Jess and I are old friends. Our paths crossed in Nashville fifteen years ago, both young musicians pursuing the music city dream.
Like two winding roads that occasionally cross, we both have moved away from Nashville, then moved back, then moved away again.
Throughout all that time, we’ve always made time to re-connect, catch up on life’s changes, and to sing together.
A Song of Renewal
We both have a favorite songs that the other has written. For me, it is “Wanderer” a song Jess wrote with Colleen Francis. For Jess, it is “Getting Better Alright”. We used to sing this around campfires, at house concerts, and at those beautiful little gatherings that tend to pop up in Nashville on any given night.
It was wonderful to sing it again and to finally press ‘record’ while doing so.
Jude Holler Farm
Getting Better Alright” is about the never-ending journey of knowing oneself and growing in the process. I know both Jess and I have come a long way since those early days in Nashville, finding clarity and a sense of rootedness in our own ways.
Jess now owns the most beautiful farm and homestead in rural Burkesville, Kentucky with her husband, Neal. Jude Holler Farm is a gem of gems, and it’s astounding the amount of work Jess and Neal put in to keep it running.
José and I were lucky to spend some time there, right after our Nashville visit and before heading to Memphis to spend Thanksgiving with family. Our visit coincided with the arrival of the kuni kuni pigs, and it felt good to be able to lend a hand even in our small way.
Friendships – and visits – like these are precious.