With a rich career spanning four decades, Virginia-based duo Robin & Linda Williams have made it their mission to perform the music that they love, a robust blend of bluegrass, folk, old-time and acoustic country that combines wryly observant lyrics with a wide-ranging melodicism. Today some might call it “Americana,” but these two revered music masters were living and breathing this elixir 20 years before that term was turned into a radio format. With the release of their new studio album Back 40, out on October 2 on Red House Records, the Williams celebrate their musical legacy with a newly recorded album that features fresh treatments of their early classics (many from albums long out of print) and favorites by other writers, as well as a brand new song, ”On and On.”
Produced in Nashville by Grammy-winning producer Jim Rooney (Nanci Griffith, Iris DeMent, Bonnie Raitt, John Prine, etc), the Williams are backed by the able trio of Todd Phillips (David Grisman Quintet, Tony Rice Unit) on standup bass, Al Perkins (Flying Burrito Brothers, Emmylou Harris & the Nash Ramblers) on Dobro and pedal steel, and Chris Brashear on mandolin and fiddle. Former Red Clay Rambler and band mate Jim Watson joins in on harmony.
Producer Jim Rooney says of the album, “I love listening to them sing this collection of songs. I have several favorites – their takes on “Urge For Going” and “Boots Of Spanish Leather” are as good as any I have heard. “The Real Thing” and “Green Summertime” get me every time. Don’t get me started! Pretty damn good to have this freshness and energy after all the years and miles.”
Their stirring concerts have earned them a huge body of fans over the years. But as gifted songwriters Robin and Linda have earned an even rarer honor — the devotion and deep respect of their musical peers. Their songs have endured and been recorded by the likes of Emmylou Harris, Tom T. Hall, George Hamilton IV, Tim & Mollie O’Brien, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Kathy Mattea, and The Seldom Scene. As live performers they are second to none, keeping a busy tour schedule and also guesting on A Prairie Home Companion,which they’ve appeared on since the public radio show’s early days (they’re also featured in the A Prairie Home Companion film).
Back 40 is a milestone release by this celebrated Southern duo. Contact us to be serviced with the album or for interview or press requests and catch them on one of the tour dates below. More information and tour info is at http://robinandlinda.com.
“Robin and Linda Williams have assembled one of the most daunting, emotionally honest, and brilliantly crafted catalogs in American music.” - All Music Guide
Robin & Linda on tour:
FR Oct. 4 Baraboo, WI – Ringling Theatre
SA Oct. 5 Dawson, MN – Memorial Auditorium – 7:30pm
SU Oct. 6 Ames, IA – The Maintenance Shop – TBA
TU Oct. 15 Madisonville, KY – Glema Mahr Center for the Arts – 7:30pm
FR Oct. 18 Big Snow Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College – TBA
SU Oct. 20 Black Mountain, NC – Lake Eden Arts Festival – TBA
TH Nov. 7 Durango, CO – Fort Lewis College Community Concert Hall – 7pm
SA Nov. 9 Denver, CO – Swallow Hill/Daniels Hall – 8pm
TH Nov. 21 Newark, OH – Midland Theater – 7:30pm
FR Nov. 22 Springfield, OH – Clark State Performing Arts Center – 7:30pm
SA Nov. 23 Chicago, IL – Old Town School of Folk Music – 8pm
FR Jan. 3, 2013 Carrboro, NC – The Arts Center – 9pm
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