Sam Amidon interprets both traditional folk and modern tunes on his forthcoming LP, Bright Sunny South, spanning old shape-note hymns to pop radio staples like Mariah Carey’s “Shake It Off.” This is his new single, “My Old Friend,” and it’s a fine example of how the London (by way of Vermont) songwriter manages to breathe new life into inspired song choices by paring the material down to essential components. “This one is more of a journey, a winding path,” Amidon says of his debut for Nonesuch Records. “The band comes rushing in and then they disappear. It comes from more of a darker, internal space.” Helping him put that space to tape were Thomas Bartlett, a longtime Amidon pal who performs as Doveman, and engineer Jerry Boys, whose work we’ve heard on records by Vashti Bunyan, R.E.M., Richard and Linda Thompson, and many others. Bonnie “Prince” Billy collaborator Shahzad Ismaily and Chris Vatalaro were also in the band for the record, along with an appearance from jazz trumpet player Kenny Wheeler. Hear their excellent cover of a song made famous by Tim McGraw above and preview the tracklist below. The album is due on May 14th.
Bright Sunny South Tracklist
01. “Bright Sunny South”
02. “I Wish I Wish”
03. “Short Life”
04. “My Old Friend”
05. “He’s Taken My Feet”
06. “Pharaoh”
07. “As I Roved Out”
08. “Shake It Off”
09. “Groundhog”
10. “Streets of Derry”
11. “Weeping Mary”