Joe Henry releases ‘BELLWETHER (LIVE-ON-AIR)’ as a Single from his forthcoming Reissue-Album ‘BLOOD FROM STARS’ through earMUSIC.
Today sees the release of an exciting foretaste of the forthcoming reissue: a mesmerizing rendition of ‘Bellwether’, recorded live on-air on KCRW’s ‘Morning Becomes Eclectic’ hosted by Jason Bentley in 2009.
“At a certain period of my working life, Santa Monica radio station KCRW’s ‘live’ performance platform was an integral part of any album’s rollout. And as such, I can recall being thrilled to push these new songs into the air for the first time, publicly.”, Henry describes the excitement around the performance on KCRW. “I remember too that as some of the musicians I’d recorded with were not available for this broadcast, I would also be sending these songs up for the first time with a band configuration that was somewhat new to me as well ––which also was enthralling. (Tenor saxophone great Walter Smith III was in the role that my son Levon had occupied during the sessions, for instance.)”
Listen to ‘Bellwether (Live-On-Air)’ HERE
This live performance of ‘Bellwether’ features captivating saxophone lines, bluesy guitars and piano, as well as Henry’s unmistakable vocals. As of today, the single is available on all digital platforms via earMUSIC.
“The song ‘Bellwether’ from this airing [featured here] is a prime example of how a song’s initial recording is but a map for how it might ultimately walk in the world, once it has left home and begun striving toward its own autonomous life.”, Henry says looking back on the performance.
On October 18, the new edition of ‘Blood From Stars’ will be made available on vinyl for the first time, as well as on CD Digipak, via earMUSIC. The album sees Henry delving into the realms of orchestral blues and jazz with the profound resonance of a storyteller deeply attuned to the human experience and crafting a poignant narrative. The result is one of his personal favorites amongst his own records.
Pre-order ‘Blood From Stars’ HERE