Petty produces former Byrd Chris Hillman’s new album; set for 9/22/17 release

Tom Petty is producing an album by former Byrd and Flying Burrito Brother Chris HIllman.  It is set for a September 22 release and is Hillman’s first studio album in more than a decade. Bidin’ My Time is set to be released on Rounder Records.

Early listen?  The teaser sounds like Tom Petty indulged himself in his love of the Byrds.(No surprise, considering the comparisons that were made between early and mid-career Petty and the legendary 60’s group.).  The promo video actually shows Petty band members in the recording studio with Hillman

Guest musicians include former Byrds David Crosby and Roger McGuinn.  Hillman also recruits members of  the Desert Rose Band (Herb Pedersen, John Jorgenson, Jay Dee Maness) to play.  Hillman recorded seven top 10 country hits with the DRB in the late 80’s.

MIDWEST TOUR DATES
10/1 Nashville, TN City Winery
10/4 Newport, KY Southgate House Revival
10/5 Kent, OH Kent Stage
10/6 Chicago, IL Old Town School of Folk Music
10/7 Edwardsville, IL The Wildey Theatre

 

First Listen: Will Hoge duet with Sheryl Crow – “Little Bit of Rust”

Will Hoge has slogged his way through years of van tours, bar shows and others having more success with his songs than his own band. He’s made some freakin’ great Americana rock and roll albums, including his most recent record Small Town Dreams. His shows are killer; a Telecaster-infused Memphis rock and roll blast.

Through it all, the consistent theme seems to have been that Will Hoge is just one of those guys who is better than people realize, meaning he may be in a van playing the 800-seaters for years.

But he’s smart. And his songwriting reflects it. You like Petty? Dig into Will Hoge. Shouldn’t be that tough.

And his new song, “Little Bit of Rust” from his forthcoming album Anchor brings Nashville neighbor Sheryl Crow into the mix, with a duet that blends the harmonies with a surprisingly biting electric guitar.  It’s a song that pairs his endearing and enduring grit with  a partner who might just raise his profile, even if that’s not his intention.

Read the Rolling Stone story about the partnership here.