Hello everyone, and Happy Easter. I do want to say that I greatly appreciate the positive feedback I have received on the first of the 'Digging Up Bones' series I am providing for the great fans at RandyTravis.com. Randy Travis is an incredible performer who has a loyal, incredible fanbase, and the numerous comments of support and compliment definitely shine here on this website.

In the past week, we were able to see Randy appear at the Grand Ole Opry, and offer induction to Carrie Underwood into the elite group. Of course, it was done appropriately after a riveting rendition of 'I Told You So,' the legendary hit made famous by Randy himself. After the date of the induction was solidified to be May 10, the fans of Randy were given a special performance of 'Forever and Ever Amen' and 'Faith in You.' The emotional aura was palpable in the Opry, as the former Randy Ray played the songs to perfection. The man once again proved that his work still deserves the standing ovation he received that night. It was a great treat to see Randy on television this past week, and the news of the event was elaborately covered by Rolling Stone, The Toronto Star, Access Hollywood, People Magazine, The Grand Rapids Press, and numerous other media outlets. During the media blitz, Randy has also done a humorous yet informative interview with radio station '103 WKDF' which can be viewed and enjoyed in three parts at the following links!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZwScB-eaPo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1aiHUxS_iU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUFMIxVe3W8

In the first entry of this blog series, I discussed some of the marketing strategy and effort being put into supporting the release of 'Around the Bend.' I highlighted several important concepts but focused heavy on the cover art of the album. An exclusive photo from the shoot which did not make the cut is featured in the first blog volume, so please take a peek if you haven't already. Eric Swanson of the self-titled 'Eric Swanson Photography' was the man responsible when it came to capturing the power of this album in the form of a simple picture. Mr. Swanson was kind enough to offer me an exclusive interview where he touches upon several topics including his photography and some Randy Travis discussion. Enjoy!

1. How did you get involved with the 'Around the Bend' photoshoot?

I have done several photo sessions with Randy and Elizabeth. Starting with a shoot for Guideposts magazine years ago, the Santa Fean magazine, christmas cards and then the covers for 5 of his recent albums.

2. How was your experience working with Randy Travis personally?

Randy and Elizabeth, I can't really talk about one without mentioning the other they are a pretty tight team, are both pretty down to earth people. They have somehow survived years of the music business, a business that is not for the timid, tremendous financial and professional success and remained decent caring people. In my career of meeting many famous and, well, wealthy people I have come to the conclusion that fame and fortune simply magnify the person within. I really have enjoyed the time I have spent with the Travis' . They are professional, respectful and have a good sense of humor. Randy is not a prima-donna, he doesn't mind changing his clothes in the back of a car or working alittle later to get the right shot. He's a pro.

3. Do you have a favorite Randy Travis song?

I was listening to the anthology album and thought well I like this one, and then well I like this one too, on and on. Really one of the best perks of this job of mine is when we are getting set up to do a shot and Randy is waiting on us to get ready he will be strumming and singing, he'll say what do you think of this and play something off a new album. Or he will be doing bits and pieces of songs. i guess thats my favorite Randy Travis song.

4. How long did the photoshoot take and where was the photoshoot done?

This recent shoot, 'Round the Bend' was involved. The record company wanted alot of diversity in the shoot so they could get as much mileage from the images as possible. We (my studio manager Jenna Gersbach and myself) did a fair amount of scouting locations, checking weather reports, and putting a crew together. There was wardrobe to select and of course the great Mr. P to get out here for hair and makeup. There were conversations with Elizabeth and Randy about the album, what the title might be, Round the Bend was a working title but they weren't sure yet if that was going to be the final name. We had 2 main locations. One was the old Scottish Rite building in Santa Fe that had an auditorium and several different areas so we could quickly go from one 'look' to the next. This was an indoor location in case we got 'weathered out'. The other location was on Mrs. Hughes' Bonanza Creek Ranch outside of Santa Fe. It's been the location for numerous movies, parts of '3:10 to Yuma' were filmed there. We had dates picked and then Randy broke his wrist or forearm in the filming of The Wager so we had to delay everything for a few months. We did the whole shoot in one very long cold day.

5. How did you get involved with professional photography?

I started out in high school. I got a small scholarship to a photo school, graduated and then moved around the country alot. Worked in New Orleans at LSU Med school, worked at St Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis. But I'm too independent, some people say cranky but don't believe it, to do a 9-5 job so I started freelancing about 20 years ago. I've been really fortunate with my career.

6. Do you have a fond memory which includes a classic Randy Travis song in some way?

Not a song but when my daughter heard I was going to do a shoot with Randy shortly after she had seen the movie 'John John in the Sky' and she was alittle worried for me. Randy and I got a chuckle out of that.

7. What is your opinion on the picture that ended up being chosen for the album art?

We did some beautiful shots that day. This one is one of the last from the shoot, It was cold and grey and windy. Randy had changed shirts probably 6 times and was standing down wind from a RV we had to shelter himself from the wind. I love the expression, the background had the sky blued up some via post production computer magic, the graphics are simple. I like the cover, its got a iconic look to it.

8. Did Randy have any wise words for you?

He did. I think it went something like 'Lets go get something to eat at Tomasita's'

9. Were you involved at all in the filming of the 'Faith in You' music video?

No I wasn't. I hope they weren't two timing me with another photographer.

10. Will you be picking up a copy the day 'Around the Bend' is released this summer?

With any luck I might get one in advance.

Eric Swanson is a very experienced and professional individual, and if you would like to take a look at some of his other great works please visit his website, www.ericswanson.com. His folios are filled with majestic shots and picturesque moments. I'd like to publicly thank the man again for providing us with some insight when it came to his contribution to the album.

So as the days go by, we are getting closer to 'Around the Bend.' Several music news sites provided the release date of the album to be in April, but it seems as if this is inaccurate. All official promo for the album has declared the album to have a summer release planned. Amazon.com has declared July 29 to be the ultimate release, but this cannot be confirmed as I haven't heard anything from the Warner or Travis camps to verify this. Amazon also has small thirty second clips where you can preview the songs to be set for the album, so be sure to check those out if you have a moment at:

http://www.amazon.com/Around-Bend-Randy-Travis/dp/B0014CDCJY

Hope you enjoyed the second volume of this blog and thank you again...please leave some feedback or support for Randy...and until next time...

4ever and ever amen,

Anthony
http://www.myspace.com/kid_dynamite85
anthonymaurizio2k2@yahoo.com