And we bet you never thought you’d see that headline. Bee Gees frontman Barry Gibb has announced a new album titled ‘Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers Songbook, Vol. 1.’ The record is inspired by Gibb apparently being a lifelong fan of country and bluegrass music and includes a string of familiar names from the world of country and americana including Dolly Parton, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Sheryl Crow, Alison Krauss, and Jason Isbell who he duets with on a track called ‘Words of a Fool’ which you can listen to below.
Released on January 8th via Capitol, the album was produced by Dave Cobb and features versions of 12 of the Gibb Brothers’ songs recorded with a number of artists. In a press release, Gibbs says: “From the first day we stepped into RCA Studios in Nashville (the very place where Elvis, Willie, Waylon, Roy, the Everly Brothers and so many other legends made their magic) the album took on a life of its own. I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to work with Dave and all the artists who stopped by. They were all incredibly generous with their time and talent. They inspired me more than words can express. I feel deep down that Maurice and Robin would have loved this album for different reasons. I wish we could have all been together to do it… but I think we were.”
Jason Isbell said: “Barry Gibb is one of the greatest songwriters and singers in popular music history, and I’m happy to say he still has that beautiful voice and that magical sense of melody. Working with him on this project has been one of the great honors of my career. He’s a prince.”
Dave Cobb added: “It was truly an honor to work with one of my heroes. The Bee Gees’ first album has always been a staple for me and it was surreal to get to witness the genius of Barry Gibb in the studio—he’s one of the greatest of all time!”
GREENFIELDS: The Gibb Brothers Songbook, Vol. 1:
01 Barry Gibb / Keith Urban: “I’ve Gotta Get a Message to You”
02 Barry Gibb / Jason Isbell: “Words of a Fool”
03 Barry Gibb / Brandi Carlile: “Run to Me”
04 Barry Gibb / Alison Krauss: “Too Much Heaven”
05 Barry Gibb / Little Big Town: “Lonely Days”
06 Barry Gibb / Dolly Parton: “Words”
07 Barry Gibb / Miranda Lambert / Jay Buchanan: “Jive Talkin’”
08 Barry Gibb / Tommy Emanuel / Little Big Town: “How Deep Is Your Love”
09 Barry Gibb / Sheryl Crow: “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”
10 Barry Gibb / Jay Buchanan: “To Love Somebody”
11 Barry Gibb / Olivia Newton-John: “Rest Your Love on Me”
12 Barry Gibb / Gillian Welch / David Rawlings: “Butterfly”
Love the photo !!!
Thanks Keith, my favourite episode of Rock Profiles!