McEuen’s spoken word album is available now
Country, bluegrass, and Americana legend John McEuen is excited to release his long-awaited album, The Newsman: A Man Of Record, today (Fri, Apr 12th) on Compass Records. In this project for McEuen, the album has ten spoken word tracks and one instrumental piece. Each one tells a special story in a way that’s like a play, with John’s style of music in the background. The album starts with a story about a newspaper seller who had a big impact on John when he was getting started in Los Angeles and ends with “Jules’ Theme,” a song inspired by Jules Verne talking about his wife, who passed away in a French cemetery. Every part of the album is carefully put together to make it unforgettable.
The collection spans various literary themes from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s Civil War-era poem “Killed at the Ford” (which we premiered) to Robert Service’s “The Cremation of Sam McGee” about a Yukon prospector. Other tracks include Stephen Vincent Benét’s “The Mountain Whippoorwill,” Hank Williams Sr.’s “Fly Trouble,” and Walter Brennan’s “Old Rivers.” Thomas Monroe’s Vietnam War reflection “Nui Ba Den” contrasts with more recent compositions like John Carter Cash’s “The Guitar Of Pineapple John,” Hans Olson’s “I’ll Be Glad (When They Run Out Of Gas),” and Thaddeus Bryant’s “Red Clay.”
“Fascinated by historical artifacts, including music that dates back centuries (some pieces I perform are over 300 years old!), I recently delved into H.W. Longfellow’s post-Civil War composition ‘Killed at the Ford,'” McEuen tells us about the track. “Coincidentally, the musical score I came across belonged to a piece from the same era, titled ‘Vacant Chair.’ Within the album’s diverse selection of tracks lies ‘Killed at the Ford,’ a poignant narrative drawn from a Civil War-era poem. This piece recounts the tragic demise of a youthful soldier ambushed while on a seemingly routine mission to rendezvous with a picket-guard by a Ford. The unexpected shot from the woods shatters the tranquility, claiming the life of the young soldier. Yet, Longfellow’s verse extends beyond the battlefield, delving into the profound impact of the loss on the soldier’s family left behind.”
McEuen was set to support the project, but underwent an unexpected medical procedure last week, forcing him off the road until later this summer.
“Due to an unexpected heart surgery late last week, Grammy award winner John McEuen’s live performances through July are being postponed and rescheduled,” a social media post reads from his manager Brian Smith. “John is recovering successfully and while he can’t be out there live he is excited about the release of his new album on Compass Records Group, The Newsman, tomorrow (4/12) and hopes you will grab a copy. He can’t wait to get back out there to see everyone and perform selections from the album along with the favorites you’ve come to expect from him. Thanks in advance for your good wishes and continued support.”
Born in Oakland, California, in 1945, McEuen relocated to Orange County for high school, where he began his musical journey at 16 while working in a magic shop alongside Steve Martin. Co-founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, McEuen’s departure after 50 years marked a shift towards solo endeavors and new creative paths. Notably, he orchestrated the groundbreaking Will The Circle Be Unbroken album, boasting collaborations with bluegrass legends and earning multiple accolades. With over 40 albums (six solo) that have earned four platinum and five gold recognition awards, multiple Grammy, CMA, and ACM awards, IBMA Record of the Year, and performed on another 25 albums as a guest artist and a prolific career spanning nearly six decades in live entertainment including concerts, television, and production, John shows no signs of slowing down.
