Tag: cover

You Gotta Hear This: New Music From Danielia Cotton, Unspoken Tradition, and More

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

To say good bye to the week and to August, we’ve got one more premiere round-up for the month – and, as always, You Gotta Hear This!

Among all the fine new music being released, we’re highlighting a handful of tracks newly minted or arriving very soon. First, there’s “Bring Out The Country (In Me),” the sole original number from Danielia Cotton’s new EP paying tribute to Country Music Hall of Famer Charley Pride. Then, check out singer-songwriter David Luning’s “Every Day I Am,” which explores the fear and anxiety of being a fugitive on the run.

As you continue, John Surge and the Haymakers bring us a properly Tex-Mex track, “Marisol,” from their upcoming album Maybe You Don’t Know Me. And, to bring us home, North Carolina-based bluegrass outfit Unspoken Tradition have a stellar cover of Alabama’s hit, “I’m In a Hurry (And Don’t Know Why).”

It’s all right here on BGS and You Gotta Hear This!

Danielia Cotton, “Bring Out The Country (In Me)”

Artist: Danielia Cotton
Hometown: Hopewell, New Jersey
Song: “Bring Out The Country (In Me)”
Album: Charley’s Pride: A Tribute to Black Country Music
Release Date: August 29, 2024
Label: Cottontown LLC with Symphonic Distribution

In Their Words: “Coming to New York City from a small town was a major transition for me. What surprised me was how much of my small town ways and sensibility I didn’t lose. The big city can engulf you, however that made me more myself and embrace more of my country roots. Big cities, especially New York, are full of what is seemingly countless numbers of confident people, when in fact so many are struggling with the same need to define themselves and stand out. I think I finally realized that what makes me most unique is when I am true to myself.” – Danielia Cotton

Track Credits:
Danielia Cotton, Marc Copely – Songwriters
Danielia Cotton – Lead vocals
Marc Copely – Guitars, backing vocals, programming
Andy Hess – Bass
Aaron Comess – Drums, percussion
Ben Stivers – Piano, organ
Rocco DeLuca – Pedal Steel
Produced, engineered, and mixed by Marc Copely at Casa Copely Recording, NYC.
Mastered by Greg Calbi.

David Luning, “Every Day I Am”

Artist: David Luning
Hometown: Los Angeles via Forestville, California (Near Petaluma)
Song: “Every Day I Am”
Album: Lessons
Release Date: September 6, 2024

In Their Words:“Movies, songs, and stories, particularly set in the American west, have highly romanticized the life of running from the law, but in reality, in the long run, it’s gotta suck. So much fear and anxiety all the time. Always on the run. ‘Looking over your shoulder.’ Fleeing the consequences of your actions. Can’t trust anyone. At least I know in my life, running from my fears or consequences of things that I’ve done has never improved a thing. So on the surface, ‘Every Day I Am’ is about somebody running from the law, but underneath lies the story of somebody that is ‘…always hoping that one day it’ll be alright,’ without realizing that it could be, if they stop running.” – David Luning

Track Credits:
Written by David Luning.
David Luning – Vocals, Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano
Linden Reed – Drums
Ben Dubin – Electric bass
Dave Sampson – Electric guitar
Alex Leach – Electric guitar
Damien Lewis – Percussion, sound design

John Surge and the Haymakers, “Marisol”

Artist: John Surge
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Song: “Marisol”
Album: Maybe You Don’t Know Me
Release Date: September 6, 2024 (single); September 20, 2024 (album)
Label: Blackbird Record Label

In Their Words: “‘Marisol’ is a historical lament about a woman who claims ‘my love is like a heart attack, the kind of love that’ll keep you coming back.’ It has a rollicking feel that comes straight from the Doug Sahm playbook. The song has a natural Tex-Mex feel. I kept asking Tommy [Detamore], ‘What would Doug do?’ Detamore shared stories of producing Sahm’s final album, The Return of Wayne Douglas. We followed that inspiration and traveled down Sahm Highway.” – John Surge

Track Credits:
John Surge – Vocals, acoustic guitar
Randy Volin – Electric guitar, baritone guitar, harmony vocals
Brennen Leigh – Harmony vocals
Michael Guerra – Accordion
Brad Fordham – Bass
Tom Lewis – Drums
Floyd Domino – Organ
Kevin Jarvis – Percussion

Unspoken Tradition, “I’m In a Hurry (And Don’t Know Why)”

Artist: Unspoken Tradition
Hometown: Cherryville, North Carolina
Song: “I’m In A Hurry (And Don’t Know Why)”
Release Date: August 30, 2024
Label: Mountain Home Music Company

In Their Words: “I was born in ’85, so ’90s country was a part of life during that period. I still use ’90s country to get back there, nostalgically. Alabama was an awesome country band, and vocally, this song is just so fun to sing. The a capella intro always grabbed my attention back then and knowing our band has so many capable singers, I wanted to give this one a try as a fun cover. As a father with a family, a full time job, and also juggling music and other things, the message of the song is a reminder to slow down some and enjoy the little things.” – Audie McGinnis, guitar and lead vocals

Track Credits:
Audie McGinnis – Guitar, lead vocals
Sav Sankaran – Bass, vocals
Tim Gardner – Fiddle
Zane McGinnis – Banjo
Ty Gilpin – Mandolin

Photo Credit: Danielia Cotton by Chía Messina; Unspoken Tradition by Sandlin Gaither.

WATCH: Ben Sollee, “Only Love” (John Prine Cover)

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

Artist: Ben Sollee
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
Song: “Only Love”
Release Date: February 13, 2023

In Their Words: “John Prine had a knack for folding mantras in to his songs. This song has a message that resonates deeply with my journey as a creative, father, and husband [and] that is so needed in this fitful world. ‘When love comes your way, you learn to say, I love you!'” – Ben Sollee

Photo Credit: Jessica Ebelhar
Video Credit: Created by Josh Ford, FordFoto.
Recorded at Mahonia Studios, Louisville, Kentucky.

LISTEN: Alice Di Micele, “Square One”

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

Artist: Alice Di Micele
Hometown: Ashland, Oregon since 1986; Linden, New Jersey as a child
Song: “Square One”
Album: Interpretations Vol 1
Release Date: January 19, 2024
Label: Alice Otter Music

In Their Words: “I’ve been enamored by Tom Petty’s songwriting for most of my life. The depth and diversity of his catalog is inspiring. Back in 2018, shortly after his passing, my co-producer Bret Levick and I formed a tribute band called Petty Thievery. It has been really fun to rock out to his songs and it gave me a new outlet for playing and singing. I absolutely love being a singer-songwriter, but it’s fun to wear a different hat now and again. I chose this mellower tune for my record, because I was driving home from tour with my drummer the first time I heard it and I had to hit replay 6 or 7 times. I went home and learned it. The theme of starting over really struck a chord in me.” – Alice Di Micele

Track Credits:

Alice Di Micele – vocals, acoustic guitars, shaker
Gene Black – electric guitar
Rob Kohler – bass
Bret Levick – backing vocals

Photo Credit: Michelle McAfee

You Have to Hear Tray Wellington Band Cover Kid Cudi

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

It’s that time, when music writers everywhere are thinking and writing about the best of the year’s music, blurbing away for year-end round ups. (Speaking of, our BGS year-end picks will be unveiled next week.) While it’s right to view ranking, commodifying, and objectifying music with a degree of skepticism, there is certainly something constructive and generative about reflecting on the songs, albums, and performances that have stuck with us throughout a year. It’s especially illuminating when certain music immediately jumps out from the rest, requiring no particular organization or intention to be a constant presence throughout a year or to be remembered among the cream of the crop.

Tray Wellington Band’s cover of Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness” is one such song. When the group performed it earlier this year at FWAAMFest in Texas, it wasn’t the first time I had heard their rendition, but it was the first time I noticed an audience hearing it themselves for the first time. I was struck by the reactions, in a non-bluegrass audience they varied from utter shock to outright glee – even other bands and artists on the lineup were beside themselves, as Tray Wellington Band laid out their one-of-a-kind cover of such a recognizable melody. Later this year, I saw TWB perform again at Earl Scruggs Music Festival in Tryon, North Carolina, and yet again, down the road a handful of weeks later at IBMA’s Bluegrass Live! festival and conference in Raleigh. Each time, regardless of the audience’s starting point or their baseline understanding of bluegrass, of the banjo, of cover songs such as this, “Pursuit of Happiness” would generate electricity in the crowd.

There’s a reason why hearing a North Carolina-born, Raleigh-based (via east Tennessee) Scruggs-style banjo player’s take on “Pursuit of Happiness” reminds of Reno & Smiley performing Johnny Cash and Elvis hits and Flatt & Scruggs recording buckets of Bob Dylan songs. This is a tradition in bluegrass as old as the genre itself. Executed as artfully as this, it has the potential to bring countless new fans of string band music into the fold. That “Pursuit of Happiness” retains its impact, no matter the audience – thanks, in large part, to this band’s remarkable musicality as an ensemble – at bluegrass festivals, African American music festivals, or even in Earl Scruggs’ home county, speaks to that ineffable quality of this music that we all hold so dear. Sometimes, a bluegrass song just grabs you and it won’t let go. “Pursuit of Happiness” is destined to grab more than its own share of ears, and Tray Wellington and band deserve it and then some, for bringing this track to the world.

 

WATCH: Jaime Wyatt, “Althea”

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

Artist: Jaime Wyatt
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Song: “Althea”
Album: Feel Good
Release Date: November 3, 2023
Label: New West Records

In Their Words: “In ‘Althea,’ Robert Hunter suspects betrayal, but perhaps is untrue himself. He references Shakespeare and many suspect he was referring to Jerry [Garcia’s] addiction to heroin, but I personally think it was about his own journey in learning to love.

“Thank you to LA-based director, editor, and animator Tee Vaden for bringing such beautiful images to this song. We compiled tour videos and live performances and meaningful symbols for healing and rebirth, as well as fun Grateful Dead-esque eye candy. I chose to record the Grateful Dead’s ‘Althea,’ as the song is just as true and applicable today as it was at its release in 1980.” – Jaime Wyatt

Photo Credit: Jody Domingue
Video Credit: Tee Vaden

WATCH: Full Cord, “Reelin’ In The Years”

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

Artist: Full Cord
Hometown: Grand Haven, Michigan
Song: “Reelin’ In The Years”
Album: Cambium
Release Date: November 10, 2023
Label: Dark Shadow Recording

In Their Words: “‘Reelin’ In The Years’ is a song that grabbed our attention from the first note. We really connected with the way the song flows and moves. Our arrangement has some cool rhythmic and chordal variations that we feel really show off the band’s musicianship. Our hope is that the fans will connect with our version of this classic Steely Dan song.” – Full Cord

Track Credits: Written by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker

Produced, recorded, and mixed by Stephen Mougin at Dark Shadow Recording, Goodlettsville, Tennessee.
Mastered by David Glasser, AirShow Mastering, Boulder, Colorado.

Photo Credit: Scott Simontacchi
Video Credit: Stephen Mougin

WATCH: Sarah King, “Hey Hey What Can I Do” (Led Zeppelin Cover)

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

Artist: Sarah King
Hometown: currently Ripton, Vermont; formerly Columbus, Georgia
Song: “Hey Hey What Can I Do” (Led Zeppelin cover)
Release Date: September 1, 2023 (single)
Label: Ringleader Records

In Their Words: “Recording ‘Hey Hey What Can I Do’ was a bold, last-minute decision in the studio to celebrate and share some self-love: It was the first song I learned to play by ear on guitar, and I kept the original pronouns as a nod to some of the wonderful women I’ve dated in the past. I am now married to a man, but owning my queerness through music felt like the right choice.

“When it came time to craft a video, I knew Loni (of Whiskey Ginger Goods, who also designs my logo and merch) was the perfect director. She’s excellent at capturing women feeling themselves, and those beautiful in-between, emotional moments that can really tell a story. During my summer tour in Montana, we set aside some time to film both the bar and bedroom scenes. Combined, the video leads us through the seductive, and at times silly, story of a woman in love with another woman who won’t be true. As the heartbreak unfolds, the video gets more unhinged, until I just flop on the bed, tired of trying. I loved recording the song and video, and I hope everyone who watches has a blast listening, too!” – Sarah King

Track Credits:
Sarah King – vocals, guitars
David Baron – piano, organ
Johnny Stanton – bass
Jeff Lipstein – drums

Produced, recorded, and mixed by David Baron at Sun Mountain Studios, Boiceville, New York
Renee Hikari – assistant engineer
David Baron – mastering engineer

Photo Credit: Arielle Thomas
Video Credit: Filmed & directed by Whiskey Ginger Goods, Bozeman, Montana

Edited & produced by Sarah King

LISTEN: The Cleverlys, “Creep” (Radiohead Cover)

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

Artist: The Cleverlys
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Song: “Creep”
Album: Solid Butter
Release Date: July 28, 2023
Label: Mountain Home Music Company

In Their Words: “The audience is loving ‘Creep’ in our live show. Starting with the initial recognition of the iconic Radiohead tune and the irony of us doing it — classic. The 3/4 timing gives it a fresh sound and sets it apart from other covers of the song, but the shining moment comes when Haggis sings the bridge. There’s a point, when he hits and holds out the last note, that the audience explodes, sometimes even giving him a standing ovation in the middle of the song. It’s a chill pimple moment for sure.” – Dr. Digger Cleverly

Photo Credit: Libby Danforth

WATCH: Bibelhauser Brothers, “Place In The Sun”

Posted on by Justin Hiltner

Artist: Bibelhauser Brothers
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
Song: “Place In The Sun”
Album: Close Harmony
Release Date: June 15, 2023

In Their Words: “In the past few years, Louisville, Kentucky has been shaken to its core, amid a global pandemic, racial inequity, gun violence, and the fallout surrounding the death of Breonna Taylor. Our hometown, seemingly a microcosm of the country at large, has struggled with social justice and a level of political unrest not seen since the 1960s. During a time when it felt impossible to find bits of optimism on social media I stumbled upon a video from way back in 1969. It was an epic duet with Stevie Wonder and Tom Jones singing ‘Place In The Sun.’ In the video, the two superstars traded off singing powerful lead vocals, then switched back and fourth singing harmony parts. This reminded me of how Aaron and I have traded singing parts on many of our songs over the years. The lyrics gave me hope that we might soon find ourselves moving to a better place, and the image of Stevie & Tom singing together at the height of the civil rights movement was beyond inspiring. I knew right away, this was a song we should sing together, and I hope our interpretation of it moves and inspires a new generation.” – Adam Bibelhauser

Photo credit: Winston Garthwaite
Video credit: Brennan Clark

LISTEN: Los Lobos, “Jamaica Say You Will”

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Los Lobos (David Hidalgo, Louie Pérez Jr., Cesar Rosas, Conrad Lozano, and Steve Berlin)
Hometown: East Los Angeles, California
Song: “Jamaica Say You Will” (Jackson Browne cover)
Album: Native Sons
Release Date: July 30, 2021
Label: New West Records

In Their Words: “I used to go over to David’s house after school and listen to records with him, and this song always resonated for me — such a beautiful melody. And the narrative was something I was attracted to. The storytelling. This song in particular inspired me to write from introspection — and I saw that my songs could be personal, but I could still write them to be universal. To this day, that’s been the template.” — Louie Perez Jr.

“A very delicate track. I know it’s a big favorite of Dave’s and he brought it in, but I was surprised — I mean, that’s kind of a heavy lift! Dave knocked it out of the park. Everybody did great work on it. I think we did it justice.” — Steve Berlin

“Another old favorite. Great song. Louie introduced me to Jackson. We’ve worked together on projects and become friends.” — David Hidalgo

(Artist quotes from Native Sons‘ album liner notes.)

Photo credit: Piero F. Giunti