Jon Brasfield writes..

Hey guys....My name is Jon Brasfield and i go to Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. I just wanted to write and say that I really admire your talents. I've been a BNL fan for a while and just recently started listening to your BC stuff. And man, I've got to say you two are so versatile and just plain musically blessed. The stuff's really creative, enjoyable, and inspiring. I figure you probably get a lot of this typical fan mail stuff, but I'd just like to add my accolades to the pile. I also have a question. See, I'm 19 years old. My brother & I (he's 15) have been playing together as a musical duo for a few years now...we both write songs, play acoustic guitars, and sing. He also does some cello sometimes. We play parties, resteraunts, and the like. I was just wondering what your advice would be for taking it to the next level. We don't really have the money to record in a studio, although we do have a 8-track analog recorder at home, and in rural Western Kentucky, we have virtually no way to get noticed. We really feel that we're capable of doing shows and recording. We are, however, only a duo. I figured you two could give some advice...being brothers and a duo, you know? Thanks for taking the time to read this. I appreciate it. Hopefully, I'll be going to the show March4 in Cincinatti. I'm sure it'll be fun.

Thanks, guys. Jon Brasfield

Jim Responds...

Jon, what you do with your brother sounds wicked. I'd say keep on doing that thing. The 8 track recorder sounds like a good enough medium to produce a little 5 song tape that you could sell at your gigs. If possible, when you play live, play as many original tunes as possible so people get to know you for your own music.See if you can slowly expand the area where you play. Find the places that best suit your music. Ultimately if you can believe that you can take your music outside of your familiar limits than you will. Sometimes limitations in recording mediums can help guide you to find your own style. Sometimes to many options can spread the direction of the project. Have fun with it. JIMC