Swamp Dogg announces new album 'Blackgrass: From West Virginia to 125th St'
Swamp Dogg will deliver their new studio album this May.
Announced yesterday, Blackgrass: From West Virginia to 125th St will be released on May 31 via Oh Boy Records, which was founded by late singer John Prine. Dogg said this about releasing their album on Prine’s label:
“It means a hell of a lot to put this record out on the label that John started. He wrote some of the greatest songs of all time, songs that could make you dance inside. He was like a pastor on Sunday, getting you to think about what’s going on in the world and how we should be coping with it. I always want to give thanks to John.”
Produced by Ryan Olson (Poliça, Gayngs), the 12-track album features appearances from Jenny Lewis, Margo Price, Vernon Reid and Justin Vernon. Dogg said this about album’s bluegrass offering:
“Not a lot of people talk about the true origins of bluegrass music but it came from Black people. The banjo, the washtub, all that stuff started with African Americans. We were playing it before it even had a name. I’m trying to touch on every kind of music I grew up loving and listening to. This is my way of letting people know that I’m not just a soul singer or whatever they think I am. I’m so much more.”
A new single from the record titled “Mess Under That Dress” can be heard below. Pre-orders for Blackgrass: From West Virginia to 125th St can be made here.
This Friday (March 8), Dogg’s new documentary Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted will premiere at SXSW before the artist plays shows in New Orleans and Spicewood. Tour dates can be seen below. Tickets are on sale to the general public right now here.
Swamp Dogg tour dates
3/11 – New Orleans, LA – Chickie Wah Wah
3/14 – Spicewood, TX – Luck Reunion
Blackgrass: From West Virginia to 125th St tracklisting:
1) Mess Under That Dress
2) Ugly Man’s Wife
3) Curtains On The Window
4) Have A Good Time
5) To The Other Woman (feat. Margo Price)
6) Songs To Sing
7) Count The Days (feat. Jenny Lewis)
8) Gotta Have My Baby Back
9) Your Best Friend
10) This Is My Dream
11) Rise Up (feat. Vernon Reid)
12) Murder Ballad