Directed by Francesca Gregorini, Ringo Starr’s latest video is a memorable and brilliantly shot exploration of his musical life. Opening with gorgeous images of the Yellow Submarine, the video for Long Long Road travels into the past through footage and photos that take us right back to Ringo’s youth. He drives through scenes from his life, and many of the images used have never been seen before, making this visual extra-special for fans. The song is richly layered, with Burnett’s 12 String Mandolin, David Mansfield’s viola and steel guitar from Paul Franklin elevating Starr’s catchy melody.
Through the lyrics and video, Ringo reflects on how his path through life might have been very different: “We’re talking about this Long Long Road I’ve been on – and I’ve been thinking about the road I’ve taken. Starting in Liverpool, being in several bands, then with The Beatles – all those stops on your walk of life, it’s so far out. What would have happened if I’d emigrated to Texas to be near Lightnin’ Hopkins? We don’t know. I could have taken another path, but I took this one and ended up here, still on this Long Long Road. I loved making this record with T Bone, and I hope you enjoy listening to it.”
On last year’s acclaimed album Look Up, and on his new material, Starr collaborates with well-known stars in the country and americana genres to great effect. On this song, we can hear the voices of Sheryl Crow and Daniel Tashian, adding depth and sweet harmonies to Starr’s smooth tones. Once again, Starr has enlisted legendary producer T Bone Burnett on the new album. Burnett shared his thoughts on the project: “I’ve loved Ringo’s playing and his singing for my whole life. I always heard Ringo as a Texas artist; the way he played felt just like Texas music to me. Ringo Starr is a master musician and a recording artist of the highest calibre, and I wanted to surround him with these young masters, bringing in some of this extraordinary young energy that’s happening around Nashville for both of these records.” With Burnett’s help, Ringo Starr remains in fine form, creating engaging, melodic country music, a genre he’s been passionate about since his second solo album in the 1970s, Beaucoups of Blues.
