The Magpie Salute a new band bringing together Rich Robinson, Marc Ford and Sven Pipien of The Black Crowes–will release their self-titled debut album worldwide on June 9 via Eagle Rock Entertainment. Produced by Crowes guitarist and co-founder Robinson, the musically tight and expansive album was recorded live in the studio in front of an audience at Applehead Recording in Woodstock, New York, except for the full studio track “Omission.” The album carries special significance as it marks the last recorded work by Eddie Harsch, the late Black Crowes keyboardist whose signature sound and gentle soul are woven into the LP.
The deeply soulful rock “Omission”–written by Robinson and vocalist John Hogg–is the album’s first single, arriving to radio in May, with a video to be released shortly thereafter. Look for the band to launch a national headline tour starting July 26 in Indianapolis.
In advance of the album’s release, The Magpie Salute will issue a 10″ vinyl 45 single of “Comin’ Home” and “Glad and Sorry” on Record Store Day, Saturday April 22 (U.S).
The Magpie Salute–driven by the magic of the reunited Robinson and Ford guitar team–features musicians who’ve played together for decades throughout various projects and share a truly deep musical bond. Joining Robinson, Ford and Pipien in the band are drummer Joe Magistro and guitarist Nico Bereciartua. The group also boasts a fine cast of vocalists, including Robinson, Ford, lead singer John Hogg (Hookah Brown, Moke), former Crowes singer Charity White and background singers, Adrien Reju and Katrine Ottosen.
There is wide open musical freedom on the band’s debut album, with half of the 10 songs coming in over seven minutes in length, and the musicians’ wide-ranging roots are reflected in the diverse selections. They offer fresh takes of The Black Crowes’ “What Is Home” and “Wiser Time,” and interpret songs by Delaney and Bonnie (“Comin’ Home”), Bobby Hutcherson (“Goin’ Down South”), War (“War Drums”), Pink Floyd (“Fearless”), the Faces (“Glad and Sorry”), Bob Marley (“Time Will Tell,” which The Black Crowes covered on their second album) and the traditional “Ain’t No More Cane.”
