Nearly five years after his last release of new songs, one of America's most loved songwriters and performers is coming out with what promises to be a wonderful duet collection with all females.
Containing only one new original song, In Spite Of Ourselves has Mr. Prine dueting with the likes of Emmylou Harris, Iris Dement, Lucinda Williams, Melba Montgomery, Trisha Yearwood, Patty Loveless, Connie Smith, Delores Keane, and Prine's wife, Fione.
The one new song - the title track - is also featured in the new Billy Bob Thornton movie, Daddy & Them, which Prine has a role in. Speaking of the duet project, Prine says it's something "I'd always wanted to do" and was thrilled when all nine women said "yes."
The disc reunites Prine with producer Jim Rooney and a more country sound than his last two original releases, Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings and The Missing Years, both produced by pop rocker Howie Epstein.
The idea of recording country classics with women actually is not totally new territory for Prine, who has included at least one great country song on many of his Oh Boy! Records releases in the past. I personally can't wait to hear this one!
He was due to start some light touring last month. including stops in Indianapolis and Louisville (Sept. 24 at the Palace Theatre). Perhaps there could be some surprise female guests popping up along the way!
Look for "In Spite Of Ourselves" in stores around mid September.
Nashville resident and Louisville native Alan Rhody is an award-winning songwriter best known for the country classic, "I'll Be True To You" and the hits "Trainwreck Of Emotion", "Christmas To Christmas", and "Wild-Eyed Dream". He will conduct a songwriting workshop in Louisville on Sept.18. For info see ad in this issue.