Larry Cordle Evokes Appalachian Nights with New Single “Fox Chase”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Bluegrass icon Larry Cordle, a three-time GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter, is once again drawing from the deep well of his Appalachian roots with the release of his latest single, “Fox Chase.” This new track, out now from Mighty Cord Records, offers a vivid and personal glimpse into a distinct, regional tradition, far removed from the more commonly imagined European interpretation.
Cordle himself provides the heartfelt inspiration behind “Fox Chase,” revealing that the song came to life during the quiet introspection of the pandemic. He describes the Appalachian version of fox hunting as a communal gathering: “a group of men and their hounds gathering in the hills and hollers, building a fire, and turning the dogs loose while they swap stories and pass the jar.” This paints a picture not of a hunt in the conventional sense, but of camaraderie, tradition, and a deep connection to the land and its rhythms.
The song transports listeners to a specific memory from Cordle’s youth. He recounts, “I wasn’t a fan, but my younger brother Mike was. He convinced me to go with him one night when I was 16. We saw a fire on a ridge near our house and joined in. It was the first and last time I went foxhunting, but I’ll never forget it.” This singular, formative experience clearly left an indelible mark, as the process of writing “Fox Chase” brought “a flood of memories of those men and their hounds – now all gone.” Cordle expresses his hope that the song successfully “captures a bit of that spirit,” inviting listeners to share in this unique piece of Appalachian heritage.
To bring this evocative narrative to life, Cordle has assembled a stellar lineup of musicians, each a master of their craft. Larry Cordle not only provides the lead vocal, imbuing the story with his characteristic warmth and authenticity, but also takes on the role of songwriter. He is joined by Mike Anglin on bass, laying down a solid rhythmic foundation, and Clay Hess on acoustic guitar, whose intricate picking adds depth and texture. Steve Thomas’s mandolin work and Scott Vestal’s banjo contributions provide the quintessential bluegrass drive, while Jenee Fleenor’s fiddle work adds soaring melodies and emotional resonance. Rounding out this exceptional ensemble is Rob Ickes on dobro, whose expressive playing adds a layer of soulful complexity.
“Fox Chase” is the latest in a series of well-received singles leading up to Cordle’s anticipated new album, Old Richmond Road. Previous releases from the forthcoming project include the album’s title track, the reflective “November Wind,” the poignant “How Could I Love Her So Much,” and the authentic “East Kentucky Blues.” Each of these singles has offered a taste of the rich storytelling and masterful musicianship that fans have come to expect from Larry Cordle, and “Fox Chase” promises to be another compelling chapter in this unfolding musical narrative. It’s a testament to Cordle’s enduring talent for weaving personal history into universally resonant tales, further solidifying his status as a living legend in bluegrass music.