Following a two-year stint working with The Band’s Levon Helm at his studio in Woodstock recording the famous Midnight Rambles, R. Finn returned to Los Angeles and started his own recording studio and creative space, The Heritage Recording Co. It was in that studio that Finn recorded his debut LP, Collecting Trip—a ten-track collection of timeless Americana that finds the singer-songwriter channeling influences from Woody Guthrie to Leon Russell. Co-produced by legendary drummer Jim Keltner (Bob Dylan, Neil Young, John Lennon), Collecting Trip is an ode to the singer-songwriter’s (nee Chris Rondinella) deep dive into folk and Americana and features contributions from Benmont Tench (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers), Sean & Sara Watkins (Nickel Creek), and more. Recently, Finn answered his Essential 8 and talked about the story behind his album’s title, musical mentors, meeting Dylan, and more.
Did you have a musical mentor? If so, who was it and how did they influence you?
Absolutely, Levon Helm and Jim Keltner! When I met Lee I lived on a steady diet of 60’s Rock And Roll. I was on the threshold of folk and the blues, but not quite ready for it. He took me back to the roots of early American music, and I still haven’t recovered. In addition, I was so young and green at the time I lacked not only experience but confidence too. His kindness helped me to believe in myself. He was a great teacher and friend. I met Jim around the same time. Though I’ve written songs since I was a kid, I’d lost the interest and courage to perform them for anyone. He helped me to find my voice. He is a craftsman and a true genius. I felt like I improved in every category just by being around him.
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