Jason Isbell vowed to record an album of songs by artists from Georgia if the state went to Joe Biden and Democratic candidates in the 2020 election. He’s proven to be a man of his word: Georgia Blue will be released digitally October 15th — vinyl and CD versions will be out November 26th — and includes guest appearances by Brittney Spencer, Brandi Carlile, and Steve Gorman.
Georgia Blue kicks off with a cover of R.E.M.’s “Nightswimming” featuring Béla Fleck and Chris Thile and includes versions of songs by Peach State greats like James Brown (“It’s a Man’s World,” featuring Brittney Spencer), Indigo Girls (“Kid Fears,” featuring Julien Baker and Brandi Carlile), and Cat Power (“Cross Bones Style,” featuring Amanda Shires). Steve Gorman appears on an update of his old band the Black Crowes’ “Sometimes Salvation,” and 400 Unit guitarist Sadler Vaden guests on Drivin N’ Cryin’s “Honeysuckle Blue.” The first preview of the album is a cover of R.E.M.’s “Driver 8” featuring John Paul White.
“It was so much fun and it didn’t take us very long to do, and it was really nice to go into the studio and not have the pressure of bringing in a bunch of new songs, because I already know all these songs are great,” Isbell told Rolling Stone in August. “And, you know, I got to sing my favorite Vic Chesnutt song and Amanda got to sing Cat Power.”
Proceeds from sales of Georgia Blue will benefit Black Voters Matter, Fair Fight, and Georgia Stand-Up. This fall, Isbell and his band the 400 Unit have dates scheduled at New York’s Rooftop at Pier 17, Atlanta’s Tabernacle, and an eight-night run at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. All events will require either proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test from within three days.
Georgia Blue track listing:
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