A Legendary Drummer's Enduring Musical Expedition
The Highly Anticipated Release of "Long Long Road"
The esteemed musician, Ringo Starr, has announced the upcoming release of his new album, "Long Long Road," scheduled to debut on April 24th. This project showcases a remarkable collection of guest artists, including the talents of Sheryl Crow, Billy Strings, and St. Vincent, promising a rich and diverse listening experience.
A Glimpse into the Album's Sonic Landscape
Accompanying the album announcement on March 3rd, Starr also released its lead single, "It's Been Too Long." This track features the captivating backing vocals of Molly Tuttle and Sarah Jarosz, blending Starr's recent explorations into country music with a touch of atmospheric psychedelia and classic rock & roll. The song's resonant guitar melodies and poignant harmonies create a unique sound that both honors his past and embraces new directions.
The Creative Synergy with Producer T Bone Burnett
"Long Long Road" marks another successful collaboration between Starr and acclaimed producer T Bone Burnett, following their work on his previous album, "Look Up." Released just over a year ago, "Look Up" also featured contributions from artists like Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Lucius, and Larkin Poe, and achieved significant recognition on the Billboard Top Country Albums and Americana/Folk Albums charts.
Ringo Starr's Perspective on His Musical Journey
Starr expressed immense gratitude for Burnett's presence in his creative life, stating, "I'm blessed to have T Bone in my life right now and working with me on these records." He described the organic development of "Long Long Road," seeing it as a natural evolution from their previous project. Starr reflected on his career, noting, "I like to say sometimes I make the right moves, like you can go left or right at any point, and one of the right moves was hooking up with T Bone for Look Up, and now for this one, which I'm calling Long Long Road, because I've been on a long long road."
The Nashville Sessions and the "Texans" Ensemble
The recording sessions for "Long Long Road" took place in Nashville, with Starr reuniting with many of the same accomplished musicians from the "Look Up" album. This esteemed group included Paul Franklin, David Mansfield, Dennis Crouch, Daniel Tashian, Rory Hoffman, Patrick Warren, and Colin Linden. Producer T Bone Burnett affectionately dubbed this collective "the Texans," a nod to their musical roots and a playful reference to a band Starr was part of in Liverpool during the late 1950s, before he joined The Beatles.
Continuing a Legacy of Chart Success
Starr's previous album, "Look Up," marked his first new release since 2019's "What's My Name" and made a significant impact, reaching the Top 40 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and peaking at Number 12 on the Americana/Folk Albums chart, demonstrating his enduring appeal and adaptability.
Upcoming Tour in Support of the New Album
Following the release of "Long Long Road," Starr is scheduled to embark on a concise North American tour. The tour will commence on May 28th in Temecula, California, and conclude on June 14th in Los Angeles, offering fans the opportunity to experience his new music liv