A tribute album, Strange Angels: In Flight With Elmore James, is out on January 26th 2018. The tribute album to the so-called “King of the Slide Guitar,” is timed to what would have been James’ 100th birthday. Consisting of 13-tracks, the collection puts James’ legendary body of work in the hands of numerous interpreters from blues, soul, country, pop, and Americana – including Keb’ Mo’, Warren Haynes, Billy Gibbons, Tom Jones, Rodney Crowell, Bettye LaVette, Shelby Lynne & Allison Moorer and more.
Elmore James died at age 45 in 1963 of a heart attack and never reaped the rewards of the late-’60s blues revival. However, his music is a crucial bridge between generations of blues artists – from Robert Johnson (with whom James played) to Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and beyond. “Dust My Broom” – although a Robert Johnson song, it’s best-known interpretation is by Elmore James – was later covered by ZZ Top, Canned Heat, Johnny Winter and Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac.
Strange Angels: In Flight With Elmore James was produced by Marco Giovino. Marco also plays drums for the band Elmore’s Latest Broomdusters, and the bulk of the backing material was played by this group, which also includes Rick Holmstrom (guitar), Doug Lancio (slide guitar), Rudy Copeland (Hammond B3), Viktor Krauss and Larry Taylor (bass).
All of the profits from Strange Angels: In Flight With Elmore James will go to MusiCares, who provide resources and attention to human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community, and Edible Schoolyard NYC, who partner with NYC public schools to provide garden and kitchen classes integrated into the school day.
Head to the album’s dedicated website to hear samples of some tracks and order the album.
Strange Angels: In Flight With Elmore James tracklist:
“Can’t Stop Lovin’ You” – Elayna Boynton
“Person to Person” – Bettye LaVette
“Shake Your Money Maker” – Rodney Crowell
“Done Somebody Wrong” – Tom Jones
“Mean Mistreatin’ Mama” – Warren Haynes w/ Billy Gibbons & Mickey Raphael
“Dust My Broom” – Deborah Bonham
“It Hurts Me Too” – Jamey Johnson
“Strange Angels” – Shelby Lynne & Allison Moorer
“Look On Yonder Wall” – Keb’ Mo’
“My Bleeding Heart” – Mollie Marriott
“Hawaiian Boogie” – Chuck E. Weiss
“Dark and Dreary” – Addi McDaniel
“Bobby’s Rock” – Elmore’s Latest Broomdusters
