My oldest daughter came to me one day last year and told me we needed to head out to a friend’s recording studio to see this awesome band she started listening to: Spirit Family Reunion. I was up for a road trip and to listen to some good music so we filled our cooler with some goodies and hit the road.

Nestled in the woods of charming Chester, CT, Dirt Floor is an analog based recording studio that evokes the feel and sound of the Laurel Canyon days. We arrived a bit early, leaving us plenty of time to eat our sandwiches and have a look around. Eric Michael Lichter the Owner/Operator/(passionate) Producer, was kind enough to give us a tour of his awesome studio.

We were so inspired being in the studio. You can feel the musical energy floating through the rooms.

Eric informed us that the band would be delayed. They were headed down from Portland Maine where they had played a concert the night before, but their van broke down! One of the Dirt Floor folks was kind enough to head up there and pick them up. Emma and I killed some time by the fire (oh yes, did I mention the concert was to be outside by the edge of the woods?!)

Seeing as the band would be delayed, Eric and his friend James Maple performed for us! A great way to pass the time. These two are so talented.

Before too long the band arrived!!

After some snacks and beverages to gain some lost energy, the band prepped for a rollicking back yard performance.

The minute they started, I was so happy we headed to the woods of CT for this concert! Spirit’s music is true Americana, Folk and Bluegrass with tinges of Gospel. Folks, this is ‘foot-stomping, put your hands in the air can I get an AMEN?!’ music.

That night, under the moon, the band played from their fantastic 2012 album, “No Separation“. I love the album in its entirety, but my fave songs would have to be; “I Am Following the Sound”, I Want to Be Relieved” and the gospel tinged, “No Separation”.

Friends, you are so lucky. Not only does Spirit have a new album, “Hands Together” due out April 14th, but they are also on tour promoting the album.  I’m thrilled as they will be in Providence this Thursday April 9th. Performing at the newly renovated Columbus Theatre. If you can’t make it to the Providence performance, they will be in Cambridge, MA the next evening (April 10th) at The Sinclair.

I hope to see your foot-stomping self at this Thursday’s concert, if not, catch them on tour this Spring/Summer and get your hands on the new album!