about. So, when I stepped through the gates on Madison Ave. I knew I was entering a world set apart. I was immediately struck by the warmth of the place – informed, no doubt, by both the people and the general aesthetic. I was soon directed to the studio control room where, when opening the door, the sound poured out into the hallway. Chris Milam was playing – then Anthony DeCosta and both sounded really good. Studios have the difficult job of creating an environment that is at the same time familiar and inspiring. Ardent does this masterfully – the people are friendly and professional, the space is inspiring and the gear second to none. All of this, I imagine, adds up to a future with as many wonderful records as it’s storied past.
My life, like some of yours I’m sure, is constantly doing battle with distraction. Ardent felt like a place efficient in it’s ability to foster and capture creativity. I hope that, in the future, the work I am doing will bring me through it’s gates again.
Until then,
Peace.
