Elles Bailey has just been recognised as the UK Live Act of The Year by the AMAUK Awards, much deserved as she is such a captivating performer. She celebrating this success with the release of her latest single, a cover of ‘Jordan’ by Rival Sons. It’s the fourth track from her EP, ‘The Night Owl & The Lark’, which will be released on 9th February 2024. This version of ‘Jordan’ features warm musical layers delivered by a fine band; particularly notable are Stefan Redtenbacher’s mellow bass and Ross Stanley on Hammond and piano – those keys are mesmerising as the song grows. The video allows us into the studio to watch these excellent players record. Bailey delivers a typically epic performance and her voice soars when she lets loose. Her vocal is full of soul and she brings her distinctive energy to the song.
Bailey says of the song: “‘Jordan’ is a song that has haunted me in a beautiful way since I first heard it 8 years ago. I was just about to fly to Nashville for the first time and I was utterly spellbound, I must have played it 100 times. I knocked up a demo recording just before getting on the flight but really wanted to record it properly with a band and when the opportunity to record with Redtenbacher’s Funkestra came up I knew it was the perfect song for the session. Can we take a moment for this incredible band who turned my vision of this song into reality and to Kim Keyes – what an incredible backing vocal arrangement!”
Bailey has achieved much in her career so far, gathering many awards for her brand of blues and Americana. She says of the latest: “Last night was a beautiful celebration of all sounds Americana. I feel so welcomed and championed by this community and am honoured to take home this award. Thank you to all the incredible musicians who I share the stage with night after night. My heartfelt thanks to my fans, for filling out venues, joining me on this wild ride and honouring me with this award for the second year in a row. You are why I do this, and why I love this. I can’t wait to share a new chapter of the story this year and then taking it on the road for you all.” Check out tour dates here and catch a show from the UK’s best live act (and that’s official).
