TC Cassidy & Andy Penkow, “Whiskey and Wildflowers”
By Alan Shipston for Country Music News International Magazine
Whiskey and Wildflowers, the new single by TC Cassidy and Andy Penkow is a duet crafted for their distinct voices. Penned by this Australian pair, the plaintive up tempo ballad kicks off in A minor and tells the story of two lovers extolling their undying love for each other. A mournful banjo, played by producer Michael Moko, introduces the lonely opening licks setting up Andy Penkow to sing, “A love like ours is like a Tennessee pour, gets me so excited, always wanting more.” There is a reverent feel to the verses backed by a spartan rhythm section.
As Caitlyn Jamieson works the fiddle into the turn around, TC Cassidy steps into the second verse moving easily to the chorus that turns up the affectionate heat. Shifting into C major brightens the tune driven by Mick Martin’s drums and TC’s high harmony. Steel guitar and Miller Moko’s subdued organ complete the musical refrain. The vocal blend is the highlight of the chorus and as simple as the idea of absolute love might be, Andy and TC manage to breathe new life into a time worn subject.
Verses three and four harkens back to the golden days of Johnny and June Carter Cash as Penkow muses, “I’ll build you a house with your own dressing room”, as he continues the lyrical thread with images of sunflowers growing in the yard of the house he has built for her. Cassidy laments “I want to bottle our love in a mason jar.”
“Your love keeps sparkin’ the flame, it’s like gasoline running through my veins”, caps off the bridge before bringing in a Moko banjo solo underpinned by steel guitar stabs. One more trip through the vibrant chorus of Whiskey and Wildflowers leads into a slow outro tag.
It’s clear that the musical friendship and growing admiration for each other is evident when TC comments, “Andy is one of the most dedicated artists in the country with a deep passion for celebrating the heart of Australian country music. I’m incredibly proud of what we created together.” Andy echoed the enthusiasm stating, “TC is such a talented singer-songwriter and I’ve been a fan of her music for a longtime. I absolutely loved working with her on this song.”
This duo has a long and celebrated country history with multiple awards to back up their combined talent. “Collaborating on this project was a truly wonderful experience” added Andy. “It reminded me that country music is alive and well.”