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Honky Tonk
Marley's Ghost
Label: Sage Arts, Inc
Released: 2026
Duration: 00:45:01
Views: 93
Tracks
Invitation to the Blues; Honky Tonk Song; Brand New Mister Me; Burn Another Honky Tonk Down; Just Someone I Used To Know; Only Daddy That'll Walk the Line; Slowly; Rockin' Chair Money; If I'd Left It Up To You; Detour; Midnight; Motel Time Again; Waltz of the Angels; Birmingham Bounce
Personnel
Marley's Ghost
band / ensemble / orchestra
Dan Wheetman
bass and vocals
Mike Phelan
guitar and vocals
Jerry Fletcher
keyboards
Ed Littlefield, Jr.
guitar and vocals
Jonathan Wilcox
mandolin
Bob Nichols
drumsAlbum Description
“Americana” is a brand that’s been bandied about quite liberally in today’s musical environs. And yet, it takes a certain dedication and determination to remain true to its essence. On the other hand, versatility and variation go hand in hand. And yet, each depends on the other. In the case of Seattle-based Marley’s Ghost, that eclectic energy has resulted in a broad repertoire that has defied any ability to tag them to any one particular genre. Their dozen albums to date survey a broad scope of Americana and acoustic music in general, making it all but impossible to confine them to any particular niche.
Paste magazine described them as "a decidedly unusual band, as capable of reanimating Appalachian folk songs as they are traditional Celtic fare, honky tonic and reggae.” It went on to say, “Marley’s Ghost has earned cult-band status over years of spirited musicianship, multi-part harmonies and irreverent humor.”
Marley’s Ghost dutifully deserves that praise. Now, as they mark their 40th anniversary as a band March 17th, they continue to deliver, both on stage and in the studio. As a lead-off to the year-long celebration, they shared an eTown co-bill with indie-folk darling Brett Dennen, returning to the nationally-known, widely-respected syndicated radio program in Boulder for the fourth time.
Then there’s the band’s new album, Honky Tonk (out May 19 via Sage Arts/Virtual Label), a set of songs that offers further perspective on all that the Americana handle implies. First up was the defacto title track, "Honky Tonk Song," which hit streaming services April 7 while album closer, the toe-tapping, "Birmingham Bounce," a riveting take on the Red Foley classic, arrived April 28. All in all, the 14-track album is a rousing and robust collection that references its roots, it looks back at an essential heritage and tradition borne from the barrooms and honky-tonks spawned from the American Heartland throughout the late 1800s in particular.
Like the Levon Helm/Robbie Robertson-led group, The Band, the dozen or so albums Marley’s Ghost has released over the course of their collective career encompasses a wide array of music, and yet, they never allow themselves to be confined to genres or expectations.
“It is, and always has been, about the music,” bassist, fiddler, guitarist, singer and chief songwriter Dan Wheetman insists. “That’s what’s kept this band going for so long. It’s always been about digging a little deeper, honing our skills and celebrating the entire playing process. That drives us forward.”
Like their previous albums, Honky Tonk finds the band pursuing a path that remains firmly ingrained within an overall umbrella, even as they manage to delve into those singular sounds even further. With longtime producer Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Levon Helm) once again behind the board, the music shares a new-found sense of celebration in a classic sound and style.
Album uploaded by Rob Evanoff
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Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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