Ten time IBMA Award winner Becky Buller and legendary singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale combine forces on the Reno and Smiley classic “Wall Around Your Heart”. Re-imagining this traditional song as a partner duet, they are joined by Jeremy Stephens (banjo), Lauren Price-Napier (mandolin), Missy Raines (bass), Stephen Mougin (guitar), and Stuart Duncan (twin fiddle). This single will be included in a full-length album of songs that inspired and informed Becky in her formative years.
Producer and DSR label-head Stephen Mougin adds: “When Becky brought up this song, I flashed back to the Reno and Smiley cut, as well as a few other very traditional versions recorded in the past. For me, the only way to do this was to bring in folks who specialize in the classic sound of that era. The track really came to life in studio with the rock-solid foundation of Missy Raines, the Monroe-esque mandolin of Lauren Price-Napier, the epic twin fiddles of Becky and Stuart Duncan, and I’m not sure anyone plays better Reno-style banjo than Jeremy Stephens. Jim Lauderdale was the perfect duet partner for Becky and it feels like the song was written for them!”
Buller, known for her boundless energy and enthusiasm for music of many styles, digs deep in the Bluegrass well for this gem. When asked about her motivation to record this song, she says: “The Bluegrass Album Band introduced me to this lovely Reno And Smiley tune. The wide-ranging melody caught my attention; the line about ’the walls of Jericho’ reeled me in. I truly feel there’s a parallel dimension wherein we’re all talking about the songwriting of Don Reno in the same hallowed tones as that of Hank Cochran, Willie Nelson and Bill Anderson. This is probably the most traditional bluegrass cut I’ve ever recorded; Jeremy, Lauren, Missy, Stuart and Mojo gave it just the right vibe. And, of course, it was a blast getting to sing with Jim. Hope y’all enjoy this and thanks so very much for giving it a listen!”
Ronnie Reno, longtime member of Reno and Smiley and son of Don Reno offers: “Congratulations to Becky and Jim for a great performance on ‘Wall Around Your Heart’. I know Daddy Don would be extremely proud and thankful for this recording. I want to wish Becky and Jim much success with this song. By the way, love the twin fiddles and the Reno style banjo break.”
