Q&A: The Ravenna Colt

The Ravenna Colt, brainchild of former My Morning Jacket guitarist Johnny Quaid, recently released its first album, Slight Spell, via Louisville's Karate Body Records.  Through the magic of electronic mail, FILTER coerced Mr. Quaid to talk about the album and his plans for his new band. Sit back, light a cigar, tip back a highball, and enjoy.

Where did you get the title Slight Spell?

Johnny Quaid: This album is a snapshot of some special times in my life and I wanted to entitle it accordingly. It really has a dual meaning. Slight, meaning short or brief, and spell, meaning a period of time and something magical. That’s what life is to me, short captured moments, and if you look close enough you can find the magic!

What records were you listening to that inspired this album? Did you channel artists such as Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt in your songwriting or did you find inspiration in others?

I have a huge back catalog of music I am drawing from. Some songs were from over 12 years ago, pre-MMJ, and others I wrote while in the studio and everywhere in between. I don't know that I can pinpoint any single album or artist, and I certainly didn't feel that I was channeling anyone. I can say for sure that John Prine has made a huge impact on my writing and performance over the past years. I'm embarrassed to say that I only recently connected with Townes Van Zandt and his brilliance! I don't think I was in the right place in my life before to truly appreciate his work. 

In "South of Ohio" you talk about losing your drawl in California.  What happened?

I'm not sure. I think it took a wrong turn in Albuquerque! While I was living in California everyone was surprised to meet a Kentucky boy that spoke without a thick southern drawl. I ended up telling everyone that I "lost my drawl in California" and that song was born. I moved to Tennessee in '08 and expect I'll regain my drawl, if there was ever one at all.

Was your approach for making this record different than when you played with My Morning Jacket?

Yes and no. I did take the same approach as far as trying to make something that sounds pure and real, but this is one of the few albums I have worked on where I was not thinking as an engineer. I just solely focused on the songs and vocals and the atmosphere surrounding it all. My friend Kevin Ratterman engineered and helped produce. It was crucial to have a close friend that completely understood what I was trying to do guide me through the process.

What are your tour plans? Is there going to be an extensive tour? 

Touring, yes! I am letting this project dictate to me what it’s going to be. Wherever there are folks that are willing to listen and are interested, I'll be there! I'm starting regionally and building from there, and we'll see what happens. The shows that we have done so far have been a blast! I truly appreciate all the support from everyone attending the shows!

What was the most rewarding thing about making this record?

Sitting down with a glass of bourbon and a cigar, listening to the record and letting it put me in a place that I wanted to create for the listener. I didn't create a Dark Side of The Moon or Pet Sounds, but I'm very proud of this debut. Also watching my kids dance around when they listen to it. When the kids dance and the dog doesn't howl, I know I've done well. They are my in house music critics!  F