Arden, North Carolina (June 1, 2018) — The ever innovative and award-winning Lonesome River Bandreleases their new single “Calling Elvis” today. In a follow up to the band’s critically acclaimed 2017 album “Mayhayley’s House,” this Dire Straits classic is made new with LRB’s blend of Bluegrass and Rock with an added groove they are so well-known for.
In
the song, an Elvis fan desperately tries to reach the “King” and tell
him he’s “still the man.” With several references to Elvis hits, “Calling Elvis”
hints at a sentimental desire to rediscover the musical past to gain
inspiration for a musical future. As the music world is in a constant
state of evolution, sometimes it’s necessary to reach back and rekindle
the connection with our cultural and musical roots.
“I have been a fan of Dire Straits since I first heard ‘Sultans of Swing’ in the late 1970s. Groove and taste!” Sammy Shelor says. “I’ve always wanted to cover one of their songs but the opportunity was never there ’til now. ‘Calling Elvis’
has always grabbed my attention as a groove that we could do with the
personnel we have in the band these days. It’s all about having fun with
these guys!”
Brandon Rickman sings a haunting baritone that evokes Mark Knopfler’s original lead vocal. The rolling banjo from award-winning Sammy Shelor alongside the pulsing drum beat by Tony Creasman sets the drive. Tasteful fills and sequences from Mike Hartgrove’s masterful fiddling and Jesse Smathers’ artful mandolin tied together with Barry Reed’s perfect timing and Rickman’s guitar rhythm prowess create a pocket that redefines contemporary Bluegrass.
Listen to “Calling Elvis” from Mountain Home Music Company HERE.
About Lonesome River Band
Since its formation 36 years ago, Lonesome River Band continues its
reputation as one of the most respected names in Bluegrass music.
Five-time International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Banjo Player
of the Year, and winner of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in
Banjo and Bluegrass, Sammy Shelor leads the group that is constantly
breaking new ground in Acoustic music. With two stellar lead vocalists,
Brandon Rickman (guitar) and Jesse Smathers (mandolin), with impressive
talents of Mike Hartgrove (fiddle) and Barry Reed (bass), the band
seamlessly comes together, performing the trademark sound that fans
continue to embrace.
About Mountain Home Music