To open their self-titled second album released last spring, The Apache Relay recorded something of a masterpiece in the song “Katie Queen of Tennessee.”  Singer/guitarist Michael Ford Jr. and Brett Moore (keys/guitar/mandolin) were quick to share credit with the string arranger Jimmy Haskee (who has an Emmy and three Grammys) and Johnathan Rice (yes, the one from Jenny and Johnny and his own career), who they cold-called after getting out to L.A. to record at Fairfax Recordings.

The Fairfax space is better know by its old name, Sound City Studios, as immortalized by Dave Grohl in last year’s documentary. Clearly the place still has some magic as “Katie” is only the tip of an amazing iceberg from this Nashville sextet. Michael Ford Jr. and his brother Ben, also in the band, grew up outside of New Orleans so there’s that flavor too.

Follow the link to listen to my interview with the fellas & hear (& see) them play “Katie Queen of Tennessee” and “Don’t Leave Me Now” in our Bronx studios.