The emergence of new material from the late Johnny Cash is always special and a collection of songs written by the great man even more so. The announcement of the release of ‘Songwriter’ via Mercury Nashville on 28th June 2024 is a major event and one with a very interesting back story.
In early 1993, Cash found himself between contracts and recorded an album’s worth of demos of songs he’d written over many years at LSI Studios in Nashville, owned by his son-in-law Mike Daniels and daughter Rosey. Intended as a helping hand to the family, the project was initially shelved when Cash met Rick Rubin and work on the American recordings began.,
Some thirty years later, John Carter Cash rediscovered the songs and stripped them back to just Johnny’s powerful, pristine vocals and acoustic guitar. Along with co-producer David “Fergie” Ferguson, the two invited a handpicked group of musicians including guitarist Marty Stuart and the late bassist Dave Roe, along with drummer Pete Abbot. to the Cash Cabin in Hendersonville. The core group was supported by a crop of Nashville’s crack session players and guest appearances from Dan Auerbach (Black Keys) and Vince Gill. The late Waylon Jennings sang on two of the original demos.
The collection of eleven songs showcases the breadth of Cash’s writing. There are songs of love, family, sorrow, beauty, spiritual salvation, survival, redemption, and of course, some of the light-hearted humour Johnny was known for, all sung in his unmistakable, trademark, resonant voice. “Dad’s advice with anything, whether it was life or making music, was always ‘follow your heart,” said John Carter.
‘Songwriter’ will be available to stream and download, as well as on CD and a variety of vinyl options, including standard black and several limited-edition colour variants. Pre-order is available exclusively from the UK store until midnight on 26th April and from all other retailers on the same date at 12am local time in all territories. Link is here.
The first single, ‘Well Alright’, an upbeat and infectious tune about finding love in the laundromat. With its humorous lyrics, galloping beat and taut acoustic upright bass ‘Well Alright’ is prime Cash. Have a listen here.
Thanks for that news Richard. New Johnny Cash recordings ? Always a cause for celebration.