Recently, we reported that Alabama-based band Shannon and Heather Slaughter and County Clare would soon be heading into the studio to begin working on a new album. This past Friday evening (July 6), while performing at Bluegrass on Broad in Kingsport, TN (an outdoor, downtown weekly summer concert series featuring both national and local acts), the band treated their audience to two excellent sets, previewing several tracks from the upcoming album.
In addition to the new songs, the band performed several hits and fan favorites from Shannon and Heather’s solo albums such as The Working Man, I’ll Ramble On, and Those Memories, as well as some great bluegrass standards and country covers, like One Tear and Ramblin’ Fever. They were also joined by guitarist and longtime Clinch Mountain Boy James Alan Shelton for a lively rendition of Soldier’s Joy.
After the show, I was able to speak with Shannon about the new project. The group will be working with Wesley Easter and later recording vocals with Randy Kohrs. The album will consist of mostly originals, including one tune featuring Heather on lead vocals which he stated, “would bring a tear to a glass eye.” Another track to look for is a soulful version of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash’s If I Were A Carpenter, with Heather and Shannon sharing vocal duties.
This should be an exciting week for County Clare fans with the band recording in Galax, VA. Tracking began yesterday, July 7.
Fans can expect the album in Spring 2013, if not sooner.
