Grayson Capps Interview
By Nigel Sharpe for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show
Grayson Capps Dives into the Depths with “Heartbreak, Misery & Death”
Beloved Alabama troubadour Grayson Capps returns with his seventh studio album, a poignant exploration of classic folk and traditional songs titled “Heartbreak, Misery & Death.” This latest offering marks a departure from Capps’ usual songwriting, showcasing his deep affection for the timeless stories embedded in these long-lost gems.
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A Return to Roots
The album features 16 carefully chosen songs by artists like Doc Watson, Jerry Jeff Walker, Randy Newman, and Gordon Lightfoot. Capps explains this shift as a return to the music that ignited his passion for music in his youth. He recalls the formative influence of his father, Ronnie Capps, and local legends Fred Stokes and Bobby Long, who filled their home with music every weekend.
Influences and Inspiration
Capps delves into his personal connection with each song, weaving a tapestry of cherished memories. From learning Doc Watson’s “Wake Up Little Maggie” to the unforgettable experience of taking a hungover Bobby Long to the airport with Peter, Paul & Mary’s “Early Morning Rain” playing in the background, each track carries a unique emotional weight.
Finding Darkness and Beauty
The album title, “Heartbreak, Misery & Death,” reflects the thematic core of the chosen songs. Capps admits to a lifelong affinity for darker themes, yet finds solace and catharsis in singing songs of unrequited love and loss. He cites Doc Watson’s version of “Alberta” as a prime example, highlighting the beauty found in expressing the pangs of heartbreak.
Carrying on the Legacy
The influence of Capps’ musical mentors is woven into the fabric of the album. He reminisces about the three-part harmonies of his father and his friends on “I Really Don’t Want To Know,” and the impact of Bobby Long’s baritone voice on “Louise.” The album ends with a nod to those formative years, closing with the classic campfire song “Copper Kettle.”
Heartbreak, Misery & Death offers a glimpse into the musical wellspring that shaped Grayson Capps. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the power of traditional folk music and a testament to the enduring influence of personal connection on artistic expression.