Canadian outfit Blackie and the Rodeo Kings have never been short on giving us real-deal lyricism and prime licks. The trio of Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson have, after all, managed to conjure up some of the truest Americana in their twenty-year history. There are many things we should all be afraid of in the coming year (*cough* Trump *cough*) but if there is one thing we can look forward to it’s a new album from these tried and true troubadours. Blackie and the Rodeo Kings release Kings And Kings on January 13, 2017 via File Under: Music/MVD. The companion to their 2011 collaborative album Kings And Queens, the album features guest appearances by Eric Church, Bruce Cockburn, Rodney Crowell, City and Colour, Vince Gill, Jason Isbell, Nick Lowe, Raul Malo, Buddy Miller, Keb Mo, Fantastic Negrito and The Men of the TV show ‘Nashville.’
Today Glide Magazine is presenting an exclusive first listen of “Bitter and Low”. The song brings to mind a smokey-voiced Chris Isaak with its haunting lyrics, brought to life by subtle yet powerful touches of organ and slide guitar. The band enlisted the help of an unlikely collaborator on the tune with Fantastic Negrito, who lends his soulful, blues-inflected vocals as a counterpart to singer Colin Linden. The resulting harmonies are surprisingly poignant and moving.
Blackie leader Colin Linden has this to say:
“Fantastic Negrito is the not only the future of the blues, but he is a shining light for all of music. A true beacon of soul and truth. I am so honored to have him on our record, and to have played on his.”
LISTEN:
Blackie and The Rodeo Kings release Kings And Kings on January 13, 2017 via File Under: Music/MVD. For more music and info visit blackieandtherodeokings.com.
One Response
That’s Tom Wilson, not Colin Linden, doing the BARK vocals with, I assume, Fantastic Negrito.