As we begin to see restrictions on our freedoms easing and live shows start to fill our calendars again, Great Willow capture the joyful mood with their new single ‘Together Again’. In May, Great Willow organised a Secret Bowl Music Series party in Beachwood Canyon. On the bill were some of the group’s favourite Americana artists from LA, including the likes of I See Hawks in LA. For most people present, it was the first time they had met face-to-face and experienced or performed live music since March 2020. There was much excitement and relief amongst those weary of isolation. This song and video celebrate that special moment, while recognising the trauma of recent months. The song is bright and upbeat, musically matching the positive messages: “I don’t want waste another day…It’s back to the human races.” Great Willow are particularly notable for their engaging vocal melodies and gorgeous harmonies. This song is no exception.
Great Willow explain the inspiration behind the song: “After the ravages of Covid-19, it was the first time any of us had seen each other in person or heard live music in over fourteen months. James captured a lot of that day with his iPhone – cinema verite-style, as they say – and put together this snapshot of that lovely day as our music video for ‘Together Again’. You can feel the joy of a community sharing great music again after a long and painful absence. This golden afternoon in the California sunshine was the moment we got it back.”
The band features James Combs on guitar, bass and vocal; Erin Hawkins playing cello, keys and vocals; and Ed Barguiarena on drums. On this single, there’s also a guest appearances from Paul Lacques of I See Hawks in LA on lap steel and a terrific trumpet interlude from Berkeley professor Joe Hellerstein. ‘Together Again’ is a joyous celebration of socialising, unity and community under the California sunshine. Tap your feet. Enjoy.
