Colin Linden and Luther Dickinson: Don't Let Go
Two major players on the roots music/Americana scene have joined forces on a new album coming soon. It is previewed by this upbeat cover of a '50s hit that's fuelled by Linden's guitar work and robust vocals.
By Kerry Doole
Colin Linden and Luther Dickinson, "Don't Let Go"(Stony Plain Records): This is the first song to be previewed from Amour, an album coming Feb. 8 that is the first collaboration between two major players on the roots music/Americana scene. Nine-time Juno award winner Linden (Blackie and The Rodeo Kings) has joined forces with American Luther Dickinson, known for his work in North Mississippi All-Stars and the Black Crowes. Call this a super-duo.
As the title suggests, Amour features the pair covering songs with a love theme. “These are songs of sentimental, romantic love,” says Linden in a press release. "They come from country blues, rock ‘n’ roll, rhythm and blues, and folk music. I think that is a pretty good read on what Americana really is. I view the entire album as a soundtrack for romance and romantics everywhere, bound together by melody and atmosphere.”
“Most of these songs I have known my whole life, and they reached me in the same way,” says Linden. “I mentioned the idea of recording them as a collection to my friend Luther Dickinson, who said it was a good idea—and that it would be cool to work on it together. Luther is not only a master musician but also an artist with a great vision and a soulful, wonderful human being.”
“Colin and I are fellow guitar-slinging, peace-loving, freedom-fighting romantics who jump at any and every opportunity to play guitar together,” adds Dickinson. “ In the spirit of brotherly love and old-school ancient sonic explorations, Colin and I both plugged into a shared guitar amp that you can hear in the middle. Our amps are spread out, and though you can hear the different guitars popping thru here and there, it's hard to tell who is playing what, and that only adds to Colin and my Amour fest.”
Their guitar interplay shines on "Don't Let Go," and we guess it is Linden delivering the feisty slide work with typical finesse. His robust voice takes the lead, occasionally in tandem with the female backing vocalists Rachael Davis and Ruby Amanfu, and there's a joyous feel to the infectious cut.
Written by Jesse Stone in the '50s, "Don't Let Go" has previously been recorded by Roy Hamilton, Jerry Lee Lewis, Isaac Hayes, The Four Seasons, Commander Cody, and many more.
Produced by Linden and recorded at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, Amour features a backing band dubbed The Tennessee Valentines. Guests on the album include Billy Swan, and we're eager to hear more.
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