SONG PREMIERE: A. Lee Edwards Holds Onto Fond Memories with Warm Country-folk Tune “Carolina Blue”

Photo Credit: Sandlin Gaither

In a career spanning three decades, A. Lee Edwards finds himself older, sober, and living as a listener, all of which are A) difficult and B) rewarding. While it may come as a surprise to those familiar with his previous projects, to see an Edwards-affiliated record with “Heart Sounds” in the title, that’s what he’s doing here: giving us an EKG reading of what it means to be human.

Recorded at the famed Echo Mountain Recording Studios in Asheville, North Carolina and mixed in Aberdeen, Scotland by the legendary John Wood (Nick Drake, Fairport Convention, John Cale, Richard and Linda Thompson), Interpreting Heart Sounds Vols. I and II (due out February 28th) are major milestones in a career that has already spawned five albums — three under the aegis of Lou Ford and two under the handle of The Loudermilks.

Produced by Edwards himself, the songs are both tender and enticing, from the decidedly down-home delivery of “Carolina Blue” and the lovely and laid-back lament “Ride On,” to the reflective sounds of “John on the Run,” “Mom (Always Liked You Best)” and “How Blue.” With a band of seasoned veterans including Matthew Smith (Amy Ray Band) on pedal steel, dobro, electric guitar and Ryan Stigmon (Zach Top) also on pedal steel, dobro, banjo, and Julian Pinelli (Peter Rowan, Bella White) on fiddle, guest appearances by Richard Thompson (Linda & Richard Thompson) and Clive Gregson, are just icing on the cake.

Edwards says he’s extraordinarily pleased with the new albums, not only because of the musicians involved (whether local or legendary) but because it also makes a major statement about his desire and determination to reignite his career and bring it full circle. “I wanted to make these records to document my life’s work,” he explains. “I’m not trying to set the world on fire, but I’d like for my songs to be heard, hopefully find my audience, and do a little traveling in the process.”

In a fair world, Interpreting Heart Sounds will help get A. Lee Edwards not only listened to, but recognized and respected. In a just world, they’d see him revered.

Today Glide is excited to premiere “Carolina Blue,” the album’s third single. Edwards wrote “Carolina Blue” after moving out to the Nantahala National Forest with his wife and dogs, leaving behind years in Charlotte. Drawing inspiration from his fond memories living at the Elephant 6 collective in the early nineties, the song is blends old-timey fiddle-driven music and cozy country-folk that is given a bouncy sound with the help of Julian Pinelli (Peter Rowan) on fiddle and Ryan Stigmon (Zach Top) on dobro. This is a song about looking back in a positive manner, and the warmth that’s exuded in the music and harmonies as well as the nostalgic and comforting lyrics captures the feeling perfectly.

Edwards describes the inspiration behind the song:

“I wrote ‘Carolina Blue’ after I moved out to the Nantahala National Forest with my wife and dogs, leaving behind years in Charlotte. The line ‘bout two hours to sunset’ came from realizing we were less than two hours from Athens, GA—where I spent part of the early ‘90s with Chocolate USA and saw the start of the Elephant 6 Collective. This song is about looking back, holding onto memories, and realizing that even with a fresh start, some places stay with you.”

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