Here’s something a little different for today’s daily video slot. Accompanying Regina Ferguson’s song ‘Lucky’ is a short film that tells the story of the song, featuring master luthier Ren Ferguson, known for his work with Gibson and Guild and for making guitars for some stellar players. Directed by feature film director Emmanuelle Pickett, the film is beautifully shot and draws you into the meaning behind the song and why it’s special to Regina Ferguson, who performs a raw, live rendition of the single.
“Some songs flow like a river, and that’s how you know they’re special,” begins Regina’s reflective narration; indeed, her words and the film itself are full of their own artistry and poetry. The reaction of Ren Ferguson, a wonderful craftsman, at the end of the film is a joy to see. The song is like a gift to him, given in return for how his work has touched and influenced so many others.
We see Ren’s workshop and the gorgeous landscapes of Montana as the story of the guitar unfolds. Regina says: “After buying my dream guitar, a Gibson J-200, at a vintage shop in LA, I had a few serendipitous signs that it was the one. Notably, a plaque on the headstock reading ‘Montana Special,’ a place I’d spent a lot of time while writing my last record. Another serendipitous sign was that I shared a last name with the man who built it. I named the guitar ‘Lucky.’ After performing at the 2024 NAMM show, I happened to walk by the Ferguson Guitar Co. booth, where I met Ren Ferguson, the master luthier who built Lucky. Shaking his hand, I was overcome with gratitude for his dedication to craftsmanship and wanted to tell the story of Lucky through a song written from the guitar’s unique perspective. After sending the song to Ren and receiving a heartfelt response from him and his family, my longtime friend and collaborator, director Emmanuelle Pickett, and I flew to Montana to film me playing the song for Ren at his workshop. Thus, Montana Special ‘Lucky’ was born. From the creation of the instrument to the player’s hands to the song itself, making this film was a heartwarming, full-circle moment for both Ren and me. It’s sure to resonate deeply with audiences, especially music lovers. I wanted the single to embody that same raw emotion, which is why I recorded an acoustic live take of ‘Lucky’ directly to analogue tape.”
Pickett also shares her thoughts on the project: “A great song transcends time and space. It can soothe a broken heart, start a rebellion and tell the truth. There’s nothing more true than the power and necessity of the guitar in our lives as humans. Imagine life without the guitar… Writing this song from the guitar’s perspective gives such a rich and unique way in to tell the story of all the lives touched and connected by one of the greatest cultural art pieces in the world.”
If you enjoy this, check out Regina Ferguson’s debut album, 2023’s “Fortune” – she’s a rising star in the country and Americana scene and one to watch.
Such a beautiful film and song. I had a proper listen to her album afterwards and thought it was fantastic. She’s truly brilliant.
Such a lovely song if tribute. What a voice. She has