Rodney Crowell's Airline Highway: A Star-Studded Roots-Rock Journey
Roots-rock legend Rodney Crowell has returned with a star-studded new album titled Airline Highway. With a career spanning decades, Crowell has solidified his status as a revered artist in the roots-rock genre. His latest record, the twentieth studio album of his career, was recorded in Louisiana and features collaborations with a lineup of talented musicians, including Lukas Nelson, Ashley McBryde, Larkin Poe, Blackberry Smoke’s Charlie Starr, and producer Tyler Bryant.
Crowell shares his deep connection to the Western Louisiana swamps, citing childhood memories of listening to local musicians and the unique atmosphere of the region as inspirations for the album. Working with producer Tyler Bryant, known for his rock and blues background, Crowell found a balance between his acoustic blues influences and Bryant's rock sensibilities, resulting in a dynamic and collaborative creative process.
One of the standout tracks on the album, "Sometime Thang," features a memorable line that captures a vivid image of a wildwood flower in a red Corvette, blending elements of country music and pop culture references. Crowell reveals that the song was inspired by a real-life experience involving his wife Claudia Church and a famous actor, adding a personal touch to the storytelling.
In a surprising turn of events, country music icon Willie Nelson released an album of Crowell's songs titled "Oh What A Beautiful World." The collaboration came about when Nelson expressed interest in recording Crowell's songs, leading to a collection of tracks that showcase Crowell's songwriting prowess and Nelson's distinctive musical style.
Reflecting on his relationship with music legends like Johnny Cash, Crowell shares insights into his early interactions with Cash as his son-in-law and recording partner. Despite his initial insecurities and fanboy tendencies, Crowell found a balance between admiration and establishing his own identity as an artist, ultimately earning the respect and camaraderie of music icons like Cash.
"Airline Highway" is now available via New West Records, offering listeners a glimpse into Rodney Crowell's enduring talent and creative evolution in the roots-rock genre.