I remember two lessons from all those years ago when Joe produced Fables– it was their first time working with a producer other than Mitch Easter and Don Dixon:
1) when I asked him how he was still so young at his advanced age, he smiled broadly and said “immaturity”
2) when I offered him to come in on a guest list to the band’s 1984/5 benefit at the Moonshadow Saloon in ATL, he insisted on paying, saying “nobody gets in free to a benefit.”
I have used especially that second lesson many times since…
Joe is a heckuva great guy and we are grateful for his friendship still.
Bertis
PS: Enjoy this Q & A with Joe Boyd at salon.com.