Country and soul might seem worlds apart, but they come powerfully together on the new collection from Eli Paperboy Reed – Down Every Road – the “inspired and raw” (NPR) musician’s tribute to country legend Merle Haggard.
Watch Eli Paperboy Reed perform songs from Down Every Road at The Creamery, including “Working Man Blues,” “Mama Tried,” and “I’m a Lonesome Fugitive”:
Keeping almost all of the country legend’s original melodies and song structures intact, Eli brings fresh perspective by adding Pops Staples-inspired guitar, FAME production trademarks, Stax horns, ferociously cathartic vocals and organs conjuring Memphis soul. Ultimately, with this deferential but radically-reworked approach, he proves that the heart and guts and truth at the core of Merle Haggard’s songwriting defy genre altogether.
R&B Revivalist’s compelling argument for Merle Haggard as Soul Brother Number 1 – ****
– MOJO
Eli Paperboy Reed On Tour
May 4 – City Winery – Boston, MA
May 5 – Union Pool – Brooklyn, NY
May 6 – The Hamilton Live – Washington, DC
May 7 – City Winery – Philadelphia
June 9 – Dabadaba – San Sebastián, Spain
June 10 – Sala Azkena – Bilbao, Spain
June 11 – Jimmy Jazz – Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
June 12 – Notes del Botánico – Madrid, Spain
June 14 – Sala X – Seville, Spain
June 15 – La Cochera Cabaret – Malaga, Spain
June 16 – Loco Club – Valencia, Spain
June 17 – El Desierto Rojo – Valladolid, Spain
June 18 – Casino – Gijón, Spain
June 30 – La Sirène – La Rochelle, France
Tags: Down Every Road, Eli Paperboy Reed, New Release, Tour Dates