Check out the video premiere for a dramatic new version of classic song ‘Ghost Riders in the Sky’. This take on ‘Ghost Riders’ is a fabulously moody instrumental from John McTigue III. Steeped in atmosphere, McTigue III delivers artful, cinematic sounds and visuals, making this very much his own in the process. It’s set to a samba beat, and the percussion is rapid and urgent throughout, before finally morphing into an urgent drum solo towards the end, as ‘Ghost Riders’ builds to its conclusion. Kenny Vaughan contributes bass guitar, adding great depth. The melody is one of the most familiar in country music, and, in this rendition, those notes give way to a tremendous, extended, languid guitar solo halfway through. At the same time, the sweeping landscapes in the video melt into haunting images over-layered with skulls, stunning visuals matching the musicianship.
‘Ghost Riders in the Sky’ features on the second full-length release from drummer, percussionist and composer John McTigue III. “Never Too Late”, the follow-up to 2021’s acclaimed “It’s About Time”, is out now. Co-produced with Kenny Vaughan (Marty Stuart), who also plays on the album, “Never Too Late” is a collection of duets featuring a host of talented artists, including Raul Malo (The Mavericks) on electric guitars and bass and Chris Scruggs on steel guitar and bass. It’s ambitious stuff, influenced by a range of genres, including jazz, country, blues, and Latin.
After graduating from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, McTigue headed to Nashville in 1988, where he supplied the Latin beats for Brazilbilly’s country and rockabilly. During his time with the band, McTigue even created a special type of brush that allowed him to play very quietly while doing jazz and traditional country, but also deliver loud rock and roll. Marketed worldwide by Johnny RaBB Drumstick Company and The ProMark Drumstick Company, the brushes were honoured with the outstanding new musical product award by the International Music Press Awards at NAMM in 2001. Over the years, McTigue has remained one of the most in-demand drummers in Nashville – he’s currently a full-time member of Don McLean’s touring band and has played with the likes of Emmylou Harris, Raul Malo, Jim
Lauderdale and Sierra Ferrel. It’s an incredible career in music. Now, immerse yourself in this absorbing instrumental before losing yourself in the new album. Great stuff.
