This fabulous young band I've been working with since last fall, Michael Ford Jr. & The Apache Relay is going by just The Apache Relay now. It makes it easier to write a catchier subject line in an email (I've got like 3 more words!) Most importantly though, it signifies a brotherhood for the band --who took their name Apache Relay from the underdog race in Ben Stiller's movie The Heavyweights. (Michael Ford Jr.'s name is not from a Ben Stiller movie, but from his dad I'm betting.)

Their debut album, 1988, was produced by Doug Williams, who produced several Avett Brothers albums, and includes guests Jessica Lea Mayfield, Joe Kwon and Byron House. Paste Magazine's Rachel Maddux named 1988 an “Auspicious Debut of 2009,” and highlighted the band as “Best of What’s Next” with, "It’s a spirited collection of songs that shine with hope like light under a doorway."

The guys are on the road with Cadillac Sky this month, and working on new material in their current home of Nashville. Check out one of their newer songs "American Nomad" which I'm posting.

"One of Paste Magazine's recent "Best of What's Next" picks drew inspiration from Springsteen and the Avetts, hooked up with the latter's cellist (and one of its producers), joined forces with a fledgling roots band, and released a raw and moody folk-rock concept record." Charlotte Observer