Music is a longtime friend, one that comes in and out of our lives right when we need it most. When that longtime friend has something new to say, we embrace it with the same heart and soul as before. It forever sounds familiar, and it immediately strengthens that bond.
Country-rock royalty Pure Prairie League, a seminal outfit during the ‘70s and ‘80s movement that brought mainstream success to the Country-rock and Southern Rock genre, continues to ride the revival wave with Back on Track, the group’s first studio album in nearly two decades. Back on Track, to be released December 6th on Pure Prairie League Records, takes the classic PPL sound and gives it a fresh spin. Throughout a dozen cuts, we hear a rejuvenated band that pays homage to its signature sound while still injecting fresh sonic air. Back on Track is simultaneously classic and contemporary.
Today’s Pure Prairie League features founding member John David Call on pedal steel guitar; Scott Thompson on drums, percussion, and vocals; Randy Harper on keyboards and vocals; Jeffrey Zona on guitars and vocals; and Jared Camic on bass and vocals. Back on Track also boasts special guests Jenifer Wrinkle on fiddle; Jeff (Birdman) Kirk on alto sax; Mat Britain on steel drums and percussion; and Gary Burr, a PPL member in the mid-80s and late-90s, on vocals.
Produced by veteran PPL bassist and bandleader Michael Reilly, Back on Track was recorded at Riverfront Recorders in Madison, Tennessee with additional recording at Twilight Zona Studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Initially, Back on Track began in early 2023 as an idea for an EP to showcase the three newest members of PPL – Harper, Camic, and Zona. But that quickly morphed into an entire band record that spotlights the new as it pays homage to the old. And for longtime PPL fans, there’s even a familiar visual treat.
“I called my old friend Bill Brown, who had done the illustrations for our last project in 2005, All in Good Time,” says Reilly. “Once again, Bill captured the spirit of our old cowpoke/mascot “Sad Luke,” while contemporizing the feel to reflect the band’s history, as well as the old-is-new approach to the music. The concept, the colors, the feel and the mood were everything we wanted.”
Back on Track flows like a freshwater river making its way through moss-covered rocks to its home in a cool clear lake. Those who remember the ‘70s glory days of “Amie”, “Two Lane Highway” and “Let Me Love You Tonight” will be delighted at how much PPL has preserved its style. New fans will rejoice in the uncluttered musicianship, sing-along lyrics, and accessible blend of Country, Rock, Pop and Rhythm and Blues.
Among the gems on Back on Track are:
"The Beginning" – Classic PPL right here, from the soaring harmonies propelling the crisp chorus to the melodic blend of country, rock, and pop. A great opener written by band member Jeffrey Zona that instantly establishes sonic familiarity.
"I’m the Lucky One" – What’s better than a Pure Prairie League love song? How about one with a rollicking, twangy rhythm and fresh vocals that ride atop the kind of melody that feels like a breezy drive through the Blue Ridge or the Rocky Mountains.
"Picture Perfect Life" – Again, Zona pens a foot-stomping kicker that makes infectious use of pedal steel guitar, drums and percussion, bluesy guitar licks, and, of course, their signature stacked harmonies. One of the most immediately catchy tunes on the album.
"Back On Track" – New Prairie Leaguer Jared Camic kicks it into high gear on the album’s title track and closing tune, which ventures squarely into Southern rock territory. This is an anthem waiting to happen, a fist-raising number that leaves listeners wanting more.
Throughout its 54-year existence, Pure Prairie League has built a legacy that survived the twists and turns of the music industry as well as the revolving door of members during its decades-long career. There has never been a shortage of demand for the band to play theaters and festivals, even when there was no new music to promote. With a catalog of best-selling albums, particularly Bustin’ Out, Two Lane Highway and Firin’ Up, as well as a handful of Top 40 pop hits, most notably “Amie” and “Let Me Love You Tonight,” PPL cherishes the past as it relishes the future.
“We’re hoping that our fans will be as pleased with the new record as we are proud of what we’ve done,” says Reilly. “I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the scores of people past and present that have contributed to the sound and the legacy of PPL. We could not have done it and lasted this long without their love, loyalty, and expertise. It’s been a long and rewarding journey so far. We offer sincere thanks to all our family and friends for your continuing support.”
